About

About the Event

Due to the COVID-19 environment, our 2020 Veteran Shark Tank was held virtually. But despite all the challenges, it was still our biggest event ever! Revolutionary technology allowed our veteran candidates and sponsors to reach a national audience via livestream.

As we learned in the military when faced with any challenge, we didn't back down, we adapted and overcame. Our commitment to the economic success of Veteran entrepreneurs remains stronger than ever.

The Veteran Shark Tank was created in 2012 to promote and assist Veterans who are starting or growing their businesses. Starting out as a small regional event, it is now the premier national pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs. The event is typically held before a live audience in Philadelphia to help kick off Army/Navy Football week.

Each veteran entrepreneur pitches their business idea to a panel of “sharks” in front of a live streaming, nationwide audience. The winner receives a $50,000 cash prize and all contestants create a lifetime network to help grow and expand their businesses.

Calling All Veterans

If you are a veteran business owner and want to participate, please sign up using our online portal.

The final event in Philadelphia will feature five veteran business owners who pitch and compete for a $50,000 cash prize. Each contestant gains valuable experience to professionaly grow while creating relationships that will last a lifetime.

This is the THE veteran pitch competition. Don't miss out. Apply now.

Apply Now

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Veteran Shark Tank. Just participating in the competition gave me the confidence I needed to launch a successful business that thrives today. But winning the competition really put me on the map as a young veteran entrepreneur looking to create major value and impact. I am indebted to the Veteran Shark Tank and its leadership for creating such a tremendous opportunity to showcase veterans like myself.

— Mike Maher (Co-Founder and CEO of Houwzer)

“The 2014 Veteran Shark Tank gave me a platform amongst my fellow Veterans and community leaders to share my vision and business idea. I believe events like this really help Veterans speak in front of an audience that is there to support and appreciate the ideas and business sense of Veterans. 

— Jerry Flanagan (CEO of JDOG)

“Being a huge fan of the TV Show 'Shark Tank,' when offered the opportunity to participate in the Veteran Shark Tank, I immediately applied to compete. I had just spent several months completing a business plan. In preparing my presentation for the competition, I gained a deeper understanding of the value my products and services. Presenting and then receiving feedback from the judges greatly assisted me with confidently and convincingly articulating my company, business plan and its value proposition to my customers, team members and facilitators. From no contract awards during the time of the competition, my business has now been awarded 35 federal and state contracts totaling over $2.5 million – thank you to the Veteran Shark Tank! 

— Bill William J. Belknap, Sr., M.B.A., Aeonrg