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

This Indigenous-owned and -produced TV series is quite different from other business pitch shows. The contestants, all Indigenous entrepreneurs, retain full ownership of their business as they compete for a share of $180,000 in cash prizes. Every contestant walks 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 – assign points to pitches supporting the show’s 4 Ps: People, Planet, Profit and Purpose.  

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Vancity impact.

Vancity was a proud leading sponsor for season 1 of Bears' Lair, which aired in September 2022 on APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network). Christine Bergeron, Vancity's previous President and CEO, appeared as a guest judge in one of the show’s semi-finale episodes.

“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.”

The shooting of season 2 of Bears' Lair will begin in the Fall of 2023 with leading sponsorship from Vancity, and once again our very own Interim President and CEO, Nez Aquino, has been given the honour to appear as a guest judge representing Vancity.