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Students find their way out of SOAR’s ‘Shark Tank’

SALISBURY — “You know what?” said V.J. Maury. “This is a really good idea.”

Maury was one of six panelists, drawn from the local business community, who participated in a version of “Shark Tank” with students at Salisbury Central School (SCS) on Thursday, Nov. 8.

“Shark Tank”  was sponsored by SOAR, the after-school enrichment program at SCS.

The students, in grades five and six, made brief presentations to the panel, explaining their business ideas and asking for funds in return for a percentage of the business.

Natalia Smirnova ran the course, in which the students learned about entrepreneurship, investment, income, profit and revenue.

Mabel Fenton’s idea for an online business in specialized, customized pet food is what got Maury’s attention.

Other business ideas included: The Sweet and Salty Bakery; a sleep-away camp that specializes in culinary arts; and a little device that prevents zippers from getting stuck.

The panelists were Maury, Jon Higgins, Stephanie Pellegrino, Leslie O’Neill, Karen Hamilton and Kamilla Najdek. 

They asked probing questions about overhead and marketing, and offered encouragement to the students.

 

 

Lakeville Journal

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