Finalists announced in first ever MBS Shark Tank competition
Six first-year business students took center stage at the inaugural MBS Shark Tank competition, pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of judges and vying for scholarship prizes. From solving local childcare shortages to offering personalized blankets and international snacks, these budding entrepreneurs demonstrated creativity, business acumen, and a passion for addressing real-world challenges.
Meet the finalists who impressed the judges with their vision and determination:
First Place:
Colleen Thamsen
Hometown: St. Agatha, ME
Majors: Finance & Management
Business Name: CM Childcare Services
CM Childcare Services aims to support busy and hardworking parents by offering flexible and affordable childcare options in the Fort Kent area. Whether parents need a night off to recharge or a day to tackle household chores, CM Childcare Services provides tailored solutions. The business offers convenient services, including transportation to events, practices, and outings. Overnight and evening care is also available, making this childcare service unique in its offerings and committed to meeting the needs of families in the community.
Second Place:
Marcus McLain
Hometown: Falmouth, ME
Major: Finance; Honors College
Business Name: Custom Coziness
Custom Coziness offers fully customizable, high-quality blankets to help customers personalize their spaces during the colder months. Through the website, customers can upload approved images to be printed on soft, durable blankets. Founder Marcus McLain leverages his experience in international commerce to ensure positive relationships with manufacturers and customers. Custom Coziness provides an affordable way to stay warm while expressing creativity.
Third Place:
Nastassja DeLoge
Hometown, Bath, ME
Major: Computer Science and Business
Business Name: Nastassja DeLoge Media Design & Branding
Nastassja DeLoge Media Design & Branding helps businesses thrive by creating authentic brand identities that connect with their audiences. With five years of experience in professional photography, Nastassja offers services, including brand strategy, website design, marketing campaigns, and branding photography. This business combines creativity with strategy to deliver personalized solutions that empower brands to stand out in a competitive market.
Other Three Finalists:
Nevaeh Bartlett
Hometown: Shapleigh, ME
Majors: Accounting & Finance; Honors College
Business Name: Spiral Spreads
Spiral Spreads offers beautifully designed and functional planner spreads to help individuals manage their busy lives. These planner spreads are sold as digital downloads on Etsy, allowing customers to reuse them indefinitely for a base price of $1.90. Inspired by her success with to-do lists and bullet journaling, founder Nevaeh Bartlett combines academic efficiency with artistic design to help others stay organized and productive.
Colton Flaherty
Hometown: Franklin, MA
Major: Finance
Business Name: Fun Foreign Food
Fun Foreign Food brings international snacks to college students looking for a unique and fun experience. This business offers a variety of snacks not typically available in the U.S., providing students with new flavors to try and enjoy. Founder Colton Flaherty draws on his background in sales, including a successful high school fundraising effort, to deliver snacks that range from single-serving to multi-serving options. Fun Foreign Food adds excitement to everyday life and helps students discover their next favorite treat.
Hallie Taunton
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Majors: Finance & Management
Business Name: Group-Pop
Group-Pop simplifies international ordering by handling customers’ purchasing and shipping processes. With a network of trusted team members in foreign countries, Group-Pop ensures that products are legitimate and arrive safely. By consolidating multiple orders into a single shipment, the business reduces shipping costs and minimizes risks. Founder Hallie Taunton leverages years of experience and a strong global network to help customers access products from places like Korea and Japan, catering to growing interest in international fashion and culture.