Join The Rising Tide and Maine Maritime Academy’s Loeb-Sullivan School for a shark‑tank–style Student Business Pitch Competition showcasing new ventures dreamed up by MMA students. Cheer on six finalist teams as they pitch to a panel of local business leaders, competing for $4,000 in cash prizes to help launch their ideas. Free and open to the public—come meet the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping coastal Maine.

RSVP-ing in the form below helps us get an idea of who’s coming, but it does not hold your space at the event. Space is first come, first serve.

The Rising Tide is proud to partner with the Small Business Management Course taught at Maine Maritime Academy for the first annual “Rising Tide Award.” This award celebrates creativity, entrepreneurship, and bold thinking among the next generation of leaders.

This award is the culmination of a new class taught by Prof. Kate Kana that challenges students to create their own business. A selection of six businesses will be featured at a “shark tank-style” evening in April in Castine. A panel of small business experts with entrepreneurial experience will serve as judges for the competition for the best business idea. The public will be invited to attend this event, which will be held in MMA’s Alfond Student Center. We hope that you will join us in person on the evening of April 27 to hear these ideas!