Inspiring the Next Generation: Serving as a Volunteer "Shark" at the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp

Inspiring the Next Generation: Serving as a Volunteer "Shark" at the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp

Reflecting on my experience as a volunteer "Shark" at the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp last Friday, I'm filled with excitement and optimism for the future of entrepreneurship. This immersive camp, hosted at the prestigious Stavros Center for Free Enterprise & Economic Education on the USF Tampa campus, provided an incredible opportunity for middle schoolers in grades 6-8 to develop essential business skills and confidence. 

It was truly inspiring to witness these young minds fully engaged in all aspects of entrepreneurship. The creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication displayed by all participants were remarkable. Two teams, in particular, stood out for their exceptional performance:
  • West Beach Co. took home the award for Best Overall Company. This team exemplified the core characteristics of successful entrepreneurs - ingenuity, hard work, enthusiasm, and pragmatism. Their well-rounded approach to business development was impressive.
  • iStyle won the Best Pitch award, captivating myself and my fellow judges with their innovative product idea, compelling video demonstration, and engaging presentation. Their ability to communicate their vision effectively set them apart.
Participating in this event was a full-circle moment for me. It brought me back to when my own interest in entrepreneurship first sparked during a workshop at school when I was about their age (15+ years ago). Seeing these young innovators reminded me of my early passion and reinforced the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

During the camp, I had the opportunity to share insights from my experiences as COO of Knack Technologies, Inc. and Co-Founder & CEO of Think Fast Games. It was rewarding to offer guidance based on real-world business scenarios and challenges. As a special treat, I gifted copies of our game, Dot Duel, to the West Beach Co. team for their outstanding performance.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Stavros Center and Peter Trakas for inviting me to be part of this incredible event. Special thanks go to Kara Windish (program director for the camp) and Andrew Tillman (stock market specialist) for being such welcoming hosts and exceptional educators. Their dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in young minds is truly commendable.

This experience has reinforced my desire to engage in future events and activities aimed at inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. It's crucial that we continue to encourage young people to solve problems, explore ideas, and build important businesses. Through these experiences, they not only develop valuable business skills but also learn essential life lessons that will serve them well in any career path they choose.

As we look to the future, it's clear that programs like the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp play a vital role in shaping tomorrow's business leaders. By providing a platform for young entrepreneurs to learn, experiment, and grow, we're investing in a brighter, more innovative future for all.
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