Swim With the Sharks business finalists named

The 2025 finalists are:

• Sindri Materials Corporation 
• Scoutz
• Oceeto 
• The Butterfly Effect Studio for Training
• Phyll

The Delaware-based entrepreneurs will pitch their ventures in front of a panel of expert judges, competing for a $10,000 Grand Prize grant,  sponsored by the New Castle County Office of Economic Development, along with additional cash prizes to support the growth  of their businesses.

The event will feature a networking happy hour, offering the chance to meet this year’s semi-finalists and finalists and connect with members of the startup community.. 

Now in its 13th year, Swim with the Sharks is one of Delaware’s longest-running pitch competitions.

Since its inception, it has showcased over 100 local entrepreneurs, awarded more than $120,000 in cash prizes, and played a pivotal role in the growth of successful startups such as Carvertise, OmniPotential, and The Trash Porters.

“Pitch competitions like this are powerful drivers of local economic growth, providing early-stage startups with the training, visibility, and funding they need to scale,” said Alysse Bortolotto, vice president of the Emerging Enterprise Center. “These events don’t just spark innovation - they strengthen our workforce, expand our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and create lasting impact right here in New Castle County. I’m especially proud of past winners like Chris Boozer, founder of The Trash Porters, who used this platform to grow his team, expand his fleet, and give back to his community.”

Judges: 

• Monterry Luckey, Deputy Director, Delaware Workforce Development Board
• Margie Crouch, VP, SBA Relationship Manager, WSFS Bank 
• C.J. Bell, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business
• James Dahlke, AVP, Office Manager at First Citizens Community Bank

Register for the event here.

The Emerging Enterprise Center is a non-profit business incubator designed to support the growth of local entrepreneurs. Through expert mentorship, business development programs, and affordable office space, the EEC helps startups scale and succeed.

The EEC is an initiative of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and provides over 5,000 square feet of office and co-working space, conference rooms, and access to resources.

 Since its inception, the EEC has helped over 85 companies generate more than $187 million in revenue and create approximately 1,000 jobs.