Tiger Shark Tank 5

Five years in, Ridgefield has its own version of the tank. Tiger Shark Tank 5 is the annual live business pitch competition run by the Ridgefield Economic and Community Development Commission, and since it launched in 2022 it has become one of the town's signature economic development events. Entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of accomplished executives, investors, and business leaders and walk away with feedback, publicity, and exposure they could not buy.

There is real money on the line, roughly $5,000 in prizes, and the judging panels have historically included CEOs of global corporations, founders of nationally recognized companies, private equity investors, and working entrepreneurs. Past winners include InterPrice Technologies, Pop Art! Kids, and Ideal Home Innovations, all of which used the visibility to keep growing. It is open to Ridgefield residents, Ridgefield business owners, and anyone hoping to start a business in town, and eligible entrants include startups, small businesses, nonprofits, student entrepreneurs, and established businesses with a new idea.

Come early to work the room. The evening opens with a networking reception, so entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and neighbors can connect before the live pitches begin.

Sponsored by Fairfield County Bank. This event is a rental of the Playhouse facility.