Orange Coast College's Pirate's Plank will showcase student entrepreneurship on Wednesday, April 9, at 6:45 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theatre.
Pirate’s Plank is a business pitch competition that encourages OCC students to solve problems and inspires their entrepreneurial spirit. Like ABC's Shark Tank show, OCC students will present their business ideas to a panel of judges, who are three local business leaders and owners. This year’s judges include Daniel Gibson, partner at Kobbe Martens IP + Technology Law Firm, Amanda Hazzah, owner of Clutch Motorcycle Training, Inc. and co-founder of The Women’s Moto Project, and finally, Mima Ranson, founding chair of ASU FIDM Museum.
The student presenters will pitch their business idea to the panel of judges, who will listen to the presentation and ask questions regarding the product's viability in the marketplace. The judges will also offer advice to improve their solutions and presentations. This year’s presenters include OCC students Aaron Spann, Gearld Canaday IV (Volume LWH), Abner Molina (Talyko), Matthew Mancini (AmpLink), and Sotaro Ichii/Jie Kashiwagi (CleanGuard Solutions).
"Pirate's Plank is a platform for students to explore their innovative side and business acumen, along with honing their skills for real-world success," says business associate professor Mark Grooms.
After the five presentations, the judges will select two winners: "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Most Innovative." Each winner will receive a cash prize of $700. The event is open to the public, and admission is free.
"With Pirate's Plank, OCC is championing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers," says Grooms.