Native American entrepreneurs and supporters from around the state of Michigan gathered in Petoskey on Friday, Dec. 5 for IndigiPitch , an all-new event hosted by 20Fathoms.
Nokomis Everstory took home the First Place Award. Nokomis Everstory bridges sacred storytelling tradition with modern technology to preserve voices in living form. The Nokomis Everstory pitch was presented by Joshua Paul. “Indigenous communities are losing their elders and losing their stories and the wisdom they hold,” Shiloh Slomsky, Director of Indigenous Relations & Programs at 20Fathoms, said. “That’s why this work is timely and significant.”
Rain & Revelry took home both the Second Place Award and the Audience Choice Award. Rain & Revelry brings storybook experiences to life through luxurious, immersive events. The Rain & Revelry pitch was presented by Amber Kilgore, Gina Stegehuis, and Yarrow Young. In addition to its tangible economic impact the city of Charlevoix has seen during event weekends, the company endeavors to employ other Indigenous-led companies as vendors for its events. Rain & Revelry attended an Indigenous Business & Marketing Essentials bootcamp hosted by 20Fathoms and New Mexico Community Capital a year ago; their business and confidence in pitching has grown exponentially since then.
Magnuson Design Studio, led by Ana Magnuson, and Little Agate, led by Leah Blanchard, received Honor Awards. Magnuson Design Studio is a spirited studio offering custom interior decor, furniture, and full-service design led by a Native American artist. With heart and heritage at the center, it provides a thoughtful alternative to “Native-inspired” trends—celebrating culture with authenticity, artistry, and respect. Little Agate offers a simple, accessible approach to cloth diapering, pairing an education program with an offering of new and used cloth diapers to reduce waste.
The event was judged by Eva Oldman, Leroy Shenoskey, Florence Ludka, Paul Bussey, and Shanna Shananaquet. The judges asked the entrepreneurs about their business plans as well as their community impact and expressed interest in connecting the founders with their connections and companies for potential partnerships.
Thanks to community support, 20Fathoms was able to nearly double the expected award amount for participants. In total, $14,500 was awarded to First Place, Second Place, Audience Choice, and Honor Award recipients. In addition to receiving awards, all of the entrepreneurs were honored in a traditional blanket ceremony. “For most, it was the first blanket they have received,” shared Slomsky. “The money is helpful, but the blanket is even more meaningful; receiving a blanket is an honor and a responsibility.”
The evening was emceed by Stormie Jacobs-Wakemup and Mark Wilson. Winnay Wemigwase, Chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, gave opening remarks before Heather Syrette offered an Opening Ceremony. The Drum was performed by Bear River Singers.
The purpose of IndigiPitch was to support Michigan’s Indigenous entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship, while also raising awareness for the important contributions that these business owners make to their communities and Michigan’s small business economy. IndigiPitch will return in 2026. For more information or to provide support, contact Shiloh Slomsky, Director of Indigenous Relations & Programs at 20Fathoms.
IndigiPitch was made possible with the support of Northern Shores Community Development Corporation and Odawa Casino, with additional support provided by Consumers Energy, Kuhn Rogers, the Michigan Founders Fund, ITC, and the Gijigowi Fund, a fund of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.