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Sutherland Shire Business Chamber

Representing local businesses & driving economic development in the Sutherland Shire

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Shire Shark Dive 2025

Dive into the Opportunity of a Lifetime!

Pitch. Impress. Win.

Sutherland Shire’s premier pitch competition is back – and bigger than ever!

Welcome to Shire Shark Dive 2025

Are you a local innovator, startup founder, or changemaker with a powerful idea or an early-stage business ready to take off? This is your chance to pitch to real business sharks, gain valuable exposure, and compete for an incredible prize package designed to supercharge your growth.

Held in front of a live audience and a panel of experienced judges, Shire Shark Dive offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business or startup idea, gain exposure, receive expert feedback, and compete for a prize package designed to accelerate growth.

This is more than just a pitch competition – it’s a launchpad for local talent, an opportunity to build your network, and a chance to be mentored by some of the brightest minds in business.

Whether you’re already building your venture or have a powerful idea waiting to be heard, this is your moment to take the plunge.


Event Snapshot

Final Pitch Event:

Location – Club Menai, 44–60 Allison Crescent, Menai, NSW 2234

Date – Thursday, 31st July 2025

Time – 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM (AEST)


Application Deadline:

Friday, 11th July 2025 at 11:00 AM (AEST)


Pitch Training for Finalists:

Location – iAccelerate (location TBC)

Date – Tuesday 15th July 2025 9.30am-3.00pm


What’s in It for You?

Over $40,000 in prizes, including:

$500 cash prize

iAccelerate scholarship sponsoring a 3-month residency and pre-accelerator for up to 3 founders – Valued at $1000

Mobile App Technical Audit by Spooner Ventures – Valued at $5,000

6-month Subscription to Nevam – Customer Experience Mapping Tool Valued at $30,000

Business Coaching Package for a start-up business – 8 Business coaching sessions – including, business unpack, setting business goals, defining your vision, mission and values, business optimisation, communication, marketing and sales mastery. With compliments from Coaching Bee International – Prize Valued at $2999

Business Signage, Printing and Design starter pack – Printing, logo design, signage, business cards, magnetic print for vehicle or banners package (build it your way). With compliments from Sign 4 You – Prize Valued at $1738

Photography session – the Essentials photography package comprising of 12 images, 1 hour photo session, 1 location, 1 outfit, retouched and enhanced. With compliments from Sophie B Photography – Prize valued at $1357

Beyond the prizes, you’ll gain valuable pitching experience, media exposure, expert feedback, and connections that could transform your business.

Hurry! Entries close on Friday 11th July 2025.

Meet the Sharks

Step into the spotlight and pitch your idea to a panel of influential business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. These are the Sharks — industry experts who know what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving venture, and they’re here to challenge, support, and maybe even back your next big move.

Jade Spooner

From quitting her 9-to-5 to scaling one of Australia’s fastest-growing coaching apps into an 8-figure business, Jade has lived the founder journey from building to exiting. Now through Spooner Ventures & Advisory, she partners with health, fitness, and tech brands to build digital-first businesses, drive growth through community-led marketing, and scale smart with bold strategy and innovation

Martin Karafilis

Martin Karafilis has built and backed some of Australia’s most exciting startups. As a founder, investor, and advisor, Martin combines street-smart hustle with sharp strategy, now through his work at Karafilis & Co, he helps creators, brands, and digital businesses scale with clarity, conviction, and creative edge

Surprise Shark!

You won’t want to miss pitching to this Shark!

Updated Eligibility Criteria

We’ve expanded our eligibility to welcome more aspiring founders across the region. You must:

– Be an Australian resident aged 18 or over

– AND meet at least one of the following location-based criteria:

– Have a business registered in the Sutherland Shire

– Be a resident of the Sutherland Shire

– Operate a business that serves clients in the Sutherland Shire

– Live in or run a business in an immediately adjoining Local Government Area (LGA)

– Be available for pitch training on Tuesday 15th July 2025

– Be available to pitch live at the event on 31st July 2025

– Submit a complete application via the button below

Ready to Apply?

Click below to fill out your application form. Be sure to have your contact info and answers to all questions ready before submitting.

Shire Shark Dive Application 2025

Questions?

Feel free to get in touch with us at Sutherland Shire Business Chamber:

Email – contact@sutherlandshirebusiness.com.au

Mobile – 0414 734 490

Make Waves in 2025

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this high-impact event. Whether you’re solving local problems or scaling global solutions — if your idea has potential, this stage is yours.

Apply today. Pitch your vision. Impress the sharks.

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We acknowledge the Dharawal People, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
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