This year, the South Valley Chamber of Commerce's “Shark Tank”-style event for high school students took place in front of an actual shark tank. The competition between young entrepreneurs, modeled after the “Shark Tank” reality show on ABC, was held March 18 at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Students from Jordan and Canyons School Districts presented their ideas for new businesses before a panel of five judges. The winners received thousands of dollars in prize money.

"Really, there are no losers," Chamber President and CEO Jay Francis said. He spoke of how the competition showcases the hard work, ingenuity and talent of the younger generation. "This is one of my favorite events," he added. "You go home after this and think, 'We're going to be OK.'"

 The South Valley Chamber of Commerce brings together entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate leaders to foster a strong local economy. "As a chamber, we're connecting the next generation to the local business community through this event," Francis said. 

The Chamber initiated the competition about 10 years ago. “It’s about encouraging students to be business-minded,” he added. “This is our way of giving back.”

The judges were Sybrina Ely, President and CEO of Kenbry Capital; David Edmunds, owner of Salt Mine Productive Work Space; Jeanette Bennett, CEO and Executive Managing Director of Colliers International; Beth Colosimo, Salt Lake County Regional Development Director; and Heather Nash, general manager of Mountain View Village. 

Eleven teams of local high school students, selected by the Chamber’s Small Business Committee, competed live at the event for $9,500 in prize money. Their presentations were judged on personal style, business effectiveness, timeliness and ingenuity. 

The students’ ideas ranged from environmentally-friendly fashion designs to AI personal assistants to tools for rock climbing. Jayme Jensen, Vice President and Managing Director of the South Valley Chamber commented, “These young entrepreneurs are incredibly impressive, and it’s exciting to see the creativity and initiative they bring to their businesses.” 

All of the competitors take courses in business at either Canyons Technical Education Center (CTEC) or the Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers (JATC.) Alta High School and CTEC student Aiden Leon explained that his business concept evolved out of an assignment in his Business Leadership class. Leon pitched his idea for a guided planner and journal to help teens combat stress and burnout called “Burnout to Balance” and won second place in the competition.

First-place winners Abby Elmer and Kellyn Hovi from Herriman High School and JATC, named their proposed earring brand, “KIVI.” According to their pitch, KIVI pierced earrings would consist of hypoallergenic posts with interchangeable charms allowing customers to change their look while their ears are healing from the piercing. 

 “We just sat down and brainstormed ideas to solve everyday problems,” Elmer said. She and Hovi won the $5,000 grand prize. Both are members of DECA, a nationwide organization that prepares high school students for leadership roles in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

“I’m super happy,” Hovi said. “Going into this, I didn’t expect it, but I’m so glad we were able

to win. I learned a lot about presenting and business through this and met so many new

people. I loved it.”

The third place winners were Cash Christensen, Kolton Candelaria and Ayson Christensen from Riverton, Herriman and Bingham high schools, respectively. The three students, who also attend JATC, pitched their concept for “Stashed,” a customizable financial planning app for teens. 

The panel of judges praised all of the contestants. Ely had some words of advice. “We are so incredibly proud of all of you,” she said. “Don’t quit and keep innovating.” 

“Business is an exciting place to be,” Bennett said. “There’s a lot out there to explore.”