On March 16, students of the Venango eAcademy competed in the Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition. Students pitched ideas they have been working on for the past several months to a panel of judges in hope of winning “investment” money. The judges included Jess Carroll of the Northwest Commission, Deb Eckleberger of Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, and Reese Stiller of Kingdom Guard Financial Group.

The prize money was generously donated by Franklin Industries. The pitches were presented by Ethen Crawford (Lights O’ Life) and Diana Hickey (Petals Pig Food), both of Rocky Grove High School. The judges are excited to see more of these ideas and awarded both students $100 for prototyping and further development of their business plans.

For the remainder of the program, the students will work to put together a business plan for the businesses and will present these plans in the Demo Day Showcase on May 15. At this event, the judges will pick one business to win the $800 scholarship, also donated by Franklin Industries. Anyone is welcome to attend, and any students considering the program are especially encouraged to join.

Applications are now open for the Class of 2024 – for details on the program check out the insert in this edition of the newsletter or visit linktr.ee/venangoeacademy

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s April 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.