Applications open for Shark Tank season four … Woolies cops flak for dog biscuit screw-up … Billabong reports $8 million loss

As season three of Network Ten’s pitch-focused entrepreneurial show Shark Tank draws to a close, applications have been opened for season four as the Aussie version of the show looks to chase the eight-season precedent set by its Amercian counterpart.

Shark and Boost Juice founder Janine Allis tweeted applications were open after last night’s episode, calling on Australian entrepreneurs who think they have a shot at a successful dive into the tank.

“Have you got a groundbreaking idea, invention or business proposal that needs to be taken to the next level? If so, you have come to the right place,” the application form says.

If chosen, filming will occur between February and March next year, and applications close October 24. Businesses can apply online here.

Woolies under fire after dog biscuit screw-up

A disgruntled mother has taken to Facebook to slam Woolworths after her children accidentally ate dog biscuits, reports news.com.au, after “Scooby Snack” branded pet food accidentally finding its way into the sweet biscuits aisle.

“I put in lunch boxes and kids came home that afternoon and said ‘yuck they are disgusting,” the customer wrote on Facebook.

“On closer inspection they are DOG treats. It does say that it is pet food only — human friendly but not recommended! BE CAREFUL the store is much disorganised.”

A very similar Scooby Snack brand of biscuit is reportedly also sold at Woolworths and is suitable for human consumption, leading to further confusion with other customers telling news.com.au they had made similar mistakes.

“Woolworths can confirm that a single packet of Scooby Snacks dog biscuits was accidentally placed in the biscuit aisle at the Woolworths North Strathfield store last week and subsequently purchased by a customer,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“Store teams have had further communication this week to ensure that no packets are mistakenly placed in the wrong aisle.”

Billabong reports $8 million loss

Surf retailer Billabong International has reported a $8.4 million loss for 2017, but the troubled company says there was good news on sales over the past six months.

The group’s overall revenue was down 6.7% to $974.7 million, but earnings in the second half of the year were up 2.8%, or $51.1 million compared with one year ago.

Earnings in the American region were up 46.9% compared with a year ago, coming in at $45.7 million.

However, earnings before interest and tax from shoppers in the Asia Pacific were down 28.3% to $23.4 million.

Reflecting on sales in the APAC region, the company noted the Billabong brand experienced execution issues and some “fashion misses” throughout the year, and told shareholders it sees opportunities to better leverage global swimwear trends in future.

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