Introduction: The Moment Perth Students Become Business Dynamos
Hello, Perth families and educators! We are the team from Shark Tank Incursions, and we are absolutely thrilled to share something brilliant that is happening right across Western Australia.
In a world that moves faster than ever, we all know the importance of giving our kids skills that stick- lessons that aren’t just memorised for an exam, but used for life. That is why we, led by real-life Shark Tank Australia alumnus Nathan Baws,the founder of Tommy Sugo, have created a learning experience unlike any other. We bring the high-octane excitement of the Tank directly to your classroom or school hall.
These school incursions with real entrepreneurs are not just talks; they are dynamic, hands-on workshops where students from Year 5 to Year 12 get to experience the thrill, the challenges, and the sheer joy of starting a business. It’s practical, it’s engaging, and honestly, it’s heaps of fun. Forget dry textbooks; we’re talking about real stories, real money, and real inspiration, all delivered by someone who has actually done it.
The best part? It’s all tailored for the way Australian students learn, right here in WA.
Critical Takeaways: Why Book A Shark Tank Incursion Today
- Real-World Expertise: Your students are taught directly by Nathan Baws, a successful entrepreneur who pitched on Shark Tank Australia and knows the business world inside out.
- Financial Literacy Made Fun: We turn complex concepts like budgeting, profit margins, and fundraising into simple, interactive activities that students grasp instantly.
- Confidence Building: Students participate in pitching, presenting, and teamwork exercises that naturally boost their self-belief and communication skills.
- Curriculum Alignment: Our programs seamlessly support outcomes in Enterprise Education, Financial Literacy, HASS, and Business Studies for primary and secondary schools.
- Practical Application: Depending on the package, students may engage in real fundraising or a full-scale ‘Shark Tank’-style pitch competition, applying skills instantly.
- High-Energy and Engaging: These sessions are designed to capture and hold the attention of young minds, ensuring the lessons stick long after the incursion is over.
Meet Nathan Baws: The Real Shark Bringing Business to Your School
When we talk about school incursions with real entrepreneurs, the ‘real’ part is the absolute key, and Nathan Baws is the living proof. Nathan isn’t just an educator; he’s an entrepreneur who built Tommy Sugo from an idea into a successful, thriving gourmet meal delivery business. He faced the Sharks, survived the experience (mostly!), and is now focused on lighting that same fire in the next generation of business leaders right here in Perth.
The impact of having a genuine industry leader sharing their triumphs and mishaps is immeasurable- it transforms theory into something tangible and exciting. This isn’t learning from a textbook; it’s learning from experience. This concept drives all our school incursions with real entrepreneurs.
The Tommy Sugo Journey: From Idea to National TV
Nathan’s story begins like many great Australian ventures: with a brilliant idea and a tonne of elbow grease. He turned his passion for simple, delicious gourmet meals into a fully operational business. What students love most about hearing this story is the authenticity. Nathan explains the early mistakes, the long nights, and the moment he decided to take the leap and pitch his concept to Australia’s toughest investors on national television.
Hearing about this real journey demystifies entrepreneurship, making it accessible to every student in the room. This practical, honest approach is central to all our school incursions with real entrepreneurs.
Beyond the Tank: A Passion for Education
After the intense environment of Shark Tank, Nathan gained a national platform, but his true passion remained local: helping young people in Western Australia realise their potential. He is a passionate educator who understands that formal schooling needs to be supplemented with practical life skills.
He’s designed these programs to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. It’s not enough to teach what a business is; we need to teach kids how to build one, which is exactly the goal of these school incursions with real entrepreneurs.
Why Real-World Experience Matters Most
Inspiration is wonderful, but effective learning requires application. When students engage with Nathan, they aren’t just listening to motivational anecdotes; they are interacting with the mind of a successful business owner. They ask questions about cash flow, marketing, product development, and dealing with challenging customers- all questions Nathan answers with direct, unvarnished honesty.
This level of transparency is what makes our school incursions with real entrepreneurs so valuable. It gives students an unscripted look at the realities of the business world, preparing them better than any simulation ever could.
What Makes These Perth Incursions Different?
The Perth education landscape has many brilliant opportunities, but few offer the authentic, high-impact combination of celebrity profile and genuine business education that our program delivers. We deliberately designed the Shark Tank Incursion to be the simplest, highest-value, and most engaging day your school will host all year.
