Instructions for what is required in your business outline are listed under "Instructions for Submission" section. You will not be able to save your application as you go or edit it once submitted.
The Swim With the Sharks Pitch Competition is open to for-profit businesses within New Castle County that has been in business fewer than five (5) years. Entrants MUST have a valid business license at the time of submission, a headquarters and presence in New Castle County, and available to pitch in person at the finals on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Penn Cinema located in Wilmington, Delaware.
All applicants must submit an application form plus a pitch deck and/or business outline of no more than five (5) pages including a cover page (single-sided, Calibri 12 pt, single-spaced, PDF format) that includes the following information:
Submissions will be judged by a panel of judges with a range of business expertise. Initial submissions will be judged on the following criteria:
All eligible submissions will be invited to present a five (5) minute pitch virtually in front of a panel of judges. Judges will have the opportunity to ask questions. Three to five finalists will be selected based on a combined score of the written and oral presentations.
The finalists will be invited to present a five (5) minute pitch to a panel of judges in person in Wilmington, Delaware. The winner will be selected based on a combined judge/audience vote.
Application opens on June 2, 2025
Deadline for submissions: August 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST
Eligible submissions invited to present virtual pitch before a panel between August 18-September 5, 2025*
Selected Finalists Pitch Live at Penn Cinema at 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2025
Please note, applicants unable to present their pitch to a panel of judges during the semi-final and final round listed above should not apply. *Semi-final dates are subject to change.
The Emerging Enterprise Center reserves the right to verify all eligibility requirements and will, at its sole discretion, disqualify any entry it deems to be offensive or otherwise inappropriate, or not in keeping with the Emerging Enterprise Center’s image, or that is otherwise not in compliance with the terms of these competition rules.
Emerging Enterprise Center
920 Justison Street Wilmington, DE 19801 US
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | (302) 737-4343
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