The San Marcos High School Entrepreneurship Academy (SMEA) showcased talent and innovation and won a “Shark Tank” style competition.
Students recently participated in the 14th annual SBCC Sheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge. During the event, each team pitched their own business idea for a chance to win his $1,000.

In a competition that included students from across the county, the top nine finalist teams were all from San Marcos High School.
The winners are:
• 1st place – ClipMe: $1,000 for a market maker platform that connects student-athletes with local videographers.
• 2nd Place – Ready, Set, Bake!: $600 for a subscription service that delivers easy-to-use baking kits to your door.
• 3rd place – Circle: $400 to a mental health platform that provides a safe space to share emotional struggles.
“At SMEA, we believe that entrepreneurs are empathetic problem solvers. This year’s students demonstrated empathy and problem-solving skills unmatched by any other high school student.” San Marcos said Graham Olson, director of the Entrepreneurship Academy.
“With these future business leaders at the helm, our future is bright,” Olson said.
The competition involved students asking and answering questions about their companies. The judges were particularly interested in the problems the companies were trying to solve. Marketing and Distribution Channels. revenue model. and financial forecasting.
The competition involved students asking and answering questions about their companies. The judges were particularly interested in the problem the company was trying to solve, its marketing and distribution channels, its revenue model, and its financial projections.
“The skills students learn through SMEA will serve them well throughout the rest of their lives,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “Skills like public speaking and business development will help students as they decide their futures.
“We are proud that SMEA is developing the next generation of entrepreneurs, marketing directors, app developers, and more.”