Business Students Pitch Ideas in Mock “Shark Tank” Event

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Shark Tank Event for Business StudentsBusiness students in the course Business Plan Development had the opportunity to propose ideas to a panel of successful business men and women on March 30.

The event, “Is This a Good Idea?,” was the first in a two-part series that will culminate with “Will You Support me?” on Monday, May 11. 

The event followed a format similar to ABC Television Network’s “Shark Tank,” a show in which entrepreneurs pitch their product ideas to a panel of wealthy businesspeople who offer critiques and consider investing in the ideas.  

Eight student teams presented ideas involving technology, such as smartphone apps to assist with event planning or one called “TrackIt” to help athletes and families at track meets; an online college search program; e-mail composer and organizer; or services, such as lawn care and home remodeling and sales; products, such as self-service soft ice cream; and even building a conference and events venue. 

After students pitched their ideas, they received feedback from the panel members. On May 11, they will present their final pitches.

The panel includes Kimberly Cunnea, vice-president of Providence Bank; Omar Sweiss, entrepreneur and attorney; Aaron Ozinga ’03, president of Ozinga Materials, Inc.; Calvin Tameling ’72, CEO of SET Environmental, Inc.; and Jack VanNamen, director of sales at KBC Direct Floral.

Emily Dykstra ’16 of Lansing, Illinois, said, “I was a bit nervous, but the event did help a lot. It was eye-opening to get some outside perspectives on our project.”

Project Teams

College Complete: Helping Students Pick the Right College

  • Evan Geels ’16
  • Joeli Heuver ’16
  • Mark Vanderzee* ’16
  • Halie Wisse ’16

Vendor: Email Editing Software

  • Joshua DeYoung*’16
  • Julian Garcia ’15
  • Timothy Hoeksema ’15
  • Jordan Roose ’15

Luxurious Events: Event Planning Company

  • Kimberly Dolce* ’13
  • Cynthia Gliwa ’16
  • Sarah Kooiman ’17
  • Ally Otto ’15
  • Danielle Stark ’15

Flipping Houses

  • Alex Brummel* ’15
  • Chad Burghgraef ’16
  • Kaleb DeJager ’17
  • Abraham Valadez ’16

JCTC Vending: Ice Cream Vending

  • Catherine Heerdt ’15
  • Taylor Kiers ’15
  • Jorrie Schutt ’16
  • Courtney Wheaton* ’15

Dobson Landscaping: Lawn Care

  • Jonathan Dobson* ’15
  • Adam Suwyn ’15
  • Seth Wiltjer ’15
  • Christopher Zoeterman ’14

TrackIt: Track Meet Software

  • Fakhria Akbari ’16
  • Callie Bunker ’16
  • Emily Dykstra ’16
  • Matthew Schaap* ’16

The Homestead (Events Marketplace in Pella, IA)

  • Trevor DallaSanta ’17
  • Monica Par ’16
  • Taylor VanWoerkom* ’16
  • Joshua Wetter ’16

*Team Leader

 

 

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