BCIT Students Helping Aspiring Entrepreneurs in a Dragon’s Den Style Pitch

Modeled after the popular reality TV series the “Dragon’s Den”, business students at SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) BCIT have developed a project: the Lion’s Lair to help aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses develop professional business plans. Through a series of free interactive business workshops, Lion’s Lair volunteers provide mentorship to individuals with visions of creating a sustainable business. Industry professionals attend each workshop as guest presenters to give expert advice. Industry presenters have included Terry Beech (Maclean’s top 30 under 30 Canadian Leader), CEO of Hire The World and a Dragon’s Den contestant, among others.

Similar to the TV series “Dragon’s Den”, participants will be given the opportunity to pitch and present their business plans to a board of industry professionals who act as judges. The winner of the competition will be awarded capital to further their business plan.

Lion’s Lair is a unique opportunity for aspiring small business entrepreneurs in Vancouver to gain useful insights and for BCIT students to gain hands-on experience. The entrepreneurs have devoted significant time and energy to honing their skills and business plans and the BCIT students involved in Lion’s Lair have volunteered an enormous amount of time and effort to the program. Meghan Dimma and Michael Bowie, both business students, are this year’s Project Director and Project Manager respectively, for the Lion’s Lair program.

More information on Lions Lair can be found here.