Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Dolphin Tank
Ten years ago, students in Chuck Stormon鈥檚 entrepreneurship class wondered why they didn鈥檛 have their own business competition. When Stormon and Dean Jim Joseph met their enthusiasm with support, Dolphin Tank was born.
In April, Dolphin Tank celebrated its 10th anniversary with a packed room, a WCNY PBS production crew, and more enthusiasm than ever for budding local entrepreneurs.
Dolphin Tank 10: Better Than Ever
Nine student participants competed for a total of $50,000 in front of a packed audience in James Commons.
鈥淚t鈥檚 now a pillar event for Le Moyne and businesses in our region. It鈥檚 an ecosystem for a night: sponsors, angel investors, entrepreneurs on stage, local small businesses, service providers, and the media. It鈥檚 a community rallying behind the next generation of entrepreneurs.鈥� – Keenan Center Assistant Director James Shomar
Nic Figler, founder of Figs Finest Detailing, came away the top earner of the night.聽鈥淣ic鈥檚 personality totally won the day. His energy and optimism are contagious.鈥澛燦ic made history by becoming the first contestant ever to receive a judge鈥檚 full $5,000 award toward his total earnings.
Full-Circle Moment: Participant Turned Sponsor
Meet 2020 Participant Devin Simmons
Over the years, Dolphin Tank has welcomed alumni back into the audience and occasionally onto the stage. But this year marked a first: an alumnus returned as a sponsor.
Devin originally received funding for his digital marketing business. He later became Chief Marketing Officer for a supplements manufacturer.
鈥淒olphin Tank provided the fuel I needed to get started on a business that changed my life,鈥� says Devin. 鈥淚t allowed me to advance in my career faster than I would’ve dreamed.”
Dolphin Tank by the Numbers
$5.3M Dolphin Tank winners have raised or earned (through investment or sale of a company)
$370K Total funds distributed to date
42 Companies that reached sales (out of 72)
$5.3M Dolphin Tank winners have raised or earned (through investment or sale of a company)
$370K Total funds distributed to date
42 Companies that reached sales (out of 72)
From the Stage to the Screen
Dolphin Tank Makes Its Television Debut
What began as an idea during last year’s event became reality this spring when WCNY PBS captured Dolphin Tank’s 10th anniversary for a 30-minute regional television special. Featuring student pitches, judge feedback, and the excitement of competition, the broadcast shares the energy of Dolphin Tank with viewers across Central New York while spotlighting Le Moyne’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and community collaboration.
鈥淧eople at Le Moyne have an innate gift to make the ordinary extraordinary. The passion, focus, and creativity that students and judges bring create an incredibly infectious energy.鈥� – Mitch Gelman, WCNY President & CEO
