Powderhorn Shark Tank is a small business and big ideas competition for local hustlers, makers, and entrepreneurs in Minneapolis, MN brought to you proudly by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA).
Contestants will be evaluated in multiple categories by a juried panel of business experts, and winners will receive a variety of prizes including cash awards, free services for their businesses, and connections to local business coaches and resources. Meet the Jurors of the 2018 Powderhorn Shark Tank in the first of this two part series!
Rita Garnett Khan
SVP Digital Experience, United Healthcare
Over 20 years in corporate retail with a focus on enterprise start-ups and new development to support and drive enterprise growth initiatives. Led digital product strategy, management and development at BestBuy.com, Digital River and most recently at United Healthcare leading a team for digital properties such as myUHC.com, uhcmedicaresolutions.com and the Health4Me mobile App.
Why are you interested in supporting small/emerging business owners?
Passionate about supporting and providing access and opportunity. Communities as well as medium to large enterprises gain when new and emerging businesses prosper. These new ideas and approaches spark innovation. Conversely, those of us in the corporate environment also can provide insights, alternative perspectives and mentorships to help new and existing business’ grow.
Chris Montana
CEO and Head Distiller, Du Nord Craft Spirits
Why are you interested in supporting small/emerging business owners?
As the owner of only black-owned micro distillery in the country, I feel a special responsibility to open the door for those underrepresented in the craft community: women and people of color. While there may be many reasons why the industry is homogeneous, I see my role as providing a place for people to get a toe in the industry if they wish to do so.
Small business creation can be the path to greater wealth for marginalized people. This country, and the laws that govern it, is built around business interests and business risk; to truly enjoy and participate in the 'American dream' all communities must benefit from the structural supports for American business.
Caitlin Rogers
Productions Director and Co-Owner, Next Day Animations
Twitter: @speedyanimation or insta: @nextdayanimations
As the Productions Director and co-owner, Caitlin has overseen the growth of Next Day Animations from idea to an award-winning explainer animation studio, serving nonprofits, government agencies and corporations around the globe. She believes in entrepreneurship as a tool for transforming our world.
Why are you interested in supporting small/emerging business owners?
For the past five years, I've been immersed in the joys and trials of growing a business; every day there's a new challenge to tackle. I'm excited to support other emerging business owners in their journeys and share with them the ideas and tools I wish we had discovered earlier.
Mónica Romero
Business Liaison Manager, WomenVenture
Mónica has worked in different areas within the field, such as: assessing business ideas, packaging loans, helping in the creation and management of a business loan program and getting it CDFI certified.
Why are you interested in supporting small/emerging business owners?
Social Justice has played an important role throughout Mónica’s work career. Her work with clients has included facilitating the removal of barriers in accessing municipal and state regulatory and entity creation opportunities for limited English entrepreneurs. As the Business Liaison Manager, Mónica focuses on building and sustaining relationships that result in increased utilization of WomenVenture services by women of color.
Powderhorn Shark Tank
Saturday, May 19th, 2018 // 2:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Powderhorn Park 3400 15th Avenue South