By Vinnie Mascarenhas
Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
Yesterday, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for a Shark Tank-style entrepreneurship competition at Suncoast Technical College (STC) North Port, where students presented original business concepts to a panel of community and business leaders.
What stood out was the readiness of students across our region to step into the workforce with confidence. Through their presentations, they demonstrated critical thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate ideas into practical, solution-oriented business concepts.
The event, organized through the leadership of Business Technology and ESOL Instructor Jarek B. , gave students the opportunity to pitch business concepts in front of a panel of judges portraying investors — complete with the iconic Shark Tank theme music as students entered the room. And they delivered.
Most impressive was not simply the creativity of the ideas. It was the level of preparation behind them. Students discusussed and demonstrated real-world business skills:
- Target audiences
- Competitive analysis
- Manufacturing costs
- Profit margins
- Branding
- Scalability
- Market positioning
- Distribution strategy
One student pitched “Charge Clip,” a portable charging solution with a manufacturing strategy already considered. Another team presented “Pivot Pen,” a product supported by detailed market analysis, financial projections, and a clear understanding of its audience.
Jessica, creator of “Daizy’s Diner,” envisioned more than a business. She envisioned a gathering place for teenagers in North Port — a 1950s and 60s-style soda bar designed to encourage young people to disconnect from phones and reconnect with one another face-to-face. Her concept reminded everyone in the room that entrepreneurship can also strengthen community.
Rowan introduced an incredibly niche but innovative model train track cleaning system with strong profit potential and a clear understanding of a specialized market.
Ashley, creator of “Wanna Be Lolita,” demonstrated confidence and adaptability during negotiations with the judges, ultimately securing a mock investment deal involving international distribution strategy.
Another student team developed “Blue Star Web Design,” focused on helping small businesses improve visibility and branding online — an increasingly valuable service in today’s economy.
And then there was “Mixmate.”
Angela’s presentation for Mixmate — a portable mixer designed for coffee, supplements, teas, and powdered beverages — stood out not only for the concept itself, but for the professionalism behind it. Her product schematics were detailed, thoughtful, and investor-ready. The discussion among the judges became one of the most competitive moments of the afternoon as multiple “sharks” debated the business’s potential.
The judging panel also included:
- Mikael Sandberg , Economics Professor at University of South Florida
- Teresa Carrier, former Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Executive at Busey Bank
- Carole Schroeder, ESOL Instructor at Suncoast Technical College (STC) North Port
What made this event especially meaningful was seeing students from Charlotte and South Sarasota Counties gaining exposure to entrepreneurship, public speaking, business strategy, and professional presentation skills before entering the workforce.
Some students at Suncoast Technical College North Port are dual-enrolled while still in high school. Others are pursuing certifications or continuing education opportunities as adults preparing for new career paths. All of them benefited from an experience that encouraged confidence, creativity, and problem-solving.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, we often talk about helping young people realize their full potential. Events like this are an important reminder that when students are given opportunities to lead, create, and present their ideas in front of professionals who take them seriously, they often rise far beyond expectations.
The future workforce is already here.
Special thanks to Jerick Bielak, Suncoast Technical College North Port, the participating students, faculty, and my fellow judges for investing time into creating an experience these students will remember for years to come.
#Mentorship #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReadiness #BigBrothersBigSisters #NorthPort #SuncoastTechnicalCollege