Swimming with the Sharks Awards $4,500 to Local Entrepreneurs

On Thursday, February 26, Briar Cliff University's annual Swimming with the Sharks competition brought energy and entrepreneurship to campus as local business owners pitched their ideas for a chance to earn grant funding.

Modeled after the hit TV show Shark Tank, the competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business plans to a panel of judges and compete for startup support.

This year's winners are:

1st Place - Winnie's | $2,500
2nd Place - Brekky's | $1,500
3rd Place - Sewn to Dance | $500

Each business demonstrated creativity, preparation, and a strong vision for growth. Through initiatives like Swimming with the Sharks, Briar Cliff continues to champion innovation and support small business development across Siouxland.

"Swimming with the Sharks" is an annual event that is a part of Entrepalooza, sponsored by the Briar Cliff Enactus team. Enactus is an international, non-profit community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.