Ridgefield-based entrepreneurs and business owners can pitch their ideas to a panel of international corporate leaders and notable entrepreneurs on Monday, October 28. In order to pitch, entrepreneurs must contact the Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission (ECDC) by Tuesday, October 1, by emailing torecdcb@ridgefieldct.gov
This year’s Tiger-Shark Tank will be at the Ridgefield Playhouse, which is partnering with the ECDC. The event is free and open to the public but seats must be reserved at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Playhouse doors and cash bar will open at 5:30 pm for pre-event networking; the presentations will begin at 6:30, with the winners announced around 8:45 pm.
Last year’s judges Jay Walker, founder of Priceline; Jeff Bornstein, former Vice Chairman of General Electric; Megan Searfoss, owner of Ridgefield Running Company; Christa Carone, President of Infillion Media; and Wyatt Lipman, Corporate Counsel for Strategic Deals & Partnerships at Google.
The judges 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 $5,000 in gift cards to the winners,” said ECDC’s Sean 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. Says Ashley Paltauf, Executive 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, more than 40 entrepreneurs applied for the six available spots. Pitches from last year that were not invited to present at that event can resubmit this year, and high school and college students are invited to participate as well.
Last year’s judges included:
Chris Bishop CEO of North American Motor Car and American Metal Whiskey
Christa Carone President, Infillion
Wyatt Lipman general counsel, strategic deals & partnerships, Google
Megan Searfoss founder of Ridgefield Running Co., Darien Running Co., Run Like a Mother
Jay Walker founder of Priceline, chair of Walker Digital
Please email pitches to Sean Dowd at torecdcb@ridgefieldct.gov by Tuesday, October 1. Last year, more than 40 entrepreneurs applied for the 5 available spots.
2022 presenters were:
1. Olga Chin - InterPrice Technologies (Winner)
2. Laura Davis - Mind Body Botanicals
3. James Albis - RedLeaf
4. Tony Perrelli - PinDo
5. Kerri Austin - Hot Flash Diaries
6. Patrick Sciarratta - Culture World
2023 presenters were:
1. Pop Art Kids - Rosie Snow Voulgaris (Winner)
2. The Meeting House - Deborah Rundlett & Ron Herman
3. Domotics - Mike Sturges
4. High Octane TV - Jeff Macaluso
5. Target Arm - Jeff McChesney
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.