Contra Costa Shark Tank invites young entrepreneurs to swim with big fish

The Campolindo High School Entrepreneurs Club organized the first-ever event as a way to help students in kindergarten through 12th grade learn important life skills such as perseverance, self-confidence, and financial literacy.

“The best way to learn about entrepreneurship is to start a business,” said Campo junior and contest founder Maya Hammerman. “My journey as an entrepreneur began when I was in elementary school. We went from traditional businesses like lemonade stands and babysitting to innovative new businesses that we created for the children of Contra Costa County. We want to inspire people to start or grow businesses of all kinds, from products to services.”

The contest will begin in September 2023 and applications are now open. Approximately 300 students hope to be selected as one of the 10 finalist spots, and he will be chosen as a 3-minute finalist during an event held on February 6th at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Pitch announced.

The jury included Mr. Hammerman, who is also president of Campo's Entrepreneurship Club and a businessman in his own right, founder of the Moon Blossom Collection. Other judges include Jason Gardner (Founder, Marketa), Stephanie Williams (CFO and Controller, Pacific Gas & Electric Company), and Roxanne Kristof (Founder and CEO, Girls Crushing It). ), Mr. Anthony Marino (President of thredUp).

Finalists will demonstrate: 1) a passion for entrepreneurship, 2) how to present their business, 3) the viability of their business, and 4) how they will use their prize money to launch a new business or grow an existing business. It was judged based on four criteria:

First up was SportzCity by Hunter Smith, a 5th grader at Barton Valley Elementary School from Lafayette. His products are sports cards (like baseball cards) laminated with sports-related photos of friends, family, and teammates.

Experimental Kids by Archit Kundu (San Ramon native, 5th grade at Bella Vista Elementary School). His products are affordable science kits (lava lamps or crystal growth) that contain no harmful ingredients.

Lydia's Soap Written by Lydia Stewart, a 7th grade student at Virtuous Voices Christian Academy from Antioch. Her products are handmade soaps that include bathtime toys (like rubber ducks and small cars).

“The Loonies” Valerie Castellanos, Angie Alvarenga, Giovanny Perez, Savannah Johnston (7th grade, Summit Tamalpai, from Richmond). The company's products include washable glass water bottles with straws and stick-on stickers.

Tied with a bow were Himna Imam and Mahmum Malik, 9th graders from Venture and Dougherty Valley and San Ramon. Their products are themed gift baskets that can also be customized.

ElderSafe by Ronen Jain (10th grade, Monte Vista High School, Danville) His mobile app for seniors helps you identify hazards in your home and prioritize a list of available safety products .

MiracleAlgae Nicolas Angel Ordonez and Shashank Konini, 11th grade, from Danville, San Ramon Valley. The company's product, a type of spirulina, is grown in a high-carbon environment and, when dried, contains more than 60% protein, which can be used in yogurts and smoothies.

Synchroma Studio by Hector Espinoza (12th grade, Freedom High School, Oakley native). His Software His program helps live performance venues organize all their electrical needs such as lighting and sound.

Scrub Woofer T by Beatrice Roberge (12th grade at Campolindo High School, Lafayette native). Her product contains fine bristles that, when used with dog toothpaste, can help keep your dog's tongue and teeth clean as they lick.

Workout Wizard by Fatima Hussein (San Ramon native, 12th grade at Dougherty Valley High School). Her Home Workout Her software allows users to choose their own exercise routine and receive specific feedback on the effectiveness of that routine.

The third place prize of $250 was awarded to Experimental Kids. “Contra Costa Shark Tank is a great opportunity and winning third place gives us the confidence to take this business to the next level and make STEM learning fun for all children ages 5 to 12. “Kundu said. “It was also a learning experience to present my opinion in front of such a great jury and such a large audience.”

The second place prize of $500 was awarded to ElderSafe. “We spent countless hours perfecting the app and are very excited to be one of the winners of this competition,” he said. “I was so excited to get direct feedback from the judges and attendees about my business and how I use it.”

• The first place prize of $1,000 was awarded to Workout Wizard. “From the moment I received my finalist letter to the day I presented on stage at the Contra Costa Shark Tank, my entrepreneurial journey has been extremely rewarding,” Hussain commented. “Winning the first place award is a dream come true. I want to continue to encourage my fellow young entrepreneurs to follow their passion and never give up in building their businesses. The best time is now. What are you waiting for?”