The Preston Rotary Club made a splash with its first-ever Shark Pond Event, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of two hopeful African business owners and resulting in an exciting outcome for all involved.
Contestants Clement Henry and Raphael Mapinda, both agricultural entrepreneurs from rural viliages in Malawi, captivated a panel of four judges from the Preston Rotary Club with their compelling business pitches. The judges’ team consisted of Rotarians Chad Hansen, John Dalley, Kelly Mickelsen, Steve Fuller, and Assistant Governor Anita Swainston.
As the event unfolded live on Zoom during the Preston Club’s regular meeting time on Tuesday at noon, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The audience watched intently as Clement and Raphael competed for a $1,000 grant offered by the Preston Club to support their respective businesses – a chicken farm and a tomato cultivation facility.
After much deliberation, the judges reached a unanimous decision, declaring both contestants equally deserving of the grant. In a surprising twist, the Preston Club awarded a full grant to both Clement and Raphael, giving each entrepreneur invaluable support to grow their businesses.
Over the next two years, these ambitious entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pay back the interest-free micro-loan to a Local Rotary Clubs in Malawi who will collect the repaid funds and continue the cycle of empowerment by investing in more deserving business owners.
Entrapov, the host of the Shark Pond event, is a non-profit organization based in Idaho. Their mission is to teach and foster self-reliance and economic prosperity by helping underprivileged entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas access the resources they need to achieve their dreams.
To experience the highlights of this remarkable event and witness the passion of these inspiring entrepreneurs, visit the Shark Pond Event highlight reel on YouTube at https://youtu.be/AzHqQaJTr-I?si=D85naDowbt6nqrnD
To learn more or to invite Ben Davidson to your club to learn how your club can be involved in this heart-warming international service project, call or text Ben at (208) 244-4786 or email him at Entrapov@gmail.com
By Rich Kirkham, Past District Governor 2019-2020, 208-251-6570, rich@richkirkham.com
