The City of Prince George is once again hosting a “Titans’ Den” event to give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their best-laid business plans to local business leaders.
Inspired by the popular Dragon’s Den series, the event will provide an opportunity for the Titan’s to invest their own money in ideas they feel are worthwhile.
However, unlike the well-known TV show “Dragons’ Den, the business leaders in Titans’ Den will not be taking any stake or control in successful projects as part of this initiative, nor will the event be televised or conducted in public.
The city will be publishing the results of the event after its conclusion.
The initial iteration of Titans’ Den, which took place in October 2020, saw nine participants receive about $9850 for five ideas that the Titans deemed “investment-worthy.” Three of these companies are now operating in Prince George.
“Business is booming! I can honestly say that I was not anticipating such steady growth of my new business when I stepped foot in that room to present to the Titans last fall, but things are really rolling now,” said Jessica Dillon, a participant from the initial Titan’s Den and operator of local business, the Delightful Doula.
Once again, the five participating Titans will be well-known Prince George entrepreneurs with many years of experience operating successful businesses. However, their identities will again remain anonymous during the course of the event.
Those entering the Titans’ Den will be expected to have a cursory knowledge of the market they are entering, some basic costs outlined, and the steps they intend to take to develop their business.
Participants will be allowed to ask the Titans for a maximum of $5000 ($1000 from each Titan) for their undertaking.
“The entrepreneurs who pitched to the Titans did an incredible job last year. Seeing some of their businesses take off is evidence that often all that is needed to turn a dream into a successful business is a little funding support. Great advice from proven business leaders is also a huge bonus,” said Melissa Barcellos, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Prince George.
“Having received excellent feedback from the Titans, along with their commitment to return to the Den, made it an easy decision for the City to host the event for a second time.”
The event will happen on the evenings of Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 and will follow COVID-19 protocols.
Earlier this year, the City received a Community Leadership Award from the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) in the Economic Development category for the Titans’ Den.
Residents interested in participating in the Titan’s Den, are asked to contact Allan Stroet at the City of Prince George at allan.stroet@princegeorge.ca or 250-561-7582.
