Students Test Business Ideas at "Shark Tank" Contest in Clarksburg
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Thirty Harrison County high school students put their business ideas to the test on Friday, competing in a "Shark Tank"-style contest.
Students teamed up to create a new product or service for a local business. The event marked the fifth annual Harrison County Schools Business Symposium, held at the Pierpont Community & Technical College Gaston Caperton Center in Clarksburg.
This year, the focus was on The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport. Each team collaborated with local volunteer business coaches and teachers to craft their pitch and share their ideas with a panel of judges.
Harrison County Liaison Specialist for Career and Technical Education Programs, Geraldine Beckett, discussed the event's educational value with 12 News.
"These opportunities give us a chance to delve into marketing, design, strategy, finance, and all the elements that contribute to a successful business," Beckett shared. "So, who knows? Perhaps one of these students will leave here with a spark for their own business or be inspired to start their own venture later on."
The event encouraged students to network with local business leaders and collaborate with their peers. The winning team received $25 Amazon gift cards as a prize.