{"id":111,"date":"2020-11-07T02:32:03","date_gmt":"2020-11-07T02:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-3-issue-2\/student-entrepreneurs-swim-with-big-fish-in-the-dvc-piranha-pool-pitch-competition\/"},"modified":"2020-12-04T16:12:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T16:12:16","slug":"student-entrepreneurs-swim-with-big-fish-in-the-dvc-piranha-pool-pitch-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-3-issue-2\/student-entrepreneurs-swim-with-big-fish-in-the-dvc-piranha-pool-pitch-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Entrepreneurs Swim with Big Fish in the DVC Piranha Pool Pitch Competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you have an idea for a new product or business? Ever wondered how to fund your startup? Jump into DVC\u2019s Piranha Pool and find out!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Piranha<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe DVC Piranha Pool Pitch Competition is similar to the popular TV program, \u2018Shark Tank.\u2019 Students present their idea for a new business or product to a group of judges,\u201d said DVC business administration professor, Charlie Shi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shi urges students to pursue their passion. He feels that DVC can provide the tools and connections needed for entrepreneurial success.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Charlie<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDVC is a premiere innovation center in this region. We\u2019re creating an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that includes business as well as many other academic programs,\u201d said Shi.<\/span><\/p>\n

The competition is made possible by funding from the DVC Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strong Workforce Grant through the California Community College Chancellor\u2019s Office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"LoAnn<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA local intellectual property law firm, Antero, Tormey & Petrin, has graciously provided additional funding and support. They have truly partnered with us to make this competition happen. They have also played an important part in the development of the \u2018Entrepreneur in You\u2019 video series,\u201d said LoAnn Winkler, business administration faculty for DVC.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who can participate in the competition?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWe welcome students from across the college. All majors are able to come and bring their ideas. Our goal is to help our students bring their concepts and products to market,\u201d said Winkler.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interested students form teams of two to four people. They work together to develop a business idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mariam<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe new product or idea should be unique so it has a chance to succeed once it\u2019s out in the market. This is what is called a \u2018unique selling proposition,\u2019\u201d said Mariam Worsham, business administration professor for DVC.<\/span><\/p>\n

A number of resources and tools are available to support students as they prepare for the competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie Shi and our guest speakers offer workshops to help students take their concept and hone it into something that could be a possible business. Speaker topics mirror the business plan workbook that students use when creating their plan,\u201d said Winkler.<\/span><\/p>\n

Business owners and entrepreneurs serve as mentors to guide students as they prepare for the competition. DVC faculty also are available to work with teams to answer questions. There are also classes students can take that coincide with the competition:<\/span><\/p>\n