Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition

One of Delaware’s premiere pitch competitions dedicated to elevating and funding early-stage startups in New Castle County.

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Prize Packages

FAQs

Past Winners

Partners

Why compete?

Swim with the Sharks gives New Castle County entrepreneurs a no-cost opportunity to compete for over $25,000 in funding, plus valuable prizes and professional services designed to help your business grow.

By participating, you’ll:

Develop essential skills and experience pitching your business.
Boost visibility and showcase for your business.
Receive expert feedback from business leaders.
Win non-diluted funds to grow your business.

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Eligibility & Instructions

The Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition is open to for-profit businesses headquartered in New Castle County, Delaware, that have been in operation for fewer than five (5) years and hold a valid Delaware business license. Applicants must be available to pitch in person at the Finals on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Penn Cinema in Wilmington.

To apply, complete the online application and submit a single PDF containing a cover page, pitch deck, and business outline (maximum five pages) formatted in Calibri 12-point font, single-spaced. The business outline should include an executive summary, market research, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections.

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2026 Prize Packages

Grand Prize

Grant

Co-working Space

Runner-up Prize

Grant

3rd Place Prize

Grant

4th & 5th Place Prize

Grant

Finalists & Winners

NCCCC Membership

Want to contribute? Email info@eecincubator.com to get involved.

82%

Over 82% award recipients are women and/or minority businesses

$126,000

$126,000 awarded to Delaware startups

300+

Since 2020, over 300 people trained how to pitch to investors.

14,986

Since 2021, startups have received 14,986 votes and visibility.

“

Amazing opportunity. I am urging all start-ups in Delaware to apply to this.”

Adam Stagger

2020 Winner

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?

Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition is open to for-profit businesses within the New Castle County that has been in business fewer than five (5) years. Entrants MUST have a valid Delaware business license, headquarters and presence in New Castle County, and available to pitch live at finals in Wilmington, Delaware.

Is it free to apply?

Yes, there is not fee associated with applying for Swim with the Sharks.

How many finalists are selected?

In the past, three to five finalists have been selected and the Emerging Enterprise Center reserves the right to determine the final finalists based on the number of applicants.

How do I apply?

The competition happens in the fall and the applications go live in the summer. The application will be linked on this website. Make sure to sign up for a reminder to get a notification directly to your inbox.

How should I prepare of the pitch competition?

For the application, please be prepared to share your business plan and pitch deck. If you are eligible to continue to the first round of the competition after submitting your application, you will be need to prepare a 5-minute pitch and pitch deck to virtually present to a panel of judges. Finalists will be asked to present their 10-minute pitch live in-person in front of an audience and judges.

What if I need support?

Applicants will be provided with on-demand pitch training webinars to watch and will be invited to attend a how to pitch workshop. If you need additional help, our staff would be happy to work with you or we can connect you with a SCORE mentor and/or SBDC advisor.