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It was an incredibly nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience knowing that one to two million people could be watching her pitch, explained founder of Oranj Fitness Kelowna, Shelia Chutskoff, as she relived the moment she walked into the Den to face the Dragons.
On Monday, Chutskoff found herself in front of Canada's most influential entrepreneurs, pitching an investment proposal that could be aired on CBC's popular show, Dragons' Den.
Chosen from thousands of applicants across the country, Chutskoff discussed franchise opportunities to expand her fitness studios throughout British Columbia and Alberta. There are currently three Oranj Fitness locations in Canada: Kelowna, Fort McMurray, and Grand Prairie.
“It’s always been my dream to pitch on Dragons' Den,” said Chutskoff. “Kelowna is a huge town for entrepreneurialism and for me to represent a business that was founded and started in Kelowna really meant something to me.”
Women from Oranj Fitness Kelowna in Toronto for Dragons' Den pitch. Photo credit: Oranj Fitness Facebook.
Should investors join the Oranj Fitness team, the plan is to start building a presence on the West Coast and slowly start moving out East.
“I really want to make sure we’ve dug our roots in these two provinces [B.C. and Alberta] first,” added Chutskoff.
Covering all of the operating costs, a new studio is expected to cost around $1.1 million, so needless to say, Chutskoff will need the help of investors to franchise her studio.
Despite the costs, Chutskoff is ready to face any challenges that might stand in her way.
“My vision is to take this aggressively across Canada and really change communities, one studio at a time.”
Canada won’t know whether or not the Dragons approved of the Oranj Fitness business model until the show’s air date, which is scheduled for fall, 2015, but Chutskoff is delighted to have been given the opportunity in the first place.
“What this show does is it really creates that spark and that drive for people,” added Chutskoff. “I definitely love the concept, I loved being a part of it, and it was a real honour to have our team there.”
For more information on Oranj Fitness or franchise opportunities, check out their website.
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