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Fish Tank 2027: dates to be announced

Fish Tank

A pitch competition for students in grades 3–9 across Chicagoland, inspired by Shark Tank. Bring your business idea, present it to the judges, and answer their questions.

It is free to enter, and you do not have to attend camp to compete.

Get Fish Tank 2027 updatesHow it works
A student demonstrating a block-tower product during a Fish Tank pitch
A live demo during a Fish Tank 2025 pitch.
Who
Grades 3 to 9
Teams
Solo or a small team
Pitch
5 minutes plus questions
Prizes
$750 for the top five
Cost
Free

How it works

Fish Tank runs in two rounds after camp. This is how the 2024 and 2025 competitions worked. The 2027 details will be posted here when they are set.

  1. Register and form a team

    Compete on your own or with a small team, and register. Define your business concept, conduct market research, and develop both a marketing and financial plan.

  2. Prepare with a mentor

    Every Fish Tank participant attends at least 1 hour of office hours per week leading up to the competition. This is mandatory, so every team shows up ready.

  3. Preliminary round

    Present your business to a panel of high school business leaders, including DECA state officers and international finalists. Pitches run 5 minutes, followed by questions. The top 12 teams advance.

  4. Final round

    Pitch your polished idea to a panel of business owners, industry leaders, and government leaders. The top five teams win prize money to help launch their businesses.

  5. After Fish Tank

    Every participant keeps access to BizBuzz camp resources, detailed feedback from the judges, and contact information for our high school judging panel. Support does not stop after the pitch.

Two divisions

Since 2026, every student competes against peers at their own level.

  • KidPreneur division

    KidPreneur students, or grades 3 to 6

    Built for our youngest entrepreneurs. Students pitch their business ideas in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment designed to build confidence and creativity.

  • VentureLab division

    VentureLab students, or grades 6 to 9

    For students who went through the full VentureLab experience. A more rigorous pitch format, deeper feedback from judges, and higher stakes as competitors go head to head.

$750 in prize money

In 2024 and 2025 the top five teams split $750 to help launch their businesses, each presented on a giant check.

Every participant gets detailed feedback from the high school judges, and finalists also get feedback from the professional panel. All participants gain access to year-round support and resources to keep building.

  1. BizBuzz NFPFish Tank · 1st place
    Pay to the order of1st place team$250
    Two hundred fifty and 00/100dollars
  2. BizBuzz NFPFish Tank · 2nd place
    Pay to the order of2nd place team$200
    Two hundred and 00/100dollars
  3. BizBuzz NFPFish Tank · 3rd place
    Pay to the order of3rd place team$150
    One hundred fifty and 00/100dollars
  4. BizBuzz NFPFish Tank · 4th place
    Pay to the order of4th place team$100
    One hundred and 00/100dollars
  5. BizBuzz NFPFish Tank · 5th place
    Pay to the order of5th place team$50
    Fifty and 00/100dollars

Past competitions

Winners, judges, and photos from 2024 and 2025, and the two divisions of 2026.

Winners so far: Garrett's Gourmet Dog Treats (Garrett Hauk, 2024) and The Better Investor (AbduRahman Yuldash, 2025).

Questions about Fish Tank

All FAQs
What is Fish Tank?

Fish Tank is our final pitch competition. Think Shark Tank, but for students. Participants present their business ideas to judges, build confidence, and showcase everything they've learned.

Can my child join Fish Tank without attending camp?

Absolutely. Fish Tank is open to all eligible students, even if they're not enrolled in our camp.

You do not need to be a part of the BizBuzz summer program to compete in Fish Tank. Students are encouraged to work with friends who are also not part of BizBuzz this year.

What are the divisions for Fish Tank?

Students who are enrolled in VentureLab or between the grades of 6th to 9th will participate in the VentureLab division.

Students who are enrolled in KidPreneur or between the grades of 3rd to 6th will participate in the KidPreneur division.

How do we sign up for Fish Tank?

You can register through the link shared in our emails or slide decks. It only takes a few minutes.

The Fish Tank 2027 dates have not been announced yet. Email bizbuzznfp@gmail.com to hear when registration opens.

Is it really free?

Yes, 100% free. Our mission is to make entrepreneurship accessible to every student, thanks to the support of our community partners.

Want to pitch in 2027?

Start at camp, or come with a business you are already building. Email us and we will tell you when Fish Tank registration opens.

Email us about Fish TankSummer camp 2027