Dive in for your share of $60K
Jumpstart Shark Tank, powered by JCA, is gearing up for its biggest pitch event yet with $60,000 on offer for the most innovative social-purpose initiatives that directly impact the local Sydney Jewish community.
Winners
Now in its fourth year, Jumpstart Shark Tank continues to bring out the best and brightest of our community. They’ll be pitching their ideas to a notable panel that this year includes, among others, serial entrepreneur and TV personality, Andrew Banks, and entrepreneur, philanthropist and influencer Richie Harkham.
Last year’s event was a full house with more than 500 in attendance to hear five inspirational Jewish social entrepreneurs share their ambitions and pitch for a share of the prize money. It also gave their programs valuable exposure to the community as well as ideas and insights from the judges.
The first prize of $30,000 was awarded to a remarkable 25-year-old, Madeleine Buchner who was nominated for the Young Australian of the Year in 2018 and awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her work supporting young people who care for sick siblings or parents. Madeleine started Little Dreamers at the age of 16 as she realised there was a gap in support for young people like herself dealing with and caring for chronically ill family members. Little Dreamers was already established in Melbourne and the win allowed them to expand their program to the Sydney community.
Gali Blacher and Madelyn Jones from The Good Box received the second prize of $15,000 for their social enterprise which sells care packages of toiletries, essential supplies and comfort items that people can purchase and give directly to those experiencing homelessness or hardship in our community.
The People’s Choice award of $5,000 was presented to Romy Wolman from The Single Sock Solution.
Romy’s 11-year-old daughter has cerebral palsy and while she cannot do much with her hands, she can weave. This inspired Romy to create The Single Sock Solution which finds a meaningful purpose for all those stray socks we collect. They all come together in weaving workshops where disabled, abled and aged community members transform them into magnificent, unique art pieces, rugs and blankets to sell, with profits being returned to the community.
If you think you have what it takes to pitch to the sharks, apply now at www.bit.ly/st-2019(applications close September 3rd).
JCA’s Jumpstart provides a focus for engagement for our younger community members through innovative initiatives that enrich and energise our vibrant local community. Find out more at www.jca.org.au/jumpstart.
