Shark Tank Workshop: Turn Big Ideas into Real Pitches!

Level: Grades 9-12 | Length: 8 Weeks | Day: Monday

In this dynamic, hands-on workshop, students become young entrepreneurs—dreaming up innovative products or services, developing solid business plans, and pitching their ideas in a friendly “Shark Tank”-style showcase.

Over several engaging sessions, they’ll explore creative problem-solving, teamwork, and public speaking, all while learning essential business fundamentals like cost analysis and marketing strategy. The experience culminates in a high-energy pitch event, where they present to local business leaders and field real Q&A—building confidence, communication skills, and a can-do mindset.

✅ Create & Innovate: Spot problems, invent solutions, and design projects from scratch.

✅ Develop & Pitch: Build business plans, craft persuasive presentations, and deliver them with impact.

✅ Impress & Grow: Gain feedback from guest judges, handle tough questions, and celebrate big ideas.

Whether your student is a future entrepreneur or simply loves dreaming up new ideas, this workshop offers a fun, supportive environment to explore creativity and maybe spark the next great innovation!

This class is designed for high school, but would be appropriate for an advanced 7-8 grader as well.

Weekly Syllabus

Week 1 – Introduction to Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Icebreakers & team formation

• What makes a great product or business?

• Famous Shark Tank examples & mini case studies

• Brainstorm session: identifying problems worth solving

  
  

Week 2 – Ideation & Concept Development

• Techniques for creative problem-solving

• Refining ideas into workable products or services

• Start developing an elevator pitch

• Homework: Research your market & competitors

  
  

Week 3 – Building a Business Plan

• Basics of cost, pricing, and profit

• Identifying target customers

• Drafting a simple business model canvas

• Teams begin outlining their plans on paper

  
  

Week 4 – Marketing & Branding

• Logos, slogans, and messaging

• How to sell your idea in 60 seconds

• Begin preparing a marketing strategy & sample materials

  
  

Week 5 – Pitch Skills & Public Speaking

• Structuring a persuasive presentation

• Handling tough questions & objections

• Practice mini-pitches to peers with feedback

  
  

Week 6 – Refinement & Visual Aids

• Designing pitch visuals (slides, props, prototypes, or posters)

• Work time: teams finalize their presentations and materials

• Optional guest speaker (local entrepreneur or marketer)

  
  

Week 7 – Rehearsals & Mock Sharks

• Full run-throughs of each team’s pitch

• Peer critique & instructor feedback

• Tips on professionalism, poise, and clarity

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Week 8 – Shark Tank Pitch Showcase

• Final presentations to invited guest judges (local business owners, parents, community leaders)

• Q&A session with judges

• Awards for Best Pitch, Most Creative Idea, Best Teamwork, etc.

• Celebration & reflection