Arlene Dickinson opens up 1-of-a-kind business in Calgary

What does a Dragon do after it's left its successful television den? In Arlene Dickinson's case, she sets upa new business.

The self-made millionaire and CEO of Venture Communications has openedDistrict Ventures in Calgary.

It's a business accelerator venture capital fund, which is a fancy way forsaying it provides support both financial and knowledge-based for smaller companies.

District Ventures is designed to give entrepreneursthe extra push they need to get to the next level.

What's on offer?

Aside from providing growth capital, District Ventures also offers physicaloffice space includingboardrooms, break-out rooms, and desks. It also holdsafter-work seminars and lunch-and-learns on various topics that appeal to small business owners.

District Ventures also acts as a gathering place where business owners can collaborate, network and grow their businesses. Successful leaders provide hands-on assistance to help entrepreneurs finetune their business plan.

Unlike other accelerators currently operating in Canada, District Ventures is focusing specifically on entrepreneurs in the consumer and packaged goods industry. It targetsthe food and beverage, as well as thehealth and wellness sector.

Being based in Calgary, some may think it's odd that Dickinson decided to prop-up the packaged goods industry and not energy, but she doesn't think so.

"We talk a lot about diversifying our economy in Alberta, especially because we are so dependant on oil and gas," saidDickinson."We need to put our money where our mouth is and start to think about how we can diversifyand create opportunities for other businesses and sectors to contribute to the economy."

Why health and wellness?

Dickinson's reasons for specifically choosing the health and wellness sector are pretty simple.

"We all wake up, we all eat and we all sleep and we need to take care of our health," she said."So it's basic principles for me... to make sure that we're taking care from a health perspective and from a food perspective. We're an agricultural nation and this just feels like a good fit."

The business hasalready attracted top level corporate sponsors, including Olds College, ATB Business and Bennett Jones LLP. It's also earned support from the federal government's Industrial Research Assistance plan.

Membership has its privileges

So how do you get to be a member? Dickinson says her time on CBC's Dragon's Den gave her great experience on deciding on who to back.

"It helped me look at deals and do due diligence in a unique way," she said.

Because of her reputation after eightyears on television, alotof companies come to her. Others,she's sought out.

"I am looking for businesses and products that are on trend. I'm looking for great entrepreneurs first and foremost and I'm looking for ideas I feel are scalable and affordable."

All Things Jillis one of the companiesDickinsonfound. Headed up by Calgarian Jill Hawker, it manufactures natural and organic body products for the whole family, including the dog.

Hawker has a storefront in Inglewood, but wants to grow her company and believes District Ventures willgive her the mentorship she needs to figure out where she wants her business to go. She's signed up for the next sixmonths.

"I'm really stoked about it. It's Arlene Dickinson right? She's a mentor for so many people in business in Canada, let alone in Calgary," saidHawker. "For her to be coming back to Calgary to do this is a really big deal. I'm grateful for the opportunity to just be near her."

Another company that's part ofDistrict Ventures isSoCIALLite Vodka.CEO Dan Beach says when Dickinson heard it had no sugar or sweetener and only used natural flavours, she felt they would be a great fit.

Definition of success

When asked if she has any favourites at District Ventures right now, Dickinson politely declines to answer. She says that's like asking someone to choose their favourite child.

The question then becomes:how do you define success?

"Having companies that go through the accelerator, go on to grow and to become great companies with real revenue, add jobs, stay in Canada, and export their goods all around the world," saidDickinson."Hopefully I'll be able to invest in some of them"

But the moral of this story isyoucan take the dragon out of the den, but she'll alwaysbea dragon.