Business Services

Fosse aux lions

The Fosse aux lions (The Lion’s Den) is a pitch competition for Manitoba’s bilingual entrepreneurs to promote their product, business idea or expansion project. To be eligible, you must be able to speak French and your business must be located in Manitoba.

Four finalists will be part of the grand finale, usually held annually in April.   

Prizes to be won

  • $ 15 000 cash prize
  • World Trade Centre Winnipeg Prize
  • Graphic design services
  • Mentoring from CDEM
  • Free advertising
  • Visibility on every CDEM media platform

Important Dates

  • Submission of projects – February 1, 2024
  • Announcement of the four finalists – March 2024
  • Finale at the Théâtre Cercle Molière – April 24, 2024

Deadline

The deadline to submit your project is Thursday, February 1, 2024. Email the completed forms to jlemoine@cdem.com

Forms

To participate in la Fosse aux lions, you must fill out the registration form and financials form. (available in French only)

Committee and Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation committee includes members of the French-speaking business community, CDEM representatives and the Francophone Chamber of Commerce of St. Boniface. The evaluation committee will select the finalists according to the following criteria:

  • Realistic and Feasibility (40 %)
  • Commercial Potential (30 %)
  • Innovative Spirit (20 %)
  • Personal Appreciation of the Evaluation Committee (10 %)

Jury

The jury includes successful entrepreneurs from Manitoba. Their role is to evaluate each finalists’ presentation and the participants’ ability to defend their project and answer to the jury’s questions.  

Entrez dans la fosse, entrez dans le club!

Finale

The Fosse aux lions is a fun and dynamic competition in which every finalist will pitch their business to the jury.  Each finalist will present their business in a two-minute video (produced by CBC/Radio-Canada), then they will deliver their final business pitch (5 minutes) and answer the jury’s questions (5 minutes). The objective is to convince the judges of the quality of their project and to explain in detail the impact the grand prize would have on their business. The winner will be disclosed at the end of the evening after the jury’s deliberation.

NEW IN 2023 - La Fosse aux lionceaux

A new feature of this 11th edition of the Fosse aux lions 2023 is the Fosse aux lions (Lion Cubs). “La Fosse aux lionceaux” is aimed at young French-speaking entrepreneurs aged 14 to 21. They can register on the CDEM website for a chance to win a $300 grant and the filming of a promo video that will be broadcast during the grand finale of the Fosse aux lions.

Sponsors

Many thanks to the generous sponsors who support the French-speaking entrepreneurs and allow them to dream big!

Previous Winners

2011- Joanne Gobeil, Fried Green Tomatoes
2012- Pierrette Sherwood, Papillons Créations
2013- Andréanne Dandeneau, Voilà par Andréanne
2015- Julie Germain, Julie’s Creations
2016- Daniel et Micheline Malo, Rat River Sales & Service
2017- Matthew Sabourin, La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewery
2018- Dominique Noël, La Cabane Guest House
2019- Ketty Pichaud et Yvonnick Le Lorec, Ker Breizh
2021- Jennifer Marcheterre, Jeux Sam Amuse
2022 – Sarah-Michelle Senécal, Stable Connections
2023 – Jérémy Faure, Voyageur Houseboats

Latest News
February 9 2024
Calling all vendors for the St. Boniface Summer Market
November 20 2023
Harvest Naturals, Artisanal, natural soaps that are good for the skin
September 27 2023
Back to 48H TOP CHRONO
June 21 2023
INESA Secret of Delights: A delicious secret to discover at the St. Boniface Summer Market
May 8 2023
Chez Benoît, a friendly hair salon in the heart of St. Boniface
May 4 2023
Golf Tournament 2023
Team:
Joel Lemoine
Financial and Business Advisor