application process

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Competition! The deadline to apply is March 15, 2025.

Eligibility: All students (Kindergarten - 12th grade) in Contra Costa County may apply. Limit one application per business. If a team is applying, one team leader must be designated.  

Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, how the business is presented, the viability of the business, and how the prize money will be used to grow a business. 

2025 Competition Timeline:  

January 2025 - Application opens 

March 15, 2025 - Application deadline 

Early April 2025 - Finalists announced 

May 1, 2025 - Finalist Pitch Event at the Lafayette Library. Winners receive $1,000 (first place), $500 (second place), $250 (third place). Prizes distributed in the form of Visa cash cards.  

To apply, please complete the questions below. Attaching your pitch video is optional but highly encouraged! Video must be less than 2 minutes. You may complete the application using this Google Form if you plan to submit a large video file, or email your video file to contracostasharktank@gmail.com if it's too large to attach below. Good luck!