The feedback from educators in Fremantle, Mandurah, and right through the metro area confirms it: these school incursions with real entrepreneurs are transformative. Our approach focuses on engagement first, knowing that once we have their attention, the learning naturally follows. We believe that if a concept is simple and delivered with enthusiasm, students will embrace it completely.
It’s Hands-On, Not Just Talk
Our programs are fully interactive. Depending on the package chosen, students might be participating in rapid-fire idea generation sessions, receiving real sales training, or standing up to pitch their business idea to a panel. There is no sitting still and simply absorbing information. We get them moving, thinking, and collaborating.
This active participation is what separates a standard presentation from our dynamic school incursions with real entrepreneurs. We teach by doing, which is the most effective way for young minds to absorb complex concepts.
The Curriculum Connection for Perth Schools
We know that teachers need educational content that is rigorous and aligns with learning outcomes. Rest assured, these incursions are perfectly mapped to the Western Australian Curriculum. They hit key General Capabilities, particularly those relating to critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, and ethical behaviour.
Whether you’re running a Year 9 Business Studies unit, a Year 6 HASS project on innovation, or a whole-school leadership day, these programs fit right in. They provide a practical anchor for theoretical concepts, giving teachers fantastic follow-up material. Our ultimate goal is to provide school incursions with real entrepreneurs that simplify teacher planning while maximising student outcome.
Fun, Joyful Learning Guaranteed
The tone of the day is electric! Nathan brings a brilliant, joyful energy that makes learning about spreadsheets and profit margins genuinely exciting. We use humour and real-life stories to keep the atmosphere light and positive. Students often tell us it’s the most engaging day they’ve had all term.
When students are having fun, their defence mechanisms drop, and they become open to tackling complex, challenging ideas. This guaranteed joyful approach is a hallmark of all our school incursions with real entrepreneurs.
The Financial Literacy Deep Dive
Financial literacy is arguably the most crucial life skill we can give our young people, yet it’s often taught in the driest possible way. We change that. The Shark Tank Incursion transforms financial concepts from scary mathematical problems into simple, exciting challenges. We don’t just talk about money; we talk about value, pricing, costs, and the true meaning of a budget.
These school incursions with real entrepreneurs provide a transparent look into the money side of running a business, taught by someone who handles the real finances every single day. This concrete approach means students leave with practical knowledge they can use immediately, whether they are running a business or just managing their pocket money.
Budgeting and The Bottom Line
Nathan uses simple, relatable examples to explain why budgeting isn’t about restriction; it’s about strategy. He walks students through the fixed costs, variable costs, and unexpected expenses that every business faces. The ‘bottom line’ becomes a race to manage resources effectively.
This practical wisdom is a powerful element of our school incursions with real entrepreneurs, helping students understand the financial architecture of successful companies. They learn that every decision, from buying supplies to hiring staff, impacts the final outcome.
Understanding Profit and Loss (P&L)
How do you make money? It sounds simple, but the mechanics of profit and loss (P&L) can be tricky. Nathan breaks down concepts like gross profit and net profit using simple product examples, like selling gourmet pasta! Students participate in quick calculations, learning about margin and mark-up in a practical context.
This is essential, fundamental knowledge delivered in a digestible and humorous way. When they participate in the real sales training (part of Package 2), they instantly see their theoretical P&L calculations come to life.
Investing: Simple Concepts for Students
The world of investing can seem distant and complicated, but Nathan simplifies the core concepts of risk, return, and scalability. He explains what it means to take on an investor (like the Sharks!) and the responsibility that comes with it. By using his own journey as a case study, he illustrates how strategic investment can fuel exponential growth.
These sessions give students a foundational understanding of capital, making our program one of the most comprehensive school incursions with real entrepreneurs for financial education.
Innovation and The Creative Spark
Entrepreneurship is about spotting a gap and filling it with a brilliant idea. Innovation is the heartbeat of any successful business, and we dedicate significant time to nurturing that creative spark in every student. We teach them that the best ideas often come from the simplest problems and that failure is not the opposite of success- it’s a necessary stepping stone.
Our school incursions with real entrepreneurs encourage students to look at the world around them, identify frustrations, and start brainstorming practical solutions. It’s an empowering shift in perspective that fuels lifelong creativity.
Idea Generation: Finding the Next Big Thing
We run interactive workshops focusing on creative thinking and lateral problem-solving. Students learn techniques for brainstorming, validating ideas, and refining concepts quickly. Nathan shares real examples of business ideas that failed and ones that soared, explaining why. The emphasis is on process: how do you go from a vague thought to a viable business proposal? We encourage wild thinking and then apply a sensible, business lens to the results.
