Ridgefield Tiger Shark Tank 5 To Feature IBM CEO, Five Local Business Pitches

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Five local entrepreneurs will pitch business ideas to a panel of judges that includes IBM CEO Arvind Krishna when the Ridgefield Economic and Community Development Commission holds its fifth annual Tiger Shark Tank competition Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., following a networking session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road. Admission is free, although reservations are encouraged.

This year's finalists represent businesses and proposals involving local transportation, fitness, music and creative services, medical technology and nonalcoholic beverages.

The five contestants are:

• Acorn Express — Elizabeth DiSalvo and Bob Jewell: The two lifelong Ridgefield residents will propose a trolley service intended to address local traffic and parking challenges while encouraging tourism.
• Novel Movement — Ellie Grayson-Mendez: Grayson-Mendez founded a Ridgefield literary fitness studio and independent bookstore that combines Pilates, strength training, barre and other exercise programs with reading and community activities.
• Miles Ahead Creative Studios — Miles Elliot: Elliot, a DJ, musician, producer, audio engineer and educator, is developing a Ridgefield space where artists and entrepreneurs can collaborate. He previously served for three years as director of the local Bach to Rock Music School.
• Shteg.ai — Dalip "Lippi" Korabi: Korabi, owner of Ridgefield Eye Physicians & Surgeons on Grove Street, developed a technology platform intended to simplify the process between patient visits and payments for independent medical practices. Korabi has 20 years of experience in health care information technology. The company has patents pending and was recently accepted into NVIDIA Inception, according to the ECDC.
• Mod Elixirs — Jillian Fontana: Fontana, a certified sommelier, founded a Ridgefield beverage company producing three botanical elixirs for the nonalcoholic beverage market. She plans to expand the company's presence in retail stores and hospitality businesses.

The judging panel will include Krishna; Virginia Turnbull, senior vice president and commercial lending team leader at Fairfield County Bank; Suni Harford; Chris Bishop; and Sean Dowd.

According to the commission, this year's competition attracted its largest applicant pool to date.

Audience Gets A Vote

For the first time, Tiger Shark Tank attendees will have an opportunity to vote for their preferred contestant.

Audience members will hear the presentations and use a QR code to cast their votes. The audience selection will be separate from voting by the judging panel, according to the ECDC.

The competition, which began in 2022, offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to present business proposals, receive feedback and compete for prizes. According to the event website, prizes include $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $500 for third place, awarded in Ridgefield Chamber gift cards.

New 'Feeder Tank' For Other Applicants

Another addition this year is a "Feeder Tank," which will allow businesses that applied but were not selected as finalists to participate in the event.

The Feeder Tank will be located in the Playhouse's lower lobby during the networking session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The five finalists will be stationed in the upper lobby near the stage doors.

The arrangement will allow attendees to meet both the finalists and other applicants before the presentations.

The ECDC said it considered the potential community benefits of applicants' business proposals when selecting this year's finalists.

The commission, which is responsible for promoting and developing Ridgefield's economic resources, organizes Tiger Shark Tank to connect local entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and consumers.

Fairfield County Bank is the event's title sponsor.

The competition is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

Admission is free. Reservations are available through the Ridgefield Playhouse event page.