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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Phoenix High School Students dive into the "Shark Tank" to pitch future startup success

Students who participated in the Phoenix HS Shark Tank style competition.
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     Aspiring student entrepreneurs at Phoenix High School put their business savvy to the test recently during a high-stakes "Shark Tank"-style pitch event. Supported by sponsors Mingledorff’s and Capital City Mechanical, students competed for simulated investment funding to take their innovative business concepts to the next level. Prizes totaling over $2,000 were offered to take their innovative business concepts to the next level. 

     The event featured a panel of judges representing eight different community business partners, who evaluated each startup based on its commercial viability and professional delivery. Following a strict five-minute limit, each student delivered a compelling narrative that transitioned from a core problem to a specific business solution. The pitches were required to include a 15-second purpose statement and a clear value proposition highlighting customer benefits.

Judge shaking the hand of students from the Phoenix HS Shark Tank competition

     "Seeing our students transition from identifying a problem to pitching a viable commercial solution is inspiring," says Phoenix High Principal Niki Ross. "Thanks to the generous support of Mingledorff’s, Capital City Mechanical, and our local judges, our students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for the competitive landscape of the modern economy."

     To secure an "investment," students provided a deep dive into their businesses’ operational and financial health. This included detailing their target market, competitive advantages, and promotional strategies, as well as providing a thorough breakdown of costs per unit and monthly break-even calculations.

     "I feel like it was one of the best experiences that I could have had," shares Phoenix High student Lorelei Sego. "Instead of just conceptualizing everything and studying it, it gave me a chance to really kind of put pressure on myself and really experience what it is like to put your business into action and present your business with confidence and be who you really knew you could be.”

     The event concluded with a formal "Call to Action," where students presented itemized lists for how requested funds would be used to expand their businesses and increase profitability.

 

Students and judges from the Phoenix HS Shark Tank competition

Phoenix High School extends its sincere gratitude to its distinguished panel of judges:

  • Autumn Andrews, Workforce Development Manager, Gwinnett County Government
  • Matt McCurley, Engineer, WIKA USA
  • Hani Omran, Engineering Manufacturing Manager, RealTruck
  • Tim Quinn, Enterprise Account Manager, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Kyle Freedman, Principal | Director of Talent, Pond Engineering
  • Nick Schofer, Director of Chapter Development, Atlanta Electrical Contractors
  • Marco Rivera, Senior Account Executive - K12 Education, Amazon
  • Steven Cohen, Director of Guest Experience and Business Optimization, Zaxby's Corporation
  • Gabriella Mendoza, Human Resources, Capital City Mechanical
  • Adrienne Hood, General Manager, Sugarloaf Mills - Simon Malls

 

About Phoenix High School Business Pitch

     The Business Pitch is a culminating project where students develop startup concepts from the ground up. Each pitch must utilize a professional slide deck and address essential business components including marketing analysis, financial status, and ethical operations.