Launching the next generation of teen founders
Shark Tank Meets High School
Inspired by the TV show "Shark Tank," The Next Big Thing is a business pitch competition that empowers high school students in Santa Monica or the greater Los Angeles Area to pitch innovative business ideas and compete for funding to launch their ventures.
Breaking
barriers
The Next Big Thing addresses three critical barriers that prevent young entrepreneurs from building real solutions. We provide the platform, the connections, and the capital to turn student ideas into impactful ventures.
Participation is completely free and open to any high school student in and around Santa Monica. This way, every aspiring entrepreneur has an equal opportunity to succeed.
$5,000
2026 Goal
$2,000
Raised in 2025
100%
Free Access
building skills
Public
Speaking
Students develop confidence and communication skills through live pitching and Q&A sessions
Strategic
Planning
Participants learn to refine their business models and develop comprehensive market strategies
Interested in competing?
Financial
Literacy
Students also gain practical experience with budgeting, funding, and financial planning
