The Big Decision

The Big Decision (2012)

EndedReality show

"The Big Decision" is a Canadian reality television / documentary series based on the British series Gerry's Big Decision. Broadcast on CBC Television, the series features struggling Canadian businesses which are seeking advice and funding to stay afloat.

Each episode follows the story of two struggling business owners who require an investment or business advice to remain in operation. Entrepreneurial experts, Arlene Dickinson or Jim Treliving provide a set of tasks to the business owners and ask them to follow through with implementing them. Either Arlene Dickinson or Jim Treliving follow-up to see how the business owners are attacking the challenges and how the management team operates. Through the tasks, business owners' gain valuable knowledge about their market, how to successfully alter their business to turn it into a profitable venture, and keep it afloat. By the end of the episode, Arlene Dickinson or Jim Treliving make the final decision of whether to fund one, both, or neither business. This decision to become a partner through an investment can change the business forever.

The series debuted with a four-episode first season on March 12, 2012. A second season for the 2012–13 broadcast year was announced in May 2012

Network
Scheduleevery Monday (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S02E06Save on Meats and The Flag ShopNov. 28, 2012
S02E05Inland Air and All Sports ReplayNov. 20, 2012
S02E04Redwood Clothing and Viberg BootsNov. 13, 2012
S02E03Radix Controls and New Future FarmsNov. 6, 2012
S02E02Pak Tek and Top Adventure TravelOkt. 24, 2012
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did The Big Decision first premiere?

The Big Decision premiered on March 7, 2012.

Who is the host of The Big Decision?

Arlene Dickinson is the host of The Big Decision.

What is the premise of The Big Decision?

The Big Decision is a reality show where Canadian business owners pitch their struggling businesses to a panel of successful entrepreneurs in hopes of receiving an investment.

How many entrepreneurs are on the panel?

Two successful Canadian entrepreneurs are on the panel.

What kind of businesses are on the show?

Small, struggling Canadian businesses are featured on The Big Decision.

How much money do the entrepreneurs invest in the businesses?

The entrepreneurs can invest anywhere from $50,000 to $1 million in the businesses.

What are some of the challenges businesses face on the show?

The businesses on The Big Decision face challenges such as outdated branding, poor marketing, and lack of management structure.

How long does each episode of The Big Decision last?

Each episode of The Big Decision lasts 60 minutes.

Where is The Big Decision filmed?

The Big Decision is filmed in Toronto, Canada.

How many episodes of The Big Decision were produced?

The Big Decision had 20 episodes produced.

What is the format of The Big Decision?

The entrepreneurs on The Big Decision are given a chance to pitch their businesses to the panel of successful entrepreneurs and answer questions about their businesses. The entrepreneurs then have to wait anxiously while the panel makes their decision.

Has The Big Decision won any awards?

The Big Decision has not won any awards.

Did The Big Decision undergo any significant changes during its run?

No significant changes were made to the show during its run.

What is the average investment made by the entrepreneurs on the show?

The average investment made by the entrepreneurs on The Big Decision is around $300,000.

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