By Tim Ryan

In an electrifying announcement that has sent waves of excitement throughout the Hampton Roads entrepreneurial community, Innovate Hampton Roads is thrilled to share that the ABC reality series “Shark Tank” is extending an unprecedented opportunity to the region’s innovators and business visionaries. For the first time in Virginia, the casting team of “Shark Tank” will set its stage in Portsmouth, inviting entrepreneurs to pitch their groundbreaking business concepts to a panel of seasoned investors.

This casting call, scheduled for April 12, 2024, at the Rivers Casino Portsmouth, represents a pivotal moment for the local business ecosystem. It’s not just an opportunity; it’s a clarion call for entrepreneurs who believe in the potential of their ideas and are ready to propel their ventures to new heights. The “Shark Tank” platform has been a launchpad for numerous success stories, offering more than just financial investment. It provides a spotlight that can catapult a business into the public eye, offering exposure, mentorship, and the invaluable experience of pitching to high-caliber investors.

Innovate Hampton Roads has always championed the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a community where ideas can flourish and businesses can thrive. The arrival of “Shark Tank” in our region underscores the vibrancy of our entrepreneurial landscape and the untapped potential within our community. It’s a testament to the innovative spirit that permeates Hampton Roads, a region burgeoning with talent, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

The casting call is an open invitation to dreamers and doers alike, offering a rare chance to stand before the sharks and showcase the ingenuity and drive that defines Hampton Roads. It’s an opportunity to secure investment, guidance, and partnership from some of the most astute minds in the business world. This is your moment to shine, to share your vision with the world, and potentially secure the backing to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Innovate Hampton Roads is committed to supporting our local entrepreneurs in this exciting journey. We encourage every aspiring entrepreneur, inventor, and visionary in the region to seize this incredible opportunity. Prepare your pitches, refine your business concepts, and step into the “Shark Tank” with confidence. This is more than a casting call; it’s a chance to be part of a larger narrative of innovation and success, a moment to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Hampton Roads.

Let’s show the sharks, and the world, the remarkable talent and entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in our community. Your journey starts here, at the crossroads of opportunity and ambition. Dive into the “Shark Tank” and emerge with more than just an investment—emerge with a legacy.