CBC Dragons’ Den auditions in Kelowna this week

The producers of CBC TV’s Dragons’ Den show are looking for the next brightest business ideas from across the nation and Kelowna is getting its turn.

The 2024 audition tour comes to town Thursday and there’s a special alumni session the day before.

“We’re so excited to come back to the Okanagan Valley; the first time since 2020,” senior producer Molly Middleton told Kelowna10, adding the region is a hub of entrepreneurial flair.

“Don’t they call it ‘The [Silicon] Valley of the North?’”, Middleton said, not only in terms of tech but lifestyle and outdoors business concepts.

Local businesses like Basecamp Cards, Saxx, and Second Slumber are just some of the many startups that have enjoyed success on Dragons’ Den.

If they get past the audition with Middleton this week, aspiring entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to pitch to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls, and possibly earn real investment from them.

But this is no elevator pitch; it’s a TV show, and Middleton said that’s what all hopefuls have to bear in mind.

“I think the biggest thing is passion: if you can’t get past me how are you going to get to the Dragons,” she explained.

Also, you need to have a story.

“You have to make your 88-year-old grandmother understand and your 8-year-old nephew. Why do we care and what’s the opportunity?”

The Dragons' Den 2024 audition tour visits Kelowna on Thursday March 7 from 10am-5pm at The Innovation Centre - Pela Office (6th floor), 460 Doyle Ave.

Also, on Wednesday March 6, producers will host a special event with the Okanagan Regional Library- Lessons From the Den: An Event for Entrepreneurs! It features successful Dragons’ Den alumni who will share their wisdom of what it takes to BYOB (Build Your Own Business). That goes at the Downtown Kelowna branch in the Great Room 11 am - 3 pm. Register here.

Audition applications can be submitted here.