Pitching: Presenting with Confidence
The ability to articulate an idea clearly and persuasively is critical in any career, not just business. The ultimate test of an entrepreneur is the pitch. In our sessions, particularly the Shark Tank-Style Pitch Event, students learn the anatomy of a powerful presentation: the hook, the problem, the solution, the team, and the ask.
Nathan provides invaluable, gentle coaching on body language, vocal projection, and structuring an argument under pressure. This skill development is vital, making our program a top choice for school incursions with real entrepreneurs focused on communication.
Resilience: Learning from Setbacks
The stories Nathan shares are not just about success; they are about resilience. He openly discusses the times he got things wrong- the products that didn’t sell, the deals that fell through, and the feedback from the Sharks. He frames these setbacks not as failures but as crucial data points that inform better decisions in the future.
Teaching students how to accept constructive criticism and bounce back quickly is one of the most lasting benefits of these school incursions with real entrepreneurs. It is a life lesson in perseverance and a core part of the entrepreneurial mindset.
Why Perth Schools Are Raving About Us
From the northern suburbs down to the South West, schools across Western Australia have found the Shark Tank Incursion to be the simplest way to deliver high-quality, memorable business education. Our programs are designed to be turnkey- meaning minimal effort for teachers and maximum impact for students.
We handle the content, the energy, and the logistics, allowing school staff to focus on facilitating the learning. The glowing testimonials we receive speak volumes about the quality and effectiveness of having school incursions with real entrepreneurs delivered by someone like Nathan.
Tailored to Primary and Secondary Students
A Year 6 student learns differently from a Year 11 student. Nathan understands this completely. He skillfully adjusts his language, the examples he uses, and the complexity of the concepts based on the age group.
- For Primary Students (Years 5–6): The focus is on simple business concepts, teamwork, generating ideas for fun, and understanding value. The session is highly energetic and story-driven.
- For Secondary Students (Years 7–12): The discussion dives deeper into financial models, marketing strategy, negotiation, and the specific challenges of scaling a business. The pitch events are more rigorous and professional.
This adaptability ensures that every student benefits fully from our unique school incursions with real entrepreneurs.
Simple Logistics for Teachers and Staff
We pride ourselves on making the booking and execution seamless. Teachers and administrators have enough on their plate without needing complicated setup instructions. All we require is a suitable space- a hall, gym, or classroom- and a projector/audio setup, if available. We manage the rest.
Our team works with your school coordinator to ensure smooth transitions between sessions and minimal disruption to the school day. We strive to be the most low-stress, high-reward incursion partner for every WA school.
Inspiration That Lasts All Year
The impact of these sessions is not just momentary. We consistently hear from teachers that students reference Nathan’s stories and advice weeks, even months, after the incursion. They use the pitching techniques in their English presentations and apply the budgeting principles in their maths lessons. The confidence gained during a pitch event often transfers to other areas of school life.
These school incursions with real entrepreneurs provide students with a foundational skillset and an inspirational mindset that permeates their entire learning journey. The goal is to ignite a passion that continues to burn brightly long after we have packed up and gone home. This is more than a day out; it is an investment in your students’ future.
Booking Your Entrepreneurial Adventure
Bringing the excitement of Shark Tank and the valuable lessons of real-world business into your Perth school is straightforward. We offer three distinct, high-impact packages, allowing you to choose the level of immersion that best suits your curriculum goals and your student body. These are not template presentations; they are customised, dynamic events run personally by Nathan Baws.
When you choose to partner with us, you are choosing quality, authenticity, and a guaranteed high-energy learning day. Choosing our program means selecting the very best available in school incursions with real entrepreneurs.
What Happens on the Day
Regardless of the package you select, the day starts with Nathan Baws sharing his powerful personal journey: how he founded Tommy Sugo, the challenges he faced, and his unforgettable experience on Shark Tank Australia. This storytelling captivates students immediately.
From there, the session transforms into an interactive workshop, whether it involves motivational Q&A, hands-on sales training, or the creation and judging of student business pitches. It’s non-stop engagement, structured to maximise learning and fun.
Easy Steps to Secure Your Spot
Booking is simple. Visit our website, review the three available packages (The Experience, The Sales Training, or The Pitch Event), and fill out the inquiry form. Our team will promptly contact you to confirm the date, the necessary logistics, and any specific learning outcomes you wish to focus on. We handle all the detailed preparation. It’s a remarkably easy process to bring school incursions with real entrepreneurs right into your school.
