Delaware Valley University’s fourth annual Spark Bowl, a “Shark Tank“-like competition, will award thousands of dollars in prizes to area small businesses on November 16.

Doors open at 5 PM to allow area entrepreneurs and small businesses to network, and the Spark Bowl event takes place from 6 to 8 PM in DelVal’s Life Sciences Building.

The competing businesses will have 15 minutes to “pitch” their idea or product to the judges. The five finalists have been selected and represent the following industries: food, management software and applications, indoor farming, and baby products.

Last year’s Spark Bowl winners walked away with a total of $21,000 in prizes. As part of DelVal’s experiential learning program, advisors from the DelVal Small Business and Entrepreneur Center work with DelVal students who serve as business consultants for the competitors.

The winning student teams will also be awarded prize money for their efforts. Spark Bowl is hosted by the University, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and Start-Up Bucks. The competition is possible because of sponsorships from Bucks County businesses and individuals.

The judges for DelVal’s fourth annual Spark Bowl are:

• Michael Araten-President and CEO of Sterling Drive Ventures, LP
• Susan Lonergan– Director of Middle Market and Specialized Banking for Fulton Bank’s commercial sales and lending teams across five states.
• Blair Rush -Southeast Region President at C&N Bank. Rush is also a Delaware Valley University’s Board of Trustees member, Central Bucks County Chamber of Commerce member, and graduate of Delaware Valley University.
• William (Bill) Schutt -Member, of Drexel University’s Close School of Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, and Member of Drexel President John Fry’s Leadership Council.

Read more about the annual Spark Bowl and its judges on Delaware Valley University’s website.

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