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Fairfield County Bank to Serve as Title Sponsor for Fifth Annual Tiger Shark Tank in Ridgefield

 

Photographed, from left to right: Virginia Turnbull, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender, Fairfield County Bank; Sean Dowd ECDC Commissioner Emeritus; Kathy Graham, Vice President, Branch Manager, Fairfield County Bank.
Photographed, from left to right: Virginia Turnbull, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender, Fairfield County Bank; Sean Dowd ECDC Commissioner Emeritus; Kathy Graham, Vice President, Branch Manager, Fairfield County Bank.

Ridgefield, CT—September 03, 2026: Fairfield County Bank is proud to serve as the title sponsor of the fifth annual Tiger Shark Tank, presented by Ridgefield’s Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC).

Modeled after the acclaimed ABC network television show, Shark Tank, Tiger Shark Tank allows local entrepreneurs and small businesses to experience the excitement of pitching their ideas to a panel of experts, giving the presenters an opportunity to win over $5,000 in prizes.

This live event, hosted at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday, 10.27 at 6:30 P.M., brings entrepreneurs and visionaries together to share their business ideas with a packed audience, high-profile judges, and local investors, all in one inspiring evening.

Before the show begins, a valuable networking session takes place, where presenters set up booths to meet with community members, potential collaborators, and future customers. Small business-focused organizations such as the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce will also be in attendance.

Tiger Shark Tank 5 is open to Ridgefield residents, Ridgefield business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in launching a business in Ridgefield. Eligible participants include startups, small businesses, nonprofits, student entrepreneurs, and established businesses with innovative ideas.

In addition to serving as the title sponsor, Fairfield County Bank is supplying one of the judges for the event: Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Team Leader, Virginia Turnbull. Virginia has over 30 years’ experience of helping small business owners turn their dreams into reality as a Commercial Lender. She brings a wealth of knowledge, financial expertise, and real-world business experience to the Tank.

Past judges include local business owners like Megan Searfoss, founder of CT RUN CO., recent recipient of the 2026 Women-Owned Small Business of the Year award from the SBA.

“We’re very proud to contribute to Tiger Shark Tank and help bring entrepreneurship to the forefront. Small businesses like the ones to be featured are responsible for more than 80% of new jobs in Connecticut,” said Daniel Berta, Fairfield County Bank President. “I’m looking forward to the valuable feedback Virginia will provide to the candidates. Her experience fueling small business growth across Fairfield County makes her a perfect ‘Shark’ to help guide the applicants.”

Through its sponsorship of Tiger Shark Tank, Fairfield County Bank is helping connect aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, visibility, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Applicants must submit by Thursday, 10.01.26 To learn more about the event and apply, please visit: https://airtable.com/appTnOZ1Qw5XGNFUW/pagxCXFOPy9xxv9PW/form

To reserve your seat in the audience for free, please visit: Ridgefield Playhouse | Ridgefield, CT | Tiger Shark Tank 5.

 

Founded in 1871, Fairfield County Bank is a $1.8 billion community bank with locations throughout Fairfield County. Fairfield County Bank delivers a full range of financial services through superior Client relationships and the knowledge that when you put your money in Fairfield County Bank, it stays in Fairfield County—strengthening our communities. Visit www.fairfieldcountybank.com to find out more about the Bank.