Natural Products Expo East 2012 hosted the first "Shark Tank: Business Plan Pitch-Slam" on Sept. 19 where four companies, selected from an applicant pool of more than 20, presented their business plans in 6-minutes pitches.

Of the four presenting companies, two were named winners: Founder Funlayo Alabi of Shea Radiance and Founder Sonja Sheasley of Bum Boosa Bamboo Products. 

The two won prizes including an audience with investment committees at Sherbrooke Capital and Greenmont Partners; advisory services from Partnership Capital Growth Advisors; and presentation slots at NCN XII, Nutrition Capital Network’s 2013 Spring Investor Meeting. 

Cory Comstock of Sherbrooke Capita, an Expo East Shark Tank judge, said, "The founders of Shea Radiance have built a great company that provides not only exceptional body and hair care products to its consumers, but financial and social assistance to the women shea tree farmers in Nigeria that provide the products’ main ingredient. With the company’s support, these women are positively impacting the environment in their region as well as the overall economic health of their communities.

Todd Woloson of Greenmont Capital Partners, another pitch-slam judge, said, "Bum Boosa Bamboo Products has developed a fascinating new base material for disposable paper products. Their entering the market through the 'new mom' has the potential to create brand loyalty for expansion into other categories down the road."

Runners up:

Companies interested in participating in the next "Shark Tank" at Natural Products Expo East 2014 can contact Diana Mercer.