The DEN

THE DEN

Modeled after CBC’s “The Dragons’ Den”, where qualifying entrepreneurs pitch their business idea to a group of potential investors, Junior Dragons’ Den is a Columbia Basin wide initiative and call to action for student entrepreneurs from Grade 7 to College level, to create their own summer job/ business, or to expand an existing one.

HOW IT WORKS IN 2019

Students are required to submit a business concept paper for their business idea, or their business improvement idea (in the case of an existing business). The concept paper speaks to the: who, what, where, when, how, why and start-up costs associated with the business concept, finishing off with why the applicant should be choosen to compete in Junior Dragons Den.

Applicants can apply individually or in teams, in one of three regional competitions, depending on where they live or go to school.

2019 REGIONAL COMPETITIONS

Entry categories

Junior (Grades 7-10)
Senior (Grades 11-12)
College/University/Trades

QUALIFYING FOR THE COMPETITION

The applicant selection process is solely based upon the merits of the business concept paper submitted. This “blind audition” style of submission is designed to remove all possible bias from the selection process.

Short listed applicants

The top 5 applicants from each category (Junior & Senior, and University/ College/ Trades) will advance to the competition and each be assigned a mentor from the local business community. Each applicant business will be featured online, as well as through a variety of social and traditional media outlets leading up to the final competition and show.

The top five

The top five applicants from each category will then work on refining their business concept into a formal one page business plan, plus financial statements (outline and template to be provided), as well as create and submit an updated Video elevator pitch for their business.

Mentors’ will assist with everything from start-up considerations and marketing, to coaching & presentation skills.

2019 REGIONAL SHOWS

These Junior Dragons’ will then pitch their business idea in one of three regional shows in front of a live audience and panel of local business leaders (a.k.a. ‘The Dragons’)!

Winners will be selected based upon:

50% input from our Dragons’ (a.k.a. the judges)
50% audience participation through ballots/ voting

The First, second and third place winners from each Junior Dragons’ age category, will receive cash prizes & awards to go toward the start-up costs of their respective business, or to expand their existing business.