Youngstown Business Incubator Shark Tank event crowns local business winner
The Youngstown Business Incubator invited five companies to pitch their business models to win an investment of $30,000.
Lauran Woolley and Little Tusk won this year’s YBI Shark Tank contest on Thursday at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Hall.
Little Tusk is a financial literacy program for children to learn how to manage and budget their money.
Jessica Sprowl, director of marketing and communications for YBI, described this year’s Shark Tank as “a true celebration of innovation and collaboration.”
“YBI’s Shark Tank showcased local innovation at our annual fundraising event, and we couldn’t be prouder. The five pitching companies introduced game-changing solutions and displayed raw entrepreneurial spirit through the night,” said Sprowl. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work the pitch companies put in and the dedication of the YBI team and our sponsors, which made this event both fun and successful.”
The panel of sharks who chose Little Tusk as the winner included Sam Boak, president and founder of Boak & Sons, Inc., Rob Cochran, chairman and CEO of #1 Cochran; Stacy Howlett, CEO of Howlett Logistics, Ashley Vidale, co-owner of Sapphire Aesthetics and Wellness; and former Youngstown State University football coach Bo Pelini.
“YBI’s steadfast dedication to fostering innovation has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs to grow, learn, and succeed. This venture is more than just business development; it’s about shaping the future of our community, one entrepreneur at a time,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator.
YBI received over 70 applicants hoping to pitch their business this year, and five companies were selected to compete in the pitch competition.
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