'We're prepared for what comes next.' Scrappy Dragons' Den entrepreneurs are ready for tough times

"It's hard to start a business," says Arlene Dickinson, a self-made Canadian entrepreneur and venture capitalist who has launched new businesses for over 35 years. She has been a Dragon on CBC's Dragons' Den for 16 seasons. "It doesn't matter if you do it through a recession or in good times or through the times when you're going through your own personal emotional challenges."

We caught up with Dickinson and several Canadian entrepreneurs who have been featured on Dragons' Den at Shop the Den Market, an annual event held in downtown Toronto for fans who want to shop for exclusive products and talk to entrepreneurs about how they brought their vision to life. 

We wanted to know what challenges and opportunities these bright new entrepreneurs see ahead. 

How does being Canadian play a role in your business?

"There are certainly some economic headwinds, but I would not choose a different place," says Balloonery founder Shawn Lerner, a Toronto-based business that supplies custom balloon arrangements for events, "people here are entrepreneurial in spirit." 

Bob Huitema's business Sobrii sells an alcohol-free gin. "It's extremely important for the whole ecosystem that we're producing and making products in Canada," he says. "We are trying to appeal to, first and foremost, Canadians." Produced at a craft distillery in the heart of Ontario's farmland, Sobrii uses quality natural ingredients, including Canadian ginseng and has no artificial flavours, sugars or sweeteners. 

What challenges do you think the future will hold?

"One of the biggest challenges right now is the uncertainty," says Huitema, "and with the threat of tariffs, which is a really big, dark cloud hanging over the business scene in Canada and particularly small businesses like my own." 

Michelle Bong, the owner of Elevate Brows, an Etobicoke business that sells DYI eyebrow kits, says that the threat of tariffs is impacting Canadian business already. "A lot of people are confused about whether they're taking on the fees. Do they let the customers take on the fees? And of course, just understanding where we can allocate funds when we're not making as much," she says.

As the value of the Canadian dollar falls, businesses that purchase raw materials from other countries have to pay more to produce their product and that impacts overhead costs. But these entrepreneurs say they are ready for the challenge.

"There's a lot of volatility happening in the world," says Happy Pops founder Leila Keshavjee, "and navigating all of that will definitely take constant nimbleness and adaptation."

Lerner's party balloon business launched a year before COVID-19. The pandemic had a devastating effect on the party and decor industry and as they struggled to recover, like many other businesses, they faced supply chain shortages and inflation. "We're now seasoned in dealing with different economic environments and we're prepared for whatever comes next," he says. 

What advice do you have for Canadian entrepreneurs?

Dickinson has always been a staunch advocate for Canadian businesses. "I think the number one mistake that many people make is they want to look at the U.S. and they forget that they have their own backyard, their own currency, their own ability to get things done here in their own country."

It doesn't have to take a lot to get started says Bong: "You don't need a big budget. There are so many platforms that can get you started with just $29. If you have an idea, go for it and just take it one step at a time."

According to Gingerbug founder Megan Silk, there will be obstacles along the way. The road to success for her wild-fermented ginger beer business hasn't been easy. "There will be very, very hard times and it will be probably more difficult than you ever imagined in the beginning. But just don't quit because if you stick with it, you will succeed in the end."

"'Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to people that you know in your very own community," says The Scented Market founder Kristy Miller. Her clean wellness product business has exploded since her appearance on Dragons' Den. "There's so many creative, talented people throughout Canada. We just have to really dig deep and look for them."

"Be who you are," says Robert Bourbeau who owns a bamboo underwear business called do+dare undie co. "People want authenticity. So put it all out there and that's what's going to make you succeed."

"Follow your passion and your dreams." Surria Fadel and her son own Cedar Valley a company that produces authentic pita chips. "Do whatever you have to do. Stay scrappy and meet up with other entrepreneurs to support you and help build you up. And audition for Dragons' Den!"

Dragons' Den pitchers on how to support small businesses like theirs

Spotlight on Canada. "A lot of retailers are really starting to spotlight the Canadian-made brands in their store," says Silk, "so don't be afraid to ask the staff there and get out there and support those Canadian businesses, because Canadians need Canadians."

Share products on social media. "It starts with the smallest things," says Olivia Glauberzon who created a maternity activewear line, After9. "Maybe you can't afford that product, but you know what you can afford? Sharing them on social media, liking their content. That's a huge part of just helping Canadian businesses get out there."

Become a mentor. Kaytran founder Kathy Tran-Reise makes eyewear for people with low nose bridges. While supporting Canadian products as a consumer is important, more experienced entrepreneurs can help build our community. "Mentor smaller businesses to help them grow and to help them expand," she says. We can use our knowledge power to help propel our own destiny."

Support for small business goes much further than we think, says Fadel: "Support our entrepreneurs, support our businesses and the whole economy will thrive."

Dragons' Den is back for a 20th season in fall 2025 with a whole new batch of hopeful entrepreneurs. Auditions are now taking place across the country, click here to find out more.