The Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC) proudly announces the winners of the 13th Annual Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition, held on October 1, 2025, at Penn Cinema on the Riverfront (Photo courtesy of Nicholls-Pierce & Company – full album on Facebook).
- $10,000 Grand Prize Winner: The Butterfly Effect Studio for Training, founded by Walter Sellers
- $2,500 Runner-Up: Scoutz app, founded by Antonio Depina
- $1,000 People’s Choice Award: Forever Freeze Co., founded by Amira Radovic
The People’s Choice Award was voted on by the public and was open to all semi-finalists and finalists.
Additional finalists included Sindri Materials Corporation, Oceeto, and Phylll. The event was hosted by Ivan Thomas, Founder and President of DETV, who served as master of ceremonies.
Final Judges:
- Monterry Luckey, Deputy Director, Delaware Workforce Development Board
- Margie Crouch, VP, SBA Relationship Manager, WSFS Bank
- C.J. Bell, Director, Division of Small Business
- James Dahlke, AVP, Office Manager, First Citizens Community Bank
Finalists were selected from close to 30 semi-finalists by a distinguished panel comprising:
- Troy Farmer, Delaware Small Business Development Center
- Jeff Buhrman, New Castle County Government
- Noah Olson, Delaware Prosperity Partnership
- Lindsay Pennington, APEX Accelerator of Delaware
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 $126,000 in cash plus thousands in prizes, trained over 350 founders in pitching, and played a pivotal role in the growth of successful startups such as Carvertise, OmniPotential, and The Trash Porters.
“Pitch competitions like Swim with the Sharks 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.”
This event was made possible through the support of our generous partners, including the New Castle County Office of Economic Development, Delaware Small Business Development Center, Delaware Division of Small Business, True Access Capital, Sherm’s Catering, SCORE Delaware, and many other dedicated sponsors.
About the Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC)
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. Located in Wilmington, DE, 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 essential resources.
Since its inception, the EEC has helped over 85 companies generate more than $187 million in revenue and create approximately 1,000 jobs. The EEC’s mission is to build sustainable business, providing the tools, connections, and mentorship necessary for entrepreneurs to thrive.
For more information about the Emerging Enterprise Center, visit www.eecincubator.com.
