Moraga, California – The Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition, organized by Campolindo High School’s Entrepreneurship Club, is back for its second year.
After a successful launch in 2024 that drew over 300 applicants, the event returns to inspire young entrepreneurs across Contra Costa County. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade will have the chance to compete for a $2,000 top prize to help launch or grow their businesses.
Applications are now open and must be submitted by March 15, 2025. Participants will be evaluated on their passion for entrepreneurship, the viability of their business ideas, how they present their concepts, and how they plan to use the prize money. Ten finalists will be selected to pitch their ideas at the Finalist Pitch Event on May 1, 2025, 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,” explains 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’s competition featured finalists aged 9 to 17, with first place awarded to Fatimah Hussein, founder of Workout Wizard. Reflecting on her experience, Hussein shared, “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. 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.”
The Finalist Pitch Event will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Lafayette Library, where winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. Prizes include $2,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. The competition is supported by sponsors such as Visa, PG&E, Clorox, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the Campolindo Parents Club.
For more information, to submit an application, or to purchase tickets for the Finalist Pitch Event, visit www.contracostasharktank.org.
