Bucks County entrepreneurs, startups and nonprofit organizations are invited to apply to participate in a new “Shark Tank”-style competition that will award substantial cash prizes to winners.
Delaware Valley University (DelVal), its Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) are launching Spark Bowl, an annual competition for entrepreneurs, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations. Teams will address social, consumer or business-oriented challenges in and around Bucks County.
“Local residents who have ideas that can help improve communities will have a chance to receive support, pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, and compete for some substantial monetary prizes to help get their ideas off the ground,” said Dr. Tanya Casas, dean of the University’s School of Business and Humanities.
“This competition will change lives, improve the community and give our students valuable experience serving as consultants for real businesses and organizations. The competition will provide Delaware Valley University students with the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in class to help local entrepreneurs, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations.”
The judges will be local entrepreneurs who have a high degree of success in the business world, according to William Schutt, a judge, event organizer and Dr. Vail Garvin, CEO of The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Those interested in being a judge should contact Garvin at the Chamber.
“The Board of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce is very proud to be working with Delaware Valley University on Spark Bowl, a brand new, innovative competition,” said Garvin.
As part of DelVal’s experiential learning program, DelVal student teams will work with final contestants to prepare for the competition under the guidance of DelVal faculty and SBEC advisors.
Contestants will present their pitches Dec. 11, at a public, community event in the University’s Life Sciences Building auditorium. Prize money will be awarded to support the growth of the top three teams’ ideas. The top three student teams will also be eligible for cash prizes. The contest will be judged by experienced investors who have a desire to support innovation and economic growth and prosperity within the local community.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs, existing new businesses and nonprofit organizations in Bucks County are invited to apply. To qualify, participants should apply by Sept. 15. Existing businesses must be less than or equal to 36 months old as of Sept. 15, to be eligible to enter. To apply, visit
delval.edu/spark or email
sparkbowl@delval.edu.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsors will have the opportunity to review applications from local entrepreneurs, existing businesses and nonprofit organizations wishing to impact economic growth and prosperity in Bucks County. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email
sparkbowl@delval.edu or call 215-489-4865.
