The East Ohio Business Pitch Competition, known as Sharktub, is a notable initiative to foster regional entrepreneurship. In 2022, John Kelly of the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation spearheaded the formation of a committee of partners, bringing together stakeholders from various counties, including Guernsey, Muskingum, Tuscarawas, Coshocton, Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, and surrounding areas. These counties were chosen explicitly due to a noticeable lack of similar competition in the region. Sharktub is unique in its approach to public engagement, inviting the community to attend the event and purchase prop money to invest in their favorite business ideas, thereby simulating a real-world investment environment.
The name "Shark Tub" was inherited from a similar competition held only once in Zanesville, Ohio; the committee wanted to build this unique brand into an annual event promoting the entrepreneurial spirit. The inaugural competition occurred on April 25th, 2023, at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge, OH. The winning pitch, "A Taste of Ohio - Wine, Bourbon, & Beer," captivated the judges with a creative proposal for a bourbon ice maker machine, setting a high standard for innovation and presentation.
Buoyed by the first event's success, the committee decided to allow each participating county the autonomy to host the event at a venue of their choice. The second annual Sharktub competition was held at the Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia, OH. This time, the winning idea came from a group of Claymont High School students whose business concept, Age Well, impressed the judges with its creativity and potential impact.
Following the second event and the growing interest in the competition, the committee expanded its scope to include contestants from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Government Association's region. This newly defined area encompasses Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties, broadening the competition's reach and potential impact on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across East Ohio.
After receiving entries from a very diverse group of entrepreneurs, the committee is now seeking support from the community to add a youth division to the competition. This new division aims to inspire and nurture young entrepreneurs, allowing them to showcase their innovative ideas. Additionally, the committee plans to re-evaluate and enhance the competition rules to make the event more engaging and competitive. By continuously evolving the format and structure of Sharktub, the committee hopes to maintain the excitement and momentum of the competition, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in East Ohio.