Veteran Shark Tank Searches Nation for Best Veteran-Owned Business Concept

$50,000 grand prize, and a professional network to launch business, at stake

The search is on for a $50,000 business idea: Veteran Shark Tank has opened applications for its 8th annual national competition. The sharks are on the hunt for the most compelling, promising Veteran-owned business plans.

Eligible Veterans must submit a business plan -- either to start or grow a business -- by Oct. 20 along with a 2-minute video about their concept and why it should be included in the 8th Veteran Shark Tank. Five of the strongest applicants will advance to the final round and deliver a live business pitch to an all-star panel of Veterans, business professionals, and celebrity judges, which in past years have included Chef Robert Irvine and Navy Veteran NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson.

"While many businesses are having to shut down or scale back, we're renewing our commitment to help Veterans get their businesses off the ground. We've hosted this program for seven years, and we're not going to let COVID-19 interfere with our plans," said Alex Archawski, a Navy Veteran and founder of Veteran Shark Tank. "Veteran Shark Tank is a tremendous opportunity for Veterans who are starting their own businesses to receive support and guidance, create new relationships and lifelong networks, and compete for funding."

Previous contestants, including Houwzer, Baby Bedside, NeuroFlow, Zero Eyes, POWTI, and more, have gone on to have successful careers after participating in Veteran Shark Tank.

Jerry Flanagan, a 2014 contestant and co-founder and CEO of JDog Brands, knows first-hand about the benefits of participating in the competition. "While we didn't win Veteran Shark Tank, the connections, feedback, and brand exposure we gained throughout the process undoubtedly helped us grow JDog and continue to pay dividends, even six years later. It's why I continue to be involved in Veteran Shark Tank today. I've experienced the impact and want to pay it forward to help empower the next generation of Veteran entrepreneurs."

The final event will kick off on Dec. 7 with keynote speaker Jesse Iwuji, a former college football player at the Naval Academy and current NASCAR Driver. He will share the story of how he followed his entrepreneurship dream of racing. The event will conclude with $50,000 awarded to the best concept, which is made possible by generous sponsors, including Comcast NBC Universal.

For eligibility, requirements, and to apply, visit www.veteransharktank.com. Follow Veteran Shark Tank on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for more updates.

About Veteran Shark Tank

The Veteran Shark Tank was created in 2012 to promote and assist Veterans who are starting or growing their businesses and is the premier national pitch competition for Veteran entrepreneurs. Each Veteran entrepreneur pitches their business idea to a panel of "sharks." The winner receives a significant monetary prize and all contestants create a lifetime network to help grow and expand their businesses.

About JDog Brands

JDog Brands is the umbrella for an array of home and commercial services franchise organizations owned and operated by Veterans and Military family members. Its first two companies are JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning. Over the next 10 years, JDog Brands has a goal of 5000 new franchises nationwide. For more information, visit www.jdogbrands.com.

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