From left: Merrill Kluke, Margot Woodworth and Lisa Schmidt present Woodworth’s online business to the panel of venture capitalists on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, May 14, 2010. Photo submitted

The suspense is nearly over.

An episode of CBC’s Dragons’ Den, featuring local entrepreneur Margot Woodworth with her friends/employees Lisa Schmidt and Merrill Kluke, is set to air at 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 23 on the national broadcaster.

A viewing party, with $5 tickets raising funds for Grace Haven, will be hosted at The Riverview Lodge on the evening of March 23.

The television show seeks out Canadian entreprenueurs and places them before a panel of well-known venture capitalists for a chance at a potential investment to grow their business, or cash in on their idea.One of 5,000 businesses applying to appear on the series last year, the trio advanced through auditions in Thunder Bay — one of three hundred businesses to make it to taping in Toronto. From there the field was again cut in half to 150 businesses that will be featured on the program.

Working in concert with a local greenhouse operation, Woodworth’s Internet-based business — Evergreen Memories — offers tree seedlings as unique and creative earth-friendly gifts and keepsakes for a variety of occasions.After nearly a year, Woodworth is still keeping her secrets locked up tight in regards to the outcome of her experience.

“It’s quite a process just to make it on the show, said Woodworth. “And we did, we just found out a few weeks ago. It’s just been a whole exciting experience to meet these guys and be on the show. If you know us, we party anyway.”

As for her few minutes under the weighty scrutiny of the Dragons, Woodworth says it amounts to an intense, unscripted moment.“You never know what happens when you get in front of these guys,” she said. “They know nothing about you — not even your name. When you walk down those stairs whatever happens, happens. The conversation starts and you’re not in control of it. You have to know your numbers, that’s for sure.”

Woodworth says the experience has is deepening her respect for the entrepreneurial spirit and risk taking.

“Give everything a chance,” she said. “If you worry about the outcome, you’ll never try anything in life. Living in small town doesn’t mean you have to live a small town life. You can meet some incredible contacts if you just throw yourself out there.”

Check out Woodworth’s business website at www.evergreenmemories.ca

By Chris Marchand