Wilmington, Delaware – Owner of The Trash Porters, Christopher Boozer, made a splash at the Emerging Enterprise Center’s 11th Annual Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition on September 27, 2023, at the Penn Cinema Riverfront 14 + IMAX with his winning pitch that took home the $10,000 Grand Prize provided by New Castle County Office of Economic Development’s NCC Innovates. The Trash Porters offer property management and their residents trash and junk removal services that improve property appeal, reduce legal liabilities due to unsafe and unclean living conditions and responsibly dispose of unwanted trash.
The $1,500 Runner-up Prize provided by Sherm’s Catering and YourMoney101 went to Droneversity founded by STEM educator and molecular microbiologist Pilot Ashlee Cooper. The $1,000 People’s Choice Award, voted on by close to 4,000 members of the public, was awarded to CEO of RestoreMD Medical and Wellness, Dr. Kimberly Rogers, and was provided by SCORE Delaware.
“This is a great event! The whole process leading to the competition has already helped The Trash Porters, and myself!” says Grand Prize winner Christopher Boozer.
2023 Finalists
- Christopher Boozer, Owner of The Trash Porters
- Ashlee Cooper, Founder and CEO of Droneversity
- Zach DeLong and Leigh Ann Tona, Owner of Sleeping Bird Coffee and the future Sleeping Bird Donut
- Kimberly Rogers, MD, CEO of RestoreMD Medical and Wellness
- Jane Singer, Inventor and Founder of Needle Wielders
Final judges for this year’s competition:
- Sarah Crawford, Consultant for Women’s Business Center at True Access Capital
- Parris “Jet Phynx ” Duncan, Ceo & Founder of Jet Phynx Films
- Amy Johnston, COO of Eddy
- Michelle Washington, Chief Executive Officer of Women of M.O.R.E.
Finalists were selected out of 28 semi-finalists by:
- Associate State Director for Delaware Small Business Development Center, Sarah Mailloux Satterfield
- Director of Economic Development for New Castle County (DE) Government, C.J. Bell
- Director for Center for Professional Development and Partnerships Faculty and Management & Marketing Faculty at Goldey-Beacom College, Deanna M. Merritt, Ph.D.
- Director of Innovation for Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Noah Olson
This event would not be possible without the support of our programming partners Delaware Small Business Development Center, New Castle County Office of Economic Development, and the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.
GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE:
- Cash Prize: $10,000 (Provided by NCC Innovates initiative of the New Castle County Office of Economic Development)
- Emerging Enterprise Center Virtual Incubator Program: $3,600 Value One year membership that offers office and conference space, mail and phone services, mentorship, networking and business education.
- New Castle County Chamber of Commerce (NCCCC) Membership: $350 Value – One year membership that gives a new business networking opportunity, visibility, credibility, training, advocacy, and promotion.
- NCCCC Premium Marketing Package: $1,400 Value – Free advertising and marketing opportunities.
RUNNER-UP PRIZE:
- $1,500 (Provided by YourMoney101 and Sherm’s Catering)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD:
- $1,000 (Provided by SCORE Delaware)
FINALIST PACKAGE:
- New Castle County Chamber of Commerce (NCCCC) Membership: $350 Value – One year membership that gives your business networking opportunities, visibility, credibility, training, advocacy and promotion.
The purpose of this event is not simply to present a check to a deserving start-up, but to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that fosters economic growth, provide essential pitch training and feedback, and showcase innovative start-ups in Delaware.
As one of Delaware’s oldest pitch competitions, this competition has showcased the ingenuity of over 110 Delaware entrepreneurs and invested over $125,000 in local start-ups. Contributing to the success of such founders as Mac Nagaswami of Carvertise, Karin Roseman of Deer Valley Danes, Amira Idris of TheraV, and many more!
Former winner Adam Stager, the founder of TRIC Robotics said, “so many people became aware of what we are doing because of this [competition]. I am urging all start-ups in Delaware to apply to this. It has been an amazing opportunity.”
If you would like to join us in showing why the first state is the best state for business, make a tax-deductible prize contribution or sponsorship for next year.
About the Emerging Enterprise Center
The Emerging Enterprise Center is a non-profit business incubator dedicated to ensuring the success of local entrepreneurs providing expert guidance to fast track their learning curve, connecting businesses with the resources they require and offering affordable office space within a supportive environment. As an initiative of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the incubator and accelerator program offers 5000 sq. ft. of affordable office and co-working space, conference rooms, professional business development, expert mentorships, office amenities, and connections that are vital to the success of new business start-ups and entrepreneurs
Our mission is simple—help build sustainable businesses. Since opening our doors, we have helped over 75 companies and entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Through our incubator program, we have helped create over 300 new jobs and have generated more than $83 million in revenue.
For more information about the Emerging Enterprise Center, visit www.eecincubator.com.
