Waynesburg U. hosts Shark Tank event to promote start-up business ideas

On Thursday, April 9, the Waynesburg University eHIVE held a Shark Tank event where students pitched their innovative business ideas to the "sharks" for a chance to win cash prizes of up to $800.

All of the students seemed very passionate about their business idea, and we had a good mix of businesses that were already started, and some that were just an idea or brand new within months of the event!

Interested students began by submitting a short video explaining their pitch, which secured their participation in the contest. If selected for the finals, they would have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a live audience.

Eight groups were selected for the final round of judging, including 11 students total.

"All of the students seemed very passionate about their business idea, and we had a good mix of businesses that were already started, and some that were just an idea or brand new within months of the event!" said Adam Huckstein, program coordinator for the eHIVE, makerspace and entrepreneurial leadership program. "A lot of the groups had business ideas that were based around recycled materials, and that seemed to have really caught the judge's eye."

The three "sharks" who judged the final round included Chay Lahew, the unit manager at SCI Greene; JoAnne Marshall, the director of the Greene County tourist promotion agency; and Marissa Stanko, an MBA graduate student and startable instructor of The Way.

The winners of the Shark Tank included:

1st, receiving $500: Simba Dubé: DUBÉ Streetwear Atelier

2nd, receiving $400: Larry Ronstadt and Rocky Bobak: Eco Slim Wallets

3rd, receiving $300: Tyler Gordon and Beau Hawkins: Eco Clocks

Federico Cortes (3 Shooters) was announced as the Fan Favorite winner on Friday, April 24.

"Overall, I think the Shark Tank is a great way to connect student entrepreneurs with the heart of our mission at the eHIVE - of developing the entrepreneurial mindset," shared Cassy Dorsch, director of the eHIVE and the Nest. "The event was designed to give students an opportunity to test/pitch new and existing business ideas, gather feedback and hopefully win one of our cash prizes. We have enjoyed seeing this event grow over the years."

About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.

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