Text version of this issue (469 words)
Extracted from the PDF so the issue is searchable and can be read by a screen reader. The newsletter is a magazine layout, so side-by-side boxes can interleave here. The PDF above is the correct reading order.
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2026 This season, SharkMakers is stepping into a bold new chapter as we continue our mission to help students discover their superpowers, embrace innovation, and become the CEOs of their own lives. As technology, AI, and entrepreneurship reshape every industry, the need for creative, confident, and adaptable leaders has never been greater. Collegiate SharkMakers Our inaugural competition in partnership with the University of South Florida begins this fall. Open to college students across the Tampa Bay area, the application deadline is September 23 . The kickoff will be on October 2 . Students will then move through a series of hands-on workshops, mock pitches, and a final pitch and awards celebration on December 8 . Focus will be on building entrepreneurial thinking, innovation leadership, problem-solving, product development, and collaboration with industry professionals. rd nd th High School SharkMakers Info sessions and community engagement events will be held in late October and early November. The season starts on Dec 12 and the deadline to apply is Dec 6 . Workshops will be conducted twice a month January - March with finalists being selected on March 13 . Finalists will showcase their talent at our premier Pitch Tank event, followed by mock pitches, and the season will wrap up with final pitches in mid-April. The season will conclude with the Miami GCF 10X Experience in late May. th th th To prospective participants and mentors: what are you waiting for? SharkMakers was proud to partner with Amgen and USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship for an incredible STEM and Entrepreneurship Boot Camp in July. There were 160 students (grades 8-12) from roughly 65 different schools for this 4 day rapid fire camp. We helped students begin their entrepreneurial journey through ideation, product design, and customer discovery. A highlight was a full-circle mentorship of our SharkMakers winners who shared their experience and gave back to the next generation. We were inspired by the energy and talent of these students, and we're looking forward to many of them joining us this coming season. EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION By investing in SharkMakers, you are giving students real-world business experience, igniting their creativity, and empowering them to turn bold ideas into action. Together, we are shaping the changemakers of tomorrow. Become a part of SharkMakers! What’s Ahead, the Next Wave A New Season of Innovation Building the Next Generation of Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders This is where potential turns into purpose, ideas turn into action, and lives are changed for good. The future will belong to those who can adapt, create and lead. SharkMakers is preparing students to do exactly that, to think bigger, build stronger, and defy the script to make a lasting impact. Student Waitlist Sign Up Mentor Registration AUGUST SPOTLIGHTS AUGUST SPOTLIGHTS
