Business
Empowering Detroits Youth: Jr. Shark Tank Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes
Nonprofit organization Building Better Men is hosting the Jr. Shark Tank competition at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) on August 26. The competition aims to promote entrepreneurship among youth and is open to boys and girls.
A total of seven finalists have been selected to participate in the event. These finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and products to judges from Detroit’s business community.
The top three winners of the competition will each receive a cash prize of $1,000 to invest in their businesses. Additionally, they will be provided with further assistance to develop their enterprises. This support will help them navigate the challenges of starting and running a business, and enable them to make a positive impact in their communities.
The inspiration behind the competition comes from Building Better Men founder, Odis Bellinger. Bellinger was motivated to organize the event after encountering a young entrepreneur at a gas station. Recognizing the potential of young individuals, he wanted to create a platform where they could showcase their talents and ideas.
One of the primary goals of the Jr. Shark Tank competition is to address economic inequalities faced by Black and brown business owners and individuals. By providing mentorship, financial support, and exposure to the business community, the competition hopes to level the playing field for these young entrepreneurs.
Judges for the competition include prominent Detroit community leaders Marvin Washington and Tiffany Morrow. They will play a pivotal role in evaluating the finalists’ pitches and selecting the winners.
The finalists themselves represent a diverse range of business ideas. Nyla Johnson, an 11-year-old, has authored a book that is now available at Meijer stores. Madison Howell, at the age of 12, started Maddy’s Juice Bar. Another notable partnership is Three Musketeeers Ice Cream, a joint venture by Ja’Mari Riley, Mario Riley, and Da’Cari Evans.
Overall, the Jr. Shark Tank competition aims to provide young entrepreneurs with a platform to present their businesses in a professional manner. By nurturing their talents and ideas, the competition hopes to empower these young individuals and enable them to make a positive impact in their communities.
