Calling all Entrepreneurs, Founders & Innovators to Ridgefield’s Tiger Shark Tank 4

Now in its 4th season, the Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission (ECDC) will host the Town’s premier live pitch event – Tiger Shark Tank! Local entrepreneurs and businesses will pitch bold ideas in front of a live audience of over 300 community members, investors and business leaders at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday October 28.

Have a great business idea? Or are you in business and want to take it to the next level? If you are a startup or a business with economic ties to Ridgefield, the ECDC is now scheduling interviews to pitch at Tiger-Shark Tank 4. Applications are due by October 1. Go to ridgefieldct.com/tiger-shark-tank to apply and for more information.

Also, the ECDC is seeking event sponsors in order to grow the prize pool, support event costs, and celebrate innovation in our town. Sponsors will be promoted across the full marketing campaign including town-wide email blasts and social media.

The evening is FREE and open to the public. Seating for spectators is general admission, butmust be reserved by visiting ridgefieldplayhouse.org. Walk ups are welcome on the day of the event. The doors and cash bar will open at 5:30 pm for pre-event networking. Small business support organizations like the SBA will be available to share free resources and guidance. Thenthe presentations will begin at 6:30, with the winners being announced later in the evening.

The panel 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 a total of $5,000 in gift cards to the winners,” said ECDC Commissioner 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.

Last year’s judges were Jay Walker (Priceline.com founder and CEO of ApiJect Systems), Suni Harford (former President of UBS Asset Management), Chris Bishop (CEO of North American Motor Car and American Metal Whiskey), and Adam Norwitt (CEO of Amphenol Corporation). Commissioner Dowd spearheaded the event.

Last year first prize was awarded to Ideal Home Innovations for their detailed home design solutions to meet the physical, sensory and/or cognitive needs of all, while also supporting their independence in daily routines without compromising the décor of a home. Second prize was awarded to Challenge Hound, a fitness app while promotes healthier lifestyles by providing the best platform to create and manage group challenges and virtual races. Third prize was awarded to Turnaround “Lemons to Lemonade,” a wellness board game. Additional presenters included Evolytix, an AI-driven data analytics for all skill levels, and Vibrant, a home management and HVAC solution created by a group of engineers and designers dedicated to producing innovative, efficient and luxurious home automation solutions that improve user health.

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 at ridgefieldct.com for information on our mission.