FutureMakers Shark Tank

FutureMakers Shark Tank is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within our community by providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and receive valuable feedback from industry experts.

Initiative Overview:

The FutureMakers Shark Tank events will be held twice a year, with the goal of encouraging and supporting both social and venture entrepreneurs, as well as students studying business and entrepreneurship. These events will not only provide participants with the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts but also offer significant prizes to help them take their ventures to the next level.

Participant Eligibility

FutureMakers, with support from the Collaboratory, invites bold Southwest Florida founders to take the stage in our Shark Tank–style event on November 14, 2025. This event highlights startups built on earned income—businesses that generate revenue from customers and are positioned to grow.

The event will feature two sessions:

• Social Entrepreneurs: Ventures pursuing social or environmental impact with a customer-funded (earned-income) model.
• Venture Entrepreneurs: High-growth ventures focused on scalability and market expansion through earned revenue.

Eligibility requirements (apply to both tracks):

• Location: Business is based in Southwest Florida.
• Stage: Early-stage, operating beyond the idea phase.
• Earned Revenue Validation: At least one paying customer demonstrating demand (customer dollars, not grants, are required).
• Founder Involvement: Founder or co-founder, active in day-to-day operations, working full time in the business.
• Commitment: Willing to present your story, model, and growth plan live before judges and a community audience.

Pitch Preparation Workshops (FSW):

• Oct 29, 2025, 5–7 PM
• Nov 5, 2025, 5–7 PM
  Participation in both is strongly recommended to sharpen your earned-revenue pitch and maximize impact

Why apply:

• Share your vision with community leaders, partners, and potential supporters.
• Pressure-test your revenue model and refine go-to-market strategy.
• Compete for recognition, resources, and support to accelerate growth.