This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Shark Tank Junior Comes to Orange County

"A Less Carnivorous, more User-friendly" version comes to help small business owners reach their maximum potential.

I am a huge fan of the hit ABC TV show, Shark Tank. I have auditioned for the show, reviewed all 40+ episodes and 170+ participants, and have interviewed many of them. On October 25 we will have our OWN version in Orange County.

It’s called “The Guppy Tank” and is comprised of a panel of investors looking for a good business or venture to invest in.

“The Guppy Tank was created as a way to reach out and help local businesses get the funding that they need,” says Darrin Ginsberg Guppy Tank founder. “We want to find businesses that will have a positive impact on the local community, have a real passion for what they do and then help them take their business to the next level.”

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Businesses and persons who wish to apply must be located in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties and have been in business for one year or more.                        

PRIOR to the event, a FREE Half Day Boot Camp pre-event audition will be offered to help potential candidates prepare and learn what works and what does not. It will be held Saturday, October 13 at Concordia University in Irvine from 1:00pm-5:00pm. This will allow enough time to make modifications prior to the October 25 event. Special guests include four participants from the Shark Tank TV show, including three that have been funded and one that was not, and they will all share their experiences and what they learned. This event will also allow Wildcard Candidates to pitch, regardless of whether you are chosen or not.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Of those that attend the pre-event audition and make it to the next level, they will present their case on October 25 at the Balboa Beach Club in Newport Beach. Every entrepreneur will have a reasonable amount of time to “pitch” their business and in my experience that should be done in no more than 5-10 minutes. If it takes longer than that to explain a business, it is either too complicated or the owner does not truly understand it.

  "This will be a great opportunity for any qualified Southern California business to get the financial boost that they need,” added Ginsberg. “We all know that money can be very tight these days, but we think that there are a number of small operators out there who just need a little leg up. We think that by giving them this chance it will not only benefit them but also the community that we live in as well. It is a win-win situation for everyone.”

To view a FOX TV video or to register for the pre-event or to read more or call 949-495-6162.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?