Teen Entreprenuer - First Place in Pitch NJ Shark Tank

Pitch New Jersey is an entrepreneurship competition in partnership with Morris Tech Meetup and Business, where students create a lean canvas for an idea or entrepreneurial venture and get chosen to pitch live in front of industry professionals, venture capitalists, and local entrepreneurs for a chance to win $1,500! There are two stages to this competition, with the first being an application and the second being a live pitch. 

In December 2020, our  Middle School daily announcements had a call for all  "All Teen Entrepreneurs " to pitch their business idea. 

It was just about the time that I had created this website and I was inundated with online orders. And I thought, Hey! Why not! I can create a lean canvas on my business model for chance to pitch in the SharkTank and win $1500. 

And so I went ahead and submitted my entry. 

I was thrilled to hear that I was one of the chosen finalists. I believe there were 50 entries and I was one of the shortlisted one. 

I learnt so much in this process. Businessbootcamp 101 had organized a kick off session giving us shortlisted contestants a feedback on our business. We were assigned a mentor. 

I was one of the youngest contestant. It was a bit unnerving to be with other contestants who were all in  High School. However my mentor helped me cool my nerves. 

I redid my presentation for the final pitch at the Shark Tank. Given COVID 19, everything was virtual. I practiced quite a bit before. My customers and my friends were all online watching me on Youtube as I went live on my SharkTank in front of judges. 

I was happy that I was able to answer the questions after my presentation and I was hoping for the best. I knew the competition was intense as my fellow contestants had such great ideas.  I was up for the challenge. 

I was extremely thrilled and happy when I heard that I won the FIRST PLACE !!! The judges felt that the product was clean and healthy that dog owners would pay to feed their pet who is their family member. Secondly I had a successful business model with repeat customers and I also shared my profits with a non-profit. All of these contributed to my win !

Pictures speak a thousand words.