YBI Shark Tank Applications Now Open
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Applications are now open for the Youngstown Business Incubator’s 2024 Shark Tank event. Innovators and entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders Oct. 24 at the YBI fundraising event.
The deadline is Aug. 5.
Barb Ewing, CEO of the incubator, introduced this year’s five celebrity sharks who will judge the pitches during the recent launch event at the B&O Station. They are Stacy Howlett, CEO of Howlett Logistics; Ashley Vidale, co-owner of Sapphire Aesthetics and Wellness; Sam Boak, president of Boak & Sons Inc.; Rob Cochran, chairman and CEO of #1 Cochran; and former Youngstown State University football coach Bo Pelini.
Ewing also hinted at a mysterious sixth shark. “There will be a sixth mystery shark, and it could be one of you,” she said. She provided no further details.
This year, YBI aims to raise $400,000 and sell 750 tickets to the Shark Tank event.
Prize money for the event includes $10,000 from Medical Mutual, $10,000 from Sam Boak, an additional $10,000 if YBI raises $350,000, and an extra $25,000 if the $400,000 goal is met.
Entrepreneurs and innovators can apply now on YBI’s website.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
