Invest Nest is a non-profit organization that hosts a competition similar to the popular TV show “Shark Tank”. The competition allows high school students in Utah to pitch their business ideas and receive financial backing. The PC CAPS program, which helps students develop their entrepreneurial skills, is closely associated with the competition but operates separately.
Dylan Rifkin, a high school student involved in the PC CAPS program, plays a key role in organizing and marketing the competition. The previous semester’s students raised funds to support the local event. Competitors work on their ideas outside of school hours and come from diverse industries such as apparel brands, renewable energy, and crypto. The judges will evaluate the ideas based on their development, presentation, and feasibility in the real world.
The public is invited to attend the final pitches of the top six finalists at the Park City Eccles Theater. Participants will give elevator pitches to judges, investors, and attendees who will vote for a winner. The first-place winner will receive $5,000 and advance to state finals in Provo for a chance to win $20,000. The second-place finisher will also receive $5,000 while third place will get $2,500. Each participant will receive $1,000 for participating in the competition.
Invest Nest has supported over 100 high school student startups since its founding with 40 of them still active today. It works with eight districts across Utah including Park City and Wasatch County School Districts to promote entrepreneurship among high school students.
Overall Invest Nest provides an excellent platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and gain valuable experience while providing financial support for startups that have great potential to succeed in
