The Chamber of Commerce in Sandy, Utah has found a creative way to cultivate the future entrepreneurs in their community. On March 16th, the Sandy Chamber of Commerce held its final round of judging for Young Entrepreneurs, an annual event for young, budding entrepreneurs competing for the chance to turn their business dreams into reality. With local business experts serving as mentors, the event has become affectionally known as “The Little Shark Tank” in reference to the reality show of a similar premise, “Shark Tank”. 

One such mentor was John Taylor from Keep It Marketing of Sandy, Utah. Taylor and several other local business owners volunteered their time to help a dozen young contestants. Taylor and his colleagues would meet with their assigned future business owners on a weekly basis for several weeks to help the kids draft business plans, set up marketing channels, develop product designs and much more.

Taylor was quoted as saying, “I love helping the kids. Each year I get to help some amazing future business wizards take a step towards their dreams. Every time I have taken part in this incredible event I have seen some outstanding ingenuity and creative ideas. I am sure I learn as much from the kids as they learn from me.”

The awards night was held on March 30, 2016 at The Aquarium in Draper. Although Taylor was available to help every contestant, the young lady he was assigned to won $500 for her business with the Grand Prize winner receiving a $2000 prize to start their business.