Local entrepreneurs get chance to win cash prize

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Local entrepreneurs will get the chance to present their ideas to the community for a grand prize.

The 3rd Annual Shark Tub event will be taking place on March 2nd. The event is a localized and interactive version of the popular TV show “Shark Tank.”

MCBI Executive Director, Larry Triplett, said that attendees receive $100,000 of ‘fake money’ to bid on the different companies. The event is set up in an exhibition hall style and the public determines the outcome.

“The companies with the most invested, the top companies, go in front of a panel of local sharks,” said Triplett.

The local shark team is made up of successful business locals. The sharks determine the winning company and get to award a $10,000 prize provided by sponsors.

“The sponsors have been very generous, very helpful and they’re some of the local businesses, local banks and entrepreneurs that have sponsored this for the cause,” said Triplett.

This years event is featuring a new way for attendees to participate. The audience will be able to text their votes to the sharks to help with their decision.

“We wanted to make it so that its an interactive event so that the attendees can actually participate, and I think that’s why its been so popular,” said Triplett.

Triplett said they expanded to a larger venue to accommodate more people. Last year they were able to hold 450 people but tickets sold out weeks before. This year they will be able to accommodate 800 people with the larger venue.

The event will take place from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Zane State College/Ohio University Zanesville campus. Tickets are $13 and are available at www.mcbi.info/shark-tank-event.