Call for Submissions: Tiger-Shark Tank: Season 2 to Take Place at Ridgefield Playhouse on October 24
The Ridgefield Community & Economic Development Commission's (ECDC) 2022 Tiger-Shark Tank competition was so successful, they’re bringing it back – bigger and better – for “Season 2.”
This year the commission is partnering with the Ridgefield Playhouse, where the event will take place on October 24th. “We received so much positive feedback from our first Tiger Shark Tank, we felt like we tapped into something really special for the community,” said Sean Dowd of the ECDC.
The evening is free and open to the public. Seating for spectators in the 500-seat theater is general admission but must be reserved by visiting ridgefieldplayhouse.org. Walk-ups are welcome on the day of the event.
Ridgefield-based entrepreneurs and business owners can pitch their ideas to a panel of international corporate leaders, notable entrepreneurs, private equity investors, and Ridgefield ECDC members on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The doors and cash bar will open at 5:30 pm for pre-event networking; the presentations will begin at 6:30, with the winners being announced at 8:45 pm.
The panel will vote on the best ideas and award Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce gift cards to the top three presentations. “We’re excited to support these entrepreneurs and the town by giving out a total of $5,000 in gift cards to the winners,” said Dowd. As on the nationally televised Shark Tank, presenters will have 15 minutes to pitch their concept to the judges and audience. Entrepreneurs who pitch will receive real time feedback from private investors. A financial investment from judges is not part of the event.
“I spent 5 years working for Daymond John at his brand consultancy, The Shark Group, so when the ECDC approached us, it was a no-brainer to partner with them,” said Jared Shahid, Co-Managing Director of the Ridgefield Playhouse. “The Shark Tank platform itself is massive, and the associated PR and marketing can transform a business overnight. That’s why I like this event for Ridgefield; the visibility of winning a business competition can expose these entrepreneurs to serious investment or growth opportunities.”
Last year’s judges included Priceline.com founder Jay Walker, former GE CFO Jeffrey Bornstein, former Blue Buffalo Director Chris Bishop, Deborah Ann Sweet Shoppe owner Deborah Backes, and ECDC member Sean Dowd.
Please email pitches to ecdc.sean@gmail.com by Monday, October 2.
Last year, more than 40 entrepreneurs applied for the 6 available spots. Pitches from last year that were not invited to present at the live event can resubmit and high school and college students are invited to participate as well. Last year's invited presenters were:
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Olga Chin - InterPrice Technologies (Winner)
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Laura Davis - Mind Body Botanicals
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James Albis - RedLeaf
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Tony Perrelli - PinDo
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Kerri Austin - Hot Flash Diaries
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Patrick Sciarratta - Culture World
The Ridgefield ECDC seeks to help promote a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Please visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org for more information on the event or visit the commission’s website for information on our mission. Email ecdc.sean@gmail.com ECDC member Sean Dowd directly with any questions or to arrange a pitch!