Eco-friendly urinal pitched in the Dragon's Den

Making the pitch. Mike Lemieux, a local business owner, presents his game idea 'Ringz'. Story and photo by Chris Thibeault

CBC’s the Dragon’s Den held their season six auditions in North Bay Wednesday, drawing inventors of every type to pitch their ideas in hopes of making it on the show.

The gathering of entrepreneurs included inventors of a family board game, home safety equipment, and even an Eco-friendly urinal. Judging the pitches of the two dozen in attendance were associate producers Katie Cumby and Justine Lewkowicz, who have been looking for key traits in those auditioning.

“We’re especially looking for people who have strong business sense, and those who really have the numbers behind their business,” Cumby said.

“But, we are also looking for anyone who thinks they have the next great idea,” she explained, implying that they will not overlook people who have a great idea but don’t have a knack for business.

Sun Chips, who were the first company to release a bio-degradable bag for their snacks, are offering a $100-thousand prize to be awarded to the best green minded invention. Cumby says the ‘Greenvention’ prize will be awarded to a person regardless of if they make it far on the show.

“It is a separate thing. Even if you’re pitching a Greenvention, it is possible to still pitch for the show. It’s a great thing, and we’re really excited.”

Dragon’s Den offers an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs. That is why inventor Gilles Blais of Timmins travelled the 5 hours from his home to audition his design of an adjustable golf tee. He currently owns the patent and is already manufacturing the tee, but is looking for $50,000 to expand his business.

“It’s to bring it to the next level, throughout the states and the world. It’s tough. As an entrepreneur, I can say that it is extremely hard to get a product off the ground. It doesn’t matter how good it is you have to get your feet in the door of different stores,” he explained.

There are no further Northern Ontario auditions taking place, but the next Ontario audition takes place in Toronto on April 10. Please see the CBC website for details.