Dragon's Den-style Pitch Competition at VIU Nov. 28

A “Dragon’s Den”-style pitch competition on Friday, Nov. 28 will have top competitors in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Business Plan Competition vying for bragging rights for the best entrepreneurial ideas and cash prizes totaling $10,000.

The VIU Business Plan Pitch Competition takes place from 3 to 5 pm in Building 250, Rooms 205 and 125. The public is welcome to attend to watch presentations by pre-selected finalists who have advanced to the final round as individual competitors, or in teams.

The competition received more than 30 entries – split between students in three entrepreneurship courses at VIU and students or recent alumni who entered in the “open” category, said Ken Hammer, VIU professor and co-founder of Startup Nanaimo.

“Arlene Dickinson’s visit to Nanaimo and to speak to students at VIU Nov. 18 was perfect timing, and fantastic to hear from one of the business experts on the hit show, Dragon’s Den who’s heard thousands of pitches,” Hammer said. “She said there has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur – a message that I think really resonated.”

Dickinson, who fielded questions from students for a half hour during her visit to VIU, had good advice for anyone pitching an idea for a new business. She advised budding entrepreneurs to be authentic and genuine, be honest, and identify the win-win for both parties involved in the pitch.

At VIU’s pitch competition, a judging panel of six community business leaders will evaluate pitches from the qualifying entrants in attendance, and will announce the top five winners at the conclusion. Winner will be announced in Building 255, Room 170, followed by a celebration with light refreshments.

Hammer says everyone involved in planning this first annual competition is excited to hear the final pitches, and see the best ideas not only awarded, but also put into action.

“It’s going to be a fantastic conclusion to the competition,” he said. “We’re thrilled we had so many students put their time and effort into creating business plans around ideas they are passionate about.”

The VIU Business Plan Competition is presented by VIU, Startup Nanaimo, the Pieter de Reuver Foundation, and Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation.

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Media Contact: 

Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P:250.740.6443  C: 250.618.1535 E: Communications@viu.ca