Batavia High students to pitch business ideas at 'Shark Tank'-style event

Batavia High School juniors and seniors will pitch business ideas during a "Shark Tank"-style competition May 6 at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.

This is the first year for the contest. "Pitch Night" will include teams of three and four students in the school's INCubator Entrepreneurship course selling their ideas for new products and services to real investors from the local area. The public event begins at 6 p.m. at the center, 1201 Main St.

During class, students work in teams to create and develop a product or service. Local entrepreneurs and business experts serve as volunteer coaches and mentors, guiding students through Lean Startup processes of developing hypotheses about a business concept, testing those hypotheses, adapting, and further iteration. The program includes foundational business topics, such as marketing, human resources, business law, and finance.

"This is authentic learning for our students," said Brad Newkirk, Batavia School District 101 chief academic officer. "There are so many important skills that they are learning. They are problem solving with every obstacle that comes their way - and there are plenty. They are thinking on their feet, having to pivot on ideas, and are constantly collaborating with each other, their team mentor, coaches, and instructor. That's real life, and that's exciting."

Students made first-round presentations to Batavia Foundation members and local business experts in February. Five of the 12 teams that presented earned initial funding - up to $500 - from the foundation. All 12 teams are moving ahead to the final round.

Students who survive the tank will walk away with funding for their business concepts - there is no cap on funding - before high school graduation.

The course is designed by INCubatoredu, and is sponsored by the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence.

For more information, including event sponsorship opportunities, visit BataviaFoundation.org.