Last year’s inaugural Shark Tank was a success beyond expectation, with 150 people and 21 businesses raising more than $40,000 in cash donations in a matter of hours.

This year’s event, to be held at the Nowra School of Arts, is shaping up to be even bigger.

The money from last year’s fundraiser went straight back into the Shoalhaven community. Those funds were bolstered by priceless donations in-kind, including a job for a homeless man, plus 14 businesses offering to mentor young people in their organisations?

The Shoalhaven Shark Tank uses the concept of Channel Ten’s TV show, The Shark Tank, where services pitch ideas to local business people who can buy into them if they are interested.  

Southern Cross Community Housing, Community Development manager Penni Wildi said part of last year’s success was attributed to the different panels of sharks at different pay grades.

“This allows businesses to be more comfortable about their financial commitment if they can only afford a small contribution,” Ms Wildi said.

She said another reason last year’s event was so popular was because many businesses were looking for easy ways to donate locally.

Feedback leading up to last year’s Shark Tank pointed out that business owners in Shoalhaven were often sponsoring overseas charities because it was easier.

That’s an issue The Shoalhaven Shark Tank can help local businesses address.

“One bid from a women’s refuge last year, only got to the first slide of their presentation,” Ms Wildi said.

“They asked for a vegie patch and got three vegie patches, soil, gardening tools, $400 worth of plants, a computer desk, computer and printer, new toys and safety mats.

“They only asked for a garden bed.  It was incredible,” Mr Wildi said.

Fellow organiser Lesley Labka from the Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI) said last year’s event showed her a community of compassion and warmth.

“Some days working within this sector can feel pretty challenging.  It can feel like a litany of not enough beds, not enough homes, not enough money, help or hope.  But this event was not one of those days,” she said.

The Shoalhaven Shark Tank is returning for 2016, with lead agencies, Southern Cross Community Housing and SAHSSI, organising and planning the event for August 2 in Homelessness Prevention Week at the Nowra School of Arts.

This year, organisers are expecting to double attendance.

Ms Wildi said 21 businesses had already put their hands up to participate. 

“The Mayor has offered to pay for the venue from her personal funds and we even have a Facebook page – The Shoalhaven Shark Tank,” she said.

“Please like us and help us build relationships between the business community and the support service communities.”

To get involved phone Penni Wildi at Southern Cross Community Housing on 4421 5145 or email at penni@scch.org.au

The Shoalhaven Shark Tank is hosted by Southern Cross Community Housing and SAHSSI on behalf of the Shoalhaven’s Homelessness and Good Living Interagency.

The Interagency meets monthly, with a mission to work collaboratively to reduce homelessness in the Shoalhaven. One of the objectives of their action plan is to examine how to support and build relationships with local business.