Two weeks from now the dragons come to Meaford, and a group of brave entrepreneurs will face them in the hopes of getting the nod (and financial investment) for their startup or expansion.

This year, they’ll step before a den consisting of nationally known business leaders, local businesspeople and business boosters, including the President & CEO of Sobey’s grocery chain, the Chairman of the Toronto Argonauts, VP of a major real estate development company, a Meaford financial advisor, and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce.

Two years ago, the Meaford and District Chamber of Commerce introduced Dragon’s Den Meaford, modelled on CBC’s popular reality business television program, and it quickly became a hit. So far, the event has awarded $57,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to budding businesses, and the two overall winners have gone on to grow their businesses successfully. Meredith Cowan’s Meredith’s Ginger Syrup has made a big splash and spawned additional products, and Nicholas Schaut’s organic hop farm catering to Ontario breweries recently brought in his first harvest to be sold to local microbreweries. (And last year, the event kicked off with a special video introduction from The National’s Peter Mansbridge.)

The panel of five dragons reviews submissions from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking startup funds, and narrows the choices to a group of finalists. Then the finalists take to the stage at Meaford Hall to present their concepts to the dragons, each of whom will award a minimum of $1,250 to one or more contestants. (They often contribute more.)

This years’ dragons include:

Liz Harris, Chamber of Commerce Board Member, former business owner and operator, and active community volunteer and booster.

Bill McEwan, President and CEO of Sobey’s Incorporated and founder of the McEwan Foundation, who also happens to own a home here in Meaford.

Jeff Peterson, Vice President of Land Acquisition and Development for A2A Capital Management, an international real estate development company with a current project in Meaford.

Chris Rudge, Chairman of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club and Chairman of the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup Festival, held in Toronto next month.

Donna Shortt, Wealth Manager at BMO Meaford and President of the Meaford Rotary Club.

This year, each audience member will receive a ballot and an opportunity to vote for a competitor. Five dollars from every ticket sold will go towards the People’s Choice Award to the contestant with the most votes from the audience.

Also new this year, the contest is open to businesses looking to expand or change, instead of exclusively to startups.

Net funds from event sales will fund the Meaford Dragon’s Den Bursary, which will be given to a graduating Georgian Bay Secondary School student pursuing a career in tourism, marketing or business. The bursary this year is valued at $800 and student services will determine the winner based on overall performance. The award will be presented at commencement in November.

To get your tickets for the Wednesday, Octbober 26 event, call 519.538-0463, drop by the Meaford Hall box office, or visit the Meaford Hall website.