The new season of Shark Tank is looking for a fresh stock of baits to be presented to the Sharks! The show has opened nationwide applications for a fresh group of entrepreneurs from all walks of life and beyond to show up and secure a spot to appear on the infamous Tank.
This new slate of businesses will be filtered to be featured on Shark Tank’s forthcoming season 18.
How Businesses Should Prepare for Shark Tank
Supervising casting producer Mindy Zemrak talked about what the show is really looking for. She shared how the casting journey works and what helps a pitch stand out from the pack. Her advice offers a solid look at what it takes to get noticed before you ever step into the Tank.
Zemrak explained the Shark Tank philosophy, saying, “We are looking for passionate, driven entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business to the next level with an investment. There’s no single mold with ‘Shark Tank.’ That’s what’s so great. What matters most is that you believe in your product, you know why it exists, and you’re ready to grow.”
Why Appearing on Shark Tank Can Change a Business
Shark Tank has launched a coast-to-coast casting call, welcoming hopeful founders to apply both online and at live events. Entrepreneurs with new concepts, original products, or growing companies are invited to step up and share what they’ve built.
Those who make it through will get the chance to present their vision to a panel of Shark investors, all ready to hear a strong pitch and decide if a deal is worth making.
Zemrak says stepping into the Tank can completely reset the pace of a business. What once felt gradual can turn fast and intense almost instantly. Many of the show’s biggest breakthroughs began with someone choosing to take a risk and show up.
Year after year, viewers watch ideas evolve into real companies. For the right founder, that single decision could spark a whole new future.
What To Expect at a Shark Tank Open Call
Zemrak urges hopeful applicants to show up for an open call if they can. She describes it as an energizing experience where founders connect with other driven builders and get a real chance to put themselves in front of the casting team.
These events draw crowds from all over the country, turning the day into a packed meeting ground for big ideas and bold ambition.
Where and When to Audition for Shark Tank Season 18
Two more casting events are coming up soon for entrepreneurs hoping to get in front of the Shark Tank team.
The first takes place on March 12 in Southern California. Morongo Resort & Spa will welcome applicants starting at 10 a.m. A few days later, the final open call for the 2026 season heads to Philadelphia on March 18.
That event will be held at The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia, with interviews kicking off at the same time.
What Founders Gain From the Shark Tank Experience
If the past pattern shows anything, it is that Shark Tank rewards preparation and conviction. The founders who tend to stick with you are the ones who can clearly explain what they’re building and where they want to take it. A deal isn’t the only win. The experience alone can sharpen a business and shift how someone moves forward.
