The Scheinfeld Get REAL Accelerator is an entrepreneur program hosted by the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Santa Barbara City College. Get REAL is designed to provide upcoming and past SBCC collegiate winners of the annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition extra support for entrepreneurial development and the launch of their ventures. 

Get REAL provides an inclusive learning environment that welcomes diversity among student founders and their business concepts. Entrepreneurs and subject matter experts lead six learning labs that are tailored to meet the collective needs of up to six participating founders.  Additionally, each founder has a dedicated mentor to help the founder set and attain six month milestones. This customized support is designed to help students successfully navigate startup challenges and close gaps in their entrepreneurial skill set for success. Skill development is measured using the Readiness Inventory for Successful Entrepreneurship (RISE). The Scheinfeld Get REAL Accelerator entrepreneur program is offered at no cost to the student participants.

The Get REAL Shark Accelerator is open to current and former SBCC students who are winners of the annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge (NVC) business plan and pitch competition held in April each year. Submit your entry to the Scheinfeld NVC in April 2022. SBCC students who place first, second, or third in the Scheinfeld NVC are invited to participate in the Get REAL Accelerator.

An SBCC entrepreneurship course that is particularly helpful for submitting your entry to the Scheinfeld NVC is ENT 208, Business Plan Development. Students submit their business plan entry to the Scheinfeld NVC competition as part of the course. ENT 208 is offered in the Spring Semester at SBCC each year. For SBCC entrepreneurship course descriptions, click here.  SBCC enrollment is now open for the 2022 Spring Semester; to apply and enroll, click here.

The Get REAL Shark Tank is the culminating event of the Get REAL Accelerator held in November during National Entrepreneurship Month. Participants in the Get REAL Accelerator who reach their six-month milestones are eligible to compete for a $10,000 award and business support to help them continue the upward trajectory of their venture. Additionally, the angel investors have the opportunity to take up any team’s persuasive investment offer if they choose. The public is invited to attend this lively event to support student entrepreneurship. 

Three Santa Barbara City College student entrepreneurs will make their mark during National Entrepreneurship Month by competing in the virtual Scheinfeld Get REAL Shark Tank—the culmination of a six-month entrepreneur program at SBCC called the Scheinfeld Get REAL Accelerator. 

The event includes a special announcement of a new program for business owners and entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara County. The Economic Growth Accelerator provides business owners who are planning an innovative growth initiative for their business with a new source of capital, training, and business advising for support in carrying out the initiative.

Cast your vote by liking and commenting on the Scheinfeld Instagram post for your pick! The community vote will be considered by the judges among their scoring criteria to determine the winner of the $10,000 award that has been generously provided by Union Bank. Click on the links below to cast your vote before the judge’s deliberation.

John Harmon, Oil Slick Adhesive Remover

Elvis Idunate, Texas Tacos

Steven Benavidez, Argonauts Tactical

Meet our esteemed panel of judges who are successful entrepreneurs and investors from our local business community who will determine which student will walk away from the competition with the $10,000 award generously provided by Union Bank.  Thank you for sharing your expertise in support of student entrepreneurs!

CHUCK SANTRY, CEO / National Sales Manager, NBEV

Chuck’s career in business is expansive, having served in startups and large American corporations as CEO,COO, ExVP, Director of Sales and Marketing, National Sales Manager, and R&D Team Leader. Actively involved in various companies, ranging from American Durable Products, PepsiCo, Strauss Industries, and NBEV, as well as several Santa Barbara startups, Chuck brings in-depth insight into building successful companies.

MARC DEPACO, founding partner, DT Law Partners

Mark is the founding partner of the law firm DT Law Partners, LLP, in Santa Barbara, California, formed in 2020. Prior to joining that firm, he was a partner at Fell Marking LLP, in Santa Barbara, for ten years. For more than twenty years, Mark’s legal practice has focused on corporate transactions, including securities offerings, debt and equity raises, mergers and acquisitions, and all matters related to corporate and business growth. Mark operates as outside general counsel to companies in all lines and phases of business; angel investors, investment companies, funds and family offices count among his clients.

GREG LOOSVELT, Entrepreneur / Financial Analyst, Business Advisor

Throughout his career as a financial analyst and CEO, Greg has secured financing, started, sold, and advised start-ups. Moreover, after a successful 22-year career managing a private equity fund and starting and selling a 1000 person consulting firm, he worked with a non-profit to address environmental issues with sustainable technologies, particularly focusing on green building projects, renewable energy, and carbon accounting. Greg combines teaching, conservation, science, economics, and finance into the world of entrepreneurship.

Your dedicated time and expertise has helped our founders grow and succeed!

• Eric Petersen—Founder & President, Mission Web Marketing
• Jim Smith—Business Consultant, SCORE
• Gary Kravetz—Director, Tech Coast Angels
• Ryan Olson—CEO, Bunker Supply
• Daniel J. Spitz, Esq.—Daniel Spitz Law
• Mike Wald—CMO, Oniracom
• Julie Samson—Executive Director, Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.