WELLINGTON – Feb. 5, 2018 – Eleven contestants, who all have great ideas to start or expand a business or launch a new product or service, have signed up for the 2018 edition of the Dragons’ Contest, hosted by RDÉE Prince Edward Island. The proposed projects range from food services and transportation of goods to the production of health products and the delivery of health services, as well as agricultural production and virtual reality gaming.

One of the projects will win the $10,000 prize during the finals, slated for March 17 at 5 p.m. at the Centre Belle-Alliance gymnasium in Summerside. Before then, all contestants will get specialized training and then, on Feb. 24, will get to pitch their project to a provincial panel of “dragons”. These judges will then select the top three for the finals. The winner will be announced during the 2018 Entrepreneurs’ Gala later the same night.

Here, the Dragons’ Contest coordinator, Velma Robichaud, is seen accepting a major sponsorship commitment from Collège de l’Île president Donald DesRoches. The college is hosting part of the training day, at a donated cost of $470 per participant.