RDÉE Prince Edward Island has just launched the fourth edition of its very popular francophone Dragons’ Contest, offering a $10,000 prize to the winner of the entrepreneurial competition.
Contest organizers are hoping the amount will provide leverage to help the champion advance to the next phase of his or her entrepreneurial journey.
The winners of the first three editions of the contest include Mathieu Gallant from Island Artisan Cheesehouse in Mont-Carmel; Karine Gallant and Iain MacInnes from the Productions Piroune Malthouse in St. Timothy; and Ghislaine Cormier from Kaneshii Vinyl Press in Charlottetown.
This contest is similar to the one featured on the “Dragons’ Den” TV show. Contestants have seven minutes to present their project (with product samples, images on the big screen and verbal explanations) to a panel of judges, which asks questions and then decides to invest the prize money into their favorite project.
The contest’s new co-ordinator, Velma Robichaud, asks all those who are interested to fill out the participation form at https://www.garago.net/forms/Dragons2018 by Jan. 31, 2018.
“This edition of the contest is, as always, aimed at any francophone or bilingual person (French and English) wishing to establish a new business, launch a new product or service or expand an existing business,” explains Robichaud. “The product or service must be available in both of Canada's official languages and the business must be setting up shop on P.E.I.”
She adds that all contestants must attend a full day of "pitch training" with trainer Ron Robichaud Feb. 3, to learn how to present their entrepreneurial project in a concise and convincing way.
In mid-February, contestants will get a chance to present their pitch to a local panel of judges, who will select the three top projects.
The three finalists will compete in the March 17 finals in Summerside before a national panel of entrepreneurial experts.
In addition to the $10,000 cash prize, the winner will also win several other gifts, including free memberships to the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce and to the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of P.E.I.
The finals will be held in conjunction with the Acadian Chamber’s Entrepreneurs’ Gala evening.
Last year, about 100 people watched the three finalists make their presentation.
All requests for information can be addressed to contest coordinator Velma Robichaud at [email protected] or at 902-854-3439, Ext. 229.
