Details Announced for Fifth Annual Spark Bowl Competition at DelVal

Delaware Valley University, in partnership with the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) and Startup Bucks, announced that the fifth annual Spark Bowl competition will take place on November 21, 2024 in the Life Sciences Building at DelVal's main campus in Doylestown.

Spark Bowl, fashioned after the hit ABC TV show Shark Tank, is a competition for small business entrepreneurs to present their ideas to five judges for a chance to win monetary prizes.

Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in pitching an idea can enter their business at delval.edu/spark. Applicants should also email sparkbowl@delval.edu to receive any updates on the application process. Please include the name of your business in the subject line. Applications are open now and will close on September 6, 2024.

Sponsors of the event enjoy the opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, existing businesses, and nonprofit organizations that strive to impact economic growth and prosperity in Bucks County. They will also be invited to participate in a networking event before Spark Bowl, and have the opportunity to be featured at the event and on the Spark Bowl website. Sponsorship-level information and a link to make a gift online to support the event can be found at delval.edu/spark.

As part of DelVal's experiential learning program, DelVal faculty and business students will work with each of the finalists as business consultants, helping to develop and deliver the business pitches and presentations. Businesses paired with DelVal student consultants will generate innovative, problem-solving ideas to support the economic growth and prosperity of local communities.

Last year's Spark Bowl winner was ByeByeCry, founded by Samantha and Eddie Myers. ByeByeCry created a robust sound machine with customization options that helps calm and soothe colicky babies.

"Through Spark Bowl, we have been very lucky to have worked with an exceptional advisor during our pitch presentation process," said Samantha Myers. "Our advisor changed the trajectory of our business and remains a valuable asset as we move forward and expand our product line. By receiving the grant, we were able to expand our inventory and help more families during their darkest moments with colic and we couldn't be more grateful."

The panel of judges, to be announced in the months leading up to the event, will consist of local entrepreneurs who demonstrate a high degree of success in the business world. The top three teams of student business consultants will also be eligible for cash prizes. Last year, the winners walked away with a total of $21,000 in prize money.

Apply: Anyone individual or business interested in applying or eager to learn more can visit delval.edu/spark.

Become a Sponsor: Are you interested in helping people put their dreams into action? To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email sparkbowl@delval.edu or call 215.348.3913. Sponsorship-level information and a link to make a gift online to support the event can be found at delval.edu/spark.