A Lifetime of Skills in One Day
The most crucial takeaway is the immense value delivered in a single school day. Students gain foundational knowledge in financial literacy, critical thinking, confidence, and teamwork- skills that are essential whether they become the next CEO or start their own small local service. This is practical, applicable learning that provides a distinct advantage in their future careers.
Conclusion: Ignite the Next Generation of Perth Innovators
It’s clear that providing students with access to genuine, real-world experience is no longer optional; it’s essential. Our school incursions with real entrepreneurs, led by Shark Tank alumnus Nathan Baws, offer a unique, high-impact solution for Perth schools looking to inspire their students. We deliver practical financial literacy, crucial confidence building, and authentic entrepreneurial stories, all wrapped up in a package that is joyful and easy for schools to manage. Don’t let your students miss out on this remarkable opportunity to learn directly from a successful Australian business owner. Let’s spark that innovative spirit together.
Ready to bring the excitement and invaluable business expertise of the Shark Tank into your school? Visit us at https://tommysugo.com.au/ today and contact us to book your preferred date. Secure a powerful learning experience that your students will talk about all year!
FAQs
1. What age groups are the Shark Tank Incursions best suited for?
The program is designed to be highly flexible and scalable, making it perfect for students from Year 5 all the way through to Year 12. Nathan adjusts his delivery style, language, and the complexity of the business concepts to perfectly match the age and maturity level of the students, ensuring the content is always relevant and engaging for everyone involved.
2. Do students need to have any prior business or entrepreneurial knowledge?
Absolutely not! These sessions are created to be beginner-friendly and inclusive. Even students who have never thought about starting a business before will be able to follow along, learn from the real-world examples provided, and build a foundational understanding of entrepreneurship.
3. How long does a typical incursion session last?
Session duration is flexible and depends on the specific package chosen by the school. Our motivational ‘Entrepreneur & Shark Tank Experience’ can run for 30 to 60 minutes. The full ‘Shark Tank-Style Student Pitch Event’ often requires an hour for the initial presentation, followed by up to three hours of student pitch and judging time, depending on the number of teams participating.
4. Is the program aligned with the Western Australian school curriculum?
Yes, absolutely. The incursion content strongly supports various key learning areas and General Capabilities within the WA Curriculum, including Enterprise Education, Financial Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Leadership. Many schools use the program to specifically complement their HASS, Business Studies, or dedicated leadership units, offering a practical real-world context for theoretical subjects.
5. Can we run this incursion for multiple year levels in one school day?
Yes, this is very common! Many schools book back-to-back sessions throughout the day to cater to different year groups. Nathan can easily tailor each subsequent session to the specific learning outcomes and maturity levels required for different groups, allowing a single booking day to benefit the entire school from upper primary through to senior high.
6. What kind of equipment or space does the school need to provide?
We are very flexible and can work with almost any venue available, whether it’s a standard classroom, a large assembly hall, or the school gymnasium. All that is generally required is a clear space for Nathan to present and, ideally, a projector or screen with functional audio capabilities for the video presentation component.
7. Does the fundraising package involve real money and products?
Yes, it is a completely real and practical fundraiser! In the ‘Presentation + Fundraising Sales Training’ package, students receive hands-on training using actual Tommy Sugo products. They learn genuine sales and negotiation skills, earn commissions for their school or a chosen charity, and see the real financial impact of their efforts. It’s practical financial learning with tangible results.
8. Can parents or local community members be involved in the pitch event?
We highly encourage community involvement, especially for the premium ‘Shark Tank-Style Student Pitch Event’. Having entrepreneurial parents, teachers, or local business owners on the judging panel alongside Nathan Baws adds a brilliant level of authenticity and community connection to the day. It turns the session into a genuine celebration of student innovation and potential.
9. What makes Nathan Baws a genuine ‘real entrepreneur’ educator?
Nathan isn’t a motivational speaker who has simply read a book on business; he is the founder of a successful food company, Tommy Sugo, and pitched his business on Shark Tank Australia. His lessons are based on his own real-life experience dealing with cash flow, marketing decisions, and the pressures of running an operational business. This firsthand, authentic knowledge is the unique benefit he brings to every school.
10. How far in advance should we book an incursion for our Perth school?
Due to high demand, especially during term time, we highly recommend booking your preferred date as far in advance as possible. Key dates, especially around careers week or leadership days, tend to fill up quickly. By contacting us early, you ensure your school can secure a spot for one of the most exciting and valuable school incursions with real entrepreneurs available in Western Australia.
