Seeking Entrepreneurs For The Lions' Den
Michele Stokley
If you've ever harboured the thought that you could make a pitch for funds on the popular CBC program, Dragons Den, for the next big thing or to move your existing business to the next level, here's your chance to do it, in a less intimidating setting with hopefully less intimidating people to judge you.
The organizing committee for The Lions' Den announced plans recently for a Lambton College version of the hit CBC Television series to take place on April 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in The Lambton INN. Inspired by CBC's hit TV series, The Lions' Den will feature selected contestants pitching their new business ideas to a panel of "Lions" (local business/investment people) before a live audience hosted by local celebrities John Hollingswoth and Sue Storr. Each Lion may invest a minimum of $5,000 to any business proposal he/she deems to have merit, but has no obligation to contribute anything. Just like the Dragons, the Lions invest only in businesses they deem worthy and like their CBC counterparts the Lions may also be critical of a business proposal. Potentially, a participant could receive financial backing of $25,000 or more. If a Lion chooses to exceed the minimum $5,000 investment or to contribute additional advice or in-kind donation, it is their personal prerogative to do so.
It is hoped that none of the potential Lions, whose identities will be revealed over the coming weeks, will resemble, "Mister Nice Guy," Kevin O'Leary. But that remains to be seen. As a teaser of who the other Lions might be, none other than Sarnia's own musical magnate, Michele Stokley, Executive/Artistic Director of Rogers Sarnia Bayfest, was introduced as the first of the Lions. "I thought it was a great idea for a fundraiser," Stokley said. "If we can look back and say, 'Hey, I helped kick start that business,' it's a good thing."
The goals of The Lions' Den are to promote the new Sarnia-Lambton Economic Development Strategy, to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurism in Sarnia-Lambton, to help stimulate new business ideas for Sarnia-Lambton, and to contribute to the Lambton College student scholarship funds. Other prizes such as a business account bank package and business mentoring may be awarded.
The Lions' Den is presented by The Lambton College Foundation with sponsorship by the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation, the School of Business, Hospitality and Creative Design, Lambton College, TD Canada Trust and The Co-operators - Franco Filia, Agent, whose brain child was this initiative.
Applications are being accepted effective immediately and up until February 23, 2012, at which point the selection committee will choose a number of applications for auditions.
Those who are selected will be contacted directly and invited to auditions while the formal line-up will be announced at a later date. The total cost for the application is the price of the $30 ticket for the event. More information, tickets and the application package are accessible at www.lambtoncollege.ca/The_Lions_Den or by calling The Lambton College Foundation office at 519-542-7751 ext 2459.
For more information, please contact Cindy Buchanan, Director, Marketing, Communications and Business Development, Lambton College at cindy.buchanan@lambtoncollege.ca.
Note: at First Monday press time the Lions are Michele Stokley, Leo Stathakis, Deanna Sandrin and Alex Jongsma.