Joint Economic Development Initiative

06/02/2026

Attention Indigenous entrepreneurs in New Brunswick! 📣

Pow Wow Pitch is coming to Sitansisk Powwow in St. Mary’s First Nation, NB on June 19 & 20, 2026, and applications are now open!

This is your chance to step on stage, share your entrepreneurial journey, and pitch your business live for the opportunity to win:
✨ 1st Place – $5,000
✨ 2nd Place – $2,500
✨ 3rd Place – $1,000
✨ Youth Prize – $500
✨ Fan Favourite – $500

The 1st place winner will also earn a Golden Ticket to compete at the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale for a shot at the $25,000 Grand Prize! 🎉

If you’re an Indigenous entrepreneur looking to grow your business, build connections, and gain exposure, we encourage you to apply and take part in this exciting opportunity.

Pre-register today at powwowpitch.org/sitansisk or through the link in bio. *Open exclusively to New Brunswick residents.

Pow Wow Pitch is co-presented by RBC & Mastercard, with the Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch presented locally by Joint Economic Development Initiative in partnership with Women in Business NB - Femmes en Affaires NB.

06/01/2026

Ready to pitch your business idea with confidence?

Join JEDI and LearnSphere for the Making the Perfect Pitch Workshop on June 11 from 1:00–4:00 PM ADT! This virtual session is designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs prepare for the Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch Competition.

Travel support will be provided for anyone registered for the workshop to attend the Saint Mary's First Nations powwow pitch the following week!

Virtual via Zoom

June 11, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Deadline to register is June 4th, 2026.
Register now through the link or QR code in the graphic! - https://ilearn.learnsphere.ca/courses/perfect-pitch-0611

05/25/2026

Registration is now open for Indigenous Youth Aged 12-25 for Roots to the Stars: Indigenous Youth Art, Tech & Gaming Gathering!

Registration is now open for Indigenous Youth Aged 12-25 for Roots to the Stars: Indigenous Youth Art, Tech & Gaming Gathering hosted with Joint Economic Development Initiative

Register today!
https://Roots2Stars.eventbrite.com

This event will bring Indigenous youth together for a weekend to explore creativity, technology, and culture with keynote speaker Danielle Boyer, an Ojibwe youth robotics inventor and youth advocate empowering the next generation through accessible, culturally grounded tech, and creator of the Skobot!

This weekend will feature hands on workshops from local artists in tech, career chats, art battle, gaming tournament and more!

Questions? [email protected]

05/21/2026

Ready to build momentum toward your future?

The IM&M Plus Program is coming to Fredericton starting June 8th! This unique, group-based program is designed to help participants reconnect with their potential, gain structure, build confidence, and create meaningful change through hands-on support and career development opportunities.

✔️ Ages 18-30 years old
✔️ Limited spots available
✔️ Open to individuals currently unemployed or on assistance

📅 Program start date & registration deadline: June 8, 2026

Register today by emailing Tricia at: [email protected] or by emailing Gage at: [email protected]

05/20/2026

📢 JEDI is hiring for multiple positions!

We’re also hiring an Entrepreneur Development Officer Contract Term Position to join the JEDI team!

If you’re passionate about supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, building strong community relationships, and helping grow economic opportunities across New Brunswick, we’d love to hear from you.

This role will work closely with Indigenous businesses, community partners, and stakeholders to support entrepreneurship programming, mentorship opportunities, and business development initiatives.

Application Deadline: May 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM

We are also hiring Red Seal Endorsement Skilled Trades Instructors (3 Part-time Term Contract Positions: 1 Carpentry Instructor, 1 Electrical Instructor, and 1 Plumbing Instructor)

The Skilled Trades Instructors will contribute to the success of JEDI’s Indigenous Skilled Trades Readiness program. The current program will be delivered in northern New Brunswick, and the preference is for candidates to be located in the north of the Province, however, applications from other areas in the Province may be considered and/or used to fill future vacancies.
The program is expected to start in June and to conclude in August. Each Instructor will instruct in their respective skilled trade for 4 weeks and will attend the final week of the program for review and wrap-up for a total of 5 weeks.

Application deadline: May 29, 2026

Learn more and apply here: https://jedinb.ca/careers less

05/20/2026

Ready to pitch your business idea with confidence?

Join JEDI and LearnSphere for the Making the Perfect Pitch Workshop on June 11 from 1:00–4:00 PM ADT! This virtual session is designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs prepare for the Sitansisk Pow Wow Pitch Competition.

Virtual via Zoom
June 11, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Register now through the link or QR code in the graphic! - https://ilearn.learnsphere.ca/courses/perfect-pitch-0611

05/19/2026

JEDI would like to congratulate Kianna Bear-Hetherington and Mariah Ward on winning this year's Diamond Schmitt Architects, EXP & JEDI Indigenous Bursary!


This bursary supports Indigenous students pursuing studies in Architecture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). We recognize the continued underrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in these fields; the program is committed to helping reduce this gap by providing financial support and empowering students to succeed in higher education.

We wish our winners success in their future studies!

05/19/2026

***NEW DATE ANNOUNCEMENT***
We are honoured to invite you to the upcoming Artrepreneurship on the Wolastoq: Indigenous Business and Art Symposium, now taking place August 21st - 23rd, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fredericton, New Brunswick, situated along the beautiful Wolastoq.
This gathering will bring together Indigenous artists, Elders, knowledge keepers, and creative industry leaders for a weekend of connection, learning, and shared experience.
Presented in partnership with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and Monster House Publishing, this symposium is rooted in collaboration, respect, and a commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices in the arts.
Keep an eye out for registration details.
We look forward to welcoming you.
"Grandmother Healer" - Gina Brooks

05/19/2026

A big thank you to the Kaleidoscope Social Impact team for participating in JEDI’s Indigenous Reconciliation Training last week. We appreciate your commitment to learning, listening, and building stronger relationships through understanding and awareness. Together, these conversations help continue the important work of reconciliation and creating meaningful change