Nonprofit to kick off ‘Shark Tank’ program

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Indianapolis-based Ivy Endowment Inc. will Wednesday launch its second annual Youth Entrepreneurship Shark Tank event. The eight-week program is designed for students in grades 8-12 to take part in seminars to learn how to start a business, culminating in a pitch competition for cash prizes.

The program is being offered in partnership with the Indy-based Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.  

“Ivy Endowment is happy to support Alpha Mu Omega in providing educational platforms around financial literacy and entrepreneurship,” Kimberly Morgan, president of Ivy Endowment, said in a news release. “The participating youth will receive mentorship and guidance on how to launch their own idea into a profitable venture. The resources and knowledge received are invaluable. We are glad to have the opportunity to invest in their future.”

The eight-week curriculum is being provided by local entrepreneur Kenneth Allen. He says the program will not only help students understand the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship, but it will also help improve academic performance and “gives them a solid footing as they begin to navigate adulthood.”

At the end of the program, the top 10 entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in the Youth Shark Tank Competition. The winner will receive a cash prize, as well as business coaching from a mentor to help launch their business.