5
Calling All Entrepreneurs, Founders and Innovators
Tiger Shark Tank
Apply Now to Pitch at Tiger Shark Tank 5!
Live at The Ridgefield Playhouse
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Applications due by October 1, 2026
Judges Adam Norwitt, Jay Walker, Suni Harford and Chris Bishop with 2024 Winners Sinead Harrington and Tripta Volamoore and ECDC Commissioner Sean Dowd
Step Into the Tank
The Tiger Shark Tank, hosted by Ridgefield’s Economic & Community Development Commission, is Ridgefield ECDC's marquee event. This live pitch session brings together entrepreneurs and visionaries to share their business ideas with a packed audience, high-profile judges, and local investors — all in one unforgettable evening.
Win Over $5,000 in Prizes
All prizes awarded in Ridgefield Chamber Gift Cards, redeemable at 400+ local businesses:
🥇 1st Place: $3,000
🥈 2nd Place: $1,500
🥉 3rd Place: $500
Why Present?
Unmatched Exposure
Your business will be promoted through:
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Ridgefield town-wide email blast
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ECDC newsletter (2,000+ subscribers)
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Social media campaigns
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Printed flyers throughout town
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Press coverage in The Ridgefield Press, 068 Magazine, and more
Present to an Incredible Panel of Judges
Our previous judging panels have included:
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Adam Norwitt – CEO of Amphenol
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Suni Harford – Former President, UBS Asset Management
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Jeff Bornstein – Former CFO & Vice Chair,
General Electric -
Chris Bishop – Founder, North American Motor Car
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Megan Searfoss – Founder, Ridgefield Running Company (CT Run Co.)
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Deborah Ann Backes – Owner, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe
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Frank Micalizzi, Bridgeport Regional President and Head of Commercial Banking for Connecticut, M&T Bank
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Christa Carone – LPL Financial
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Sean Dowd – ECDC
Game-Changing Feedback
Get real-time insights from investors and seasoned executives that can sharpen your pitch, refine your business model, and open doors to new opportunities.
Valuable Networking
Before the show begins, we’ll host a pre-event networking session in the Playhouse lobby, where:
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Presenters can set up a table to meet potential investors, customers, and collaborators
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Small business support organizations like the SBA and others will be available to share free resources and guidance
Who Should Apply?
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Startups, small businesses, nonprofits, or solo entrepreneurs
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Launch-stage ventures or existing businesses with new ideas
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Ridgefield residents or entrepreneurs from neighboring towns
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All industries welcome — tech, retail, services, food, health, education, and more
How To Apply
Submit your application
by Thursday, October 1.
Questions? ECDC commissioners are happy to speak with you about your pitch or the process. ECDC Commissioners Emeriti Sean Dowd and Mark Riser will work with the final contestants on their presentations. Contact us.
Commissioners Emeriti Sean Dowd and Mark Riser
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