Contra Costa Shark Tank Seeks Young Entrepreneurs

LAMORINDA, CA— The Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition is back for a second year after a successful inaugural competition in 2024 that saw over 300 students apply.

The Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club organizes the competition as a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship, which teaches important life skills including perseverance, self-confidence and financial literacy.

The deadline is approaching for Contra Costa County students of all ages — from Kindergarten through 12th grade — to submit their application for this year's competition. Applications are evaluated based on the enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, how the business is presented, the viability of the business, and how the prize money will be used to launch or grow a business.

Entrepreneurship Club members will select 10 students to compete in the Finalist Pitch Event which is planned for May 1 at the Lafayette Library.

"We were overwhelmed by the success of last year’s competition and look forward to engaging even more students in entrepreneurship with this year’s competition," said high school senior Maya Hammerman, the competition founder and president of Campolindo’s Entrepreneurship Club. "My journey as an entrepreneur started in elementary school. The competition is designed to inspire kids of all ages in Contra Costa County to envision themselves as entrepreneurs and start or grow any type of business."

Last year, the finalists ranged in age from 9 to 17.

"From the moment I got the finalist letter to the day I presented on the Contra Costa Shark Tank’s stage, the entrepreneurship journey has been extremely rewarding," said the 2024 winner, Workout Wizard founder Fatimah Hussein. "To win the first-place prize is a dream come true, and I hope to continue inspiring fellow youth entrepreneurs to follow their passions and never give up."

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Winners are selected by a panel of judges, with cash prizes of $2,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. Lead sponsors for the competition include Visa, PG&E, Clorox, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Campolindo Parents Club.

To learn more about the competition, submit an application, and/or get tickets to attend the Finalist Pitch Event, visit Contracostasharktank.org. The deadline to apply is March 15.

The organizers of the event believe that when young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives and contribute to the economic development of their local communities.