Inspired by popular shows Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, Bears’ Lair is a new reality business competition that will focus on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs.

This Indigenous-owned and -produced TV series (airing in Fall, 2022) is quite different from other business pitch shows. The contestants, all Indigenous entrepreneurs, will retain full ownership of their business as they compete for a share of $180,000 in cash prizes. Every contestant will walk away with money and, most importantly, hours of business coaching and a support network of other Indigenous entrepreneurs.

‘The Bears’ – a judge panel of Indigenous business leaders, community role models, and champions for inclusion – will assign points to pitches supporting the show’s 4 Ps: People, Planet, Profit and Purpose.  

Vancity impact.

To support Season 1 of Bears' Lair TV, Vancity acted as a Thunderbird Level Sponsor.  

“Vancity’s participation in this series represents an important step we’re making towards Reconciliation and makes connections to community members and Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Joanne Stone-Campbell, Vancity Community Investment Manager.

Joanne – who made the connection for Vancity to support the series – noted that the show “will challenge the stereotypes of Indigenous people in business.”

Watch the TV series this fall on APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) and you’ll find a familiar face – our President and CEO Christine Bergeron will be appearing as a guest judge in one of the show’s semi-finale episodes.  

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