This summer, a team of young Bramptonians collaborated to host an event modeled after the popular CBC show, Dragon’s Den, to give high school students the opportunity to demonstrate their business leadership skills. Youth Dragon’s Dungeon aimed to provide students with the chance to grow as young business professionals, network with their peers and make meaningful connections within the city. This event was held at the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, in partnership with the City of Brampton. The idea for this event came about when Amanpreet Chonkrian, Student Trustee for the Peel District School Board, and Rahul Biala, investor and entrepreneur, came together to pursue their interests in youth initiatives and entrepreneurship.
After weeks of marketing and promotion, the turn out was immense. With over 60 competitors going head to head, youth participants pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of taking home one of three cash prizes. The first-place prize of $500 went to FreePost, the second place prize of $300 went to Fenton Flowers, and the third place prize of $200 went to Purple Purlers.Â
Astawa Alam from the City of Brampton provided the Dragon’s Dungeon team with the resources and support needed to organize and execute a successful event. Adam Anozy, Forex Investor; Daniel Bishun, Research and Startups and Balbir Sohi, a former contestant on Dragons Den, all served as judges for Youth Dragons Dungeon. Catering was sponsored and provided by local businesses, in support of Brampton based entrepreneurs.
There were also appearances made by Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Harkirat Singh. Mayor Brown and Councillor Singh have both demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting youth initiatives over a number of years. Councillor Singh has been a driving force behind Amanpreet Chonkrian’s term as Student Trustee, especially during his time at the Peel District School Board as Public School Trustee for Wards 9 and 10.
Youth participants expressed their immense gratitude for the opportunity to come together and compete for cash prizes that would go towards the funding of their own start-up businesses. Many participants will continue to improve and expand their businesses in preparation for next year’s 2nd annual Youth Dragon’s Dungeon.
Editor: Shantel Watson
