French connection
Island version of Dragon’s Den looks for next great francophone business whiz

RDEÉ PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND is hoping its version of CBC’s popular Dragon’s Den reality TV show will unearth a host of francophone entrepreneurs who’ve got game.

The Charlottetown-based organization is the province’s francophone economic development association, and it’s using the Dragon’s Den concept to spur more business activity among P.E.I.’s small (approximately 3,000) French community.

“I want people to understand what we have to offer and that there are opportunities here,” says Rachel Chappell, RDEÉ Prince Edward Island’s community economic development officer. “If this contest can allow somebody to give even one more person a job, that means something to me.”

Chappell, who is organizing this year’s contest, says 10 people applied last year. The winner was artisan cheese maker Mathieu Gallant. Chappell is hoping to get as many as 30 applications this year. Why does she expect a big increase in applications? Because the victorious entrepreneur will win $10,000, that’s why. Last year there was no cash prize.

Chappell says $10,000 is significant to small business owners. It can be used to hire a new employee or it can be invested in ways to expand their businesses. Chappell is also hoping the contest can help inspire francophone entrepreneurs to stay in P.E.I., start businesses and grow the island economy. “People moving away is a big problem in P.E.I.,” Chappell says. “We want to get retention up and get people to stay here.”