Second Annual ‘Shark Tank’-like Competition Returning to Delaware Valley University

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Spark Bowl | Delaware Valley University | Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce

Bucks County entrepreneurs, startups and nonprofit organizations are invited to apply to participate in a second annual “Shark Tank”-style competition that will award substantial cash prizes to winners. 

Delaware Valley University (DelVal), its Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC) and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) are planning another Spark Bowl, a competition for entrepreneurs, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations. Teams will address social, consumer or business-oriented challenges in and around Bucks County.

“Local residents will again have the opportunity to pitch ideas that can help improve our communities and compete for substantial monetary prizes to help get their ideas off the ground,” said Dr. Tanya Casas, dean of the University’s School of Business and Humanities. “The first year of the competition was a resounding success and was a great partnership between DelVal and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Our students gained valuable experience serving as consultants for real businesses and organizations. The competition will provide Delaware Valley University students with the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in class to help local entrepreneurs, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations.”


The judges will be local entrepreneurs who have a high degree of success in the business world reported William Schutt, a judge and event organizer, and Dr. Vail Garvin, CEO of The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Those interested in being a judge should contact Dr. Garvin at the Chamber.

“The Board of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce is very proud to be working again with Delaware Valley University on Spark Bowl to support our greater community,” said Dr. Garvin.

As part of DelVal’s experiential learning program, DelVal student teams will work with final contestants to prepare for the competition under the guidance of DelVal faculty and SBEC advisors.



Contestants will present their pitches on April 15. Prize money will be awarded to support the growth of the top three teams’ ideas. The top three student teams will also be eligible for cash prizes. The contest will be judged by experienced investors who have a desire to support innovation and economic growth and prosperity within the local community. Last year the winners walked away with close to $30,000 in prizes. Funds are being raised for monetary prizes this year and the competition organizers hope to offer similar level prizes.



How to Apply

Entrepreneurs, existing new businesses and nonprofit organizations in Bucks County are encouraged to apply now. Existing businesses must be less than or equal to 36 months old as of August 31, 2020, to be eligible to enter. To apply, visit delval.edu/spark or email sparkbowl@delval.edu.

Become a Sponsor

Are you interested in helping people put their dreams into action? Sponsors will have the opportunity to review applications from local entrepreneurs, existing businesses and nonprofit organizations wishing to impact economic growth and prosperity in Bucks County. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email sparkbowl@delval.edu or call 215.489.4865.