SANDY, Utah — Eleven teams of high school entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of local business leaders during the South Valley Chamber’s annual Shark Tank-style competition at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s new event center.

Students from the Jordan and Canyons School Districts competed live for $9,500 in prize money, including a $5,000 grand prize. Each team was selected by the Chamber’s Small Business Committee and presented their concepts in front of a live audience, answering questions from the judging panel.

Judges included Jeanette Bennett, Executive Managing Director of Colliers Utah, along with members of the South Valley Chamber’s Small Business Committee and other local business leaders.

“This has become one of my favorite events of the year,” said Jayme Jensen, Vice President and Managing Director of the South Valley Chamber. “These young entrepreneurs are incredibly impressive, and it’s exciting to see the creativity and initiative they bring to their businesses.”

After deliberation, judges announced the top three teams:

First Place: KIVI, an earring technology that allows customization during the ear’s healing process after a piercing, created by Abigail Elmer and Kellyn Hovi (Herriman High School/JATC).

“I’m super happy,” said Hovi. “Going into this, I didn’t expect it, but I’m so glad we were able to win. I learned a lot about presenting and business through this and met so many new people. I loved it.”

Second Place: Burnout to Balance, a life planner designed to help high school students manage stress, created by Aiden Leon (Alta High School/CTEC).

Third Place: Stashed, a financial planning app for teenagers, created by Cash Christensen, Kolton Candelaria, and Ayson Christensen (Riverton, Herriman, and Bingham High Schools/JATC).

“Business is an exciting place to be,” said Bennett. “There’s a lot out there to explore.”

Each participant received a Minky Couture blanket.

“The biggest difference between a successful business and one that doesn’t is quitting,” said Sybrina Ely, founder of Kenbry Capital. “Keep going, keep trying, keep innovating, and keep creating.”

“This reinforces our hope for the next generation,” said Jay Francis, President and CEO of the South Valley Chamber. Francis also awarded the remaining teams $100 each and encouraged them to continue pursuing their business ideas.

The event was sponsored by Doman Innovative Studio, Colliers International, Mark and Kathy Miller, and Minky Couture.

The competition highlights the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship education across Utah’s high schools and provides students with real-world business experience in a professional setting.

Honorable Recognition:

In addition to the top three winners, the following student teams were selected to compete in the South Valley Chamber’s 2026 Shark Tank-style competition:

  • Charmistry — Alice Hagi Manoukian, Alta High School
  • CRUX — Spencer Johnsen, Logan Hart, Ethan Peterson, Brighton High School/CTEC
  • Jake’s Junk Removal — Jake Morrison, Hillcrest High School/CTEC
  • Money Maker — Samuel Perillo, Herriman High School/JATC
  • Move Ease — Brant Ellefsen, CTEC
  • Orbital AI — Caleb Vickers, Brighton High School
  • Renewal — Kaitlin Barron, Alta High School/CTEC
  • Unique You — Akon Atem, Copper Hills High School

About the South Valley Chamber

The South Valley Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for business growth and connection across seven of Utah’s fastest-growing cities: Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman and Bluffdale. Through strong partnerships with each city, the Chamber brings together entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate leaders to strengthen the region’s economic fabric. Guided by its four pillars—Connect, Educate, Advocate, and Grow—the South Valley Chamber provides the tools, relationships, and visibility businesses need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.