Register for the Student Shark Tank Pitch Competition
Calling all students!
Do you have an innovative business idea or community project that you want to raise money for? The Student Shark Tank Competition, hosted by the Ankeny Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), can help you get started.
Not only is this an opportunity to gain funding for your idea (the top four business pitches will receive a cash prize up to $1,000), but students will be able to sharpen their presentation skills by putting them into practice. Participants are judged on four categories: idea, return on investment, execution plan and presentation.
And the results are tangible.
Ankeny High School student, London Schuchart, credits Student Shark Tank for jumpstarting his business. His elite running apparel business, 4th Lane Running, took 3rd place in the for-profit division last year. Schuchart used the money to promote his business and increase his supply of goods. “I currently have just over $24,000 in sales and have set up an LLC,” said Schuchart. “I got a lot out of the experience. I improved my presentation skills and gained connections and advice from one of the other competitors.”
The AEDC is committed to providing this opportunity to students, especially this year.
“Now more than ever we need to engage and encourage young people. That is why we are moving ahead with the Student Shark Tank,” said Trent Murphy, Owner of CJM Financial and 2020 Chairperson of the AEDC. “A pandemic isn’t going to stop young people with good ideas. The challenges we are facing may actually foster a few ideas.”
This year’s competition will take place on January 18. The host facility, Accumold, has plenty of space to allow for safe social distancing of judges and participants, but remote participation is encouraged for those who prefer it.
This unique opportunity is available to young people in Iowa between 14 and 24 years old. The top four community project pitches and the top four business pitches will receive a cash prize to help fund their business or community project. A total of $5,000 will be awarded. The top award in both the community improvement idea and business categories will be $1,000.
Registration and additional information is available on the AEDC website or by calling 964-0747. The deadline to register is January 14, 2021. Early registration is encouraged.
About Ankeny Economic Development Corporation
Ankeny Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit business organization focused on supporting area businesses and attracting additional business and industry to the Ankeny area.
Mask Up for Ankeny Schools
Ankeny,
We.Need.You.
It will take our whole community pulling together to slow the spread and help keep our students in school. We’ve been hearing it for months, but now is the time to go back to mitigation basics.
- Wear Your Mask
- When Sick, Stay Home
- Wash Your Hands
- Watch Your Distance
This week, we’re launching a #MaskupforAnkeny campaign alongside the @CityofAnkeny. Partner with us by downloading an email signature and social media graphic at the link below and answer the question “What do you mask up for?” #MaskUpforAnkeny #MaskUpforAnkenySchools #SlowtheSpread
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19Dic2GIwS5PD5Q5-go4_mUJFdd8xwaxS?usp=sharing