The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 12th annual Carroll Biz Challenge!
The Biz Challenge showcases local entrepreneurs and
gives them the exciting opportunity to pitch their new
business ideas, to make great connections, get loads of
publicity, and compete for a $10,000 cash prize (plus additional prizes
worth thousands more), the
$2,023 People’s Choice Award, and the $5,000 United
Way of Central Maryland Changemaker
Challenge Award.
See the Five Finalists pitch their ideas on stage at the Live Finale on August 3 at 5:00 PM at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, MD!
But first, meet the contestants at the Biz Challenge Meet & Greet.
We’ll have food and adult beverages and each of the applicants will have 60 seconds to give a pitch.
Thursday, June 8
6:00 – 8:00 PM
At the TownMall of Westminster
We’ll meet in the common area outside of Dicks Sporting Goods, next to the food court. The best way to get there is to enter the mall through the RC Theater entrance.
The Process
Apply
February 7 – May 31
Submit your business idea through our simple application portal.
The application period is now closed.
Meet & Greet
June 8, 6-8 PM
Meet the other contestants, the judges and the sponsors. Appetizers and drinks generously provided my the TownMall of Westminster.
Come to the Meet & Greet!
5 Finalists Chosen
Mid-July
The advisory committee embarks on the always-grueling task of choosing only five finalists from all the contestants.
The Live Finale
August 3, 5 PM
The five finalists take the stage and pitch their ideas The audience votes for the $2,023 People’s Choice Award and the judges deliberate and choose the grand prize winner.
The Judges
Jason Stambaugh
Jason Stambaugh is the founder and creator of the Carroll Biz Challenge. Since 2010 he has been leading teams to develop and scale enterprise software platforms serving customers in the education, retail, and financial services sectors. He has served as the Director of Partner Experience at DTS Connex, a local tech company transforming daily cash operations for major retailers, restaurants, and banks since 2017.
Based in Westminster, Maryland, Jason has had the opportunity to serve on local non-profit boards and work with community members to launch a variety of local initiatives including Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC). He serves as a Council Member on the McDaniel College Entrepreneurship Advisory Council, a Member of Carroll Hospital Foundations Young Leaders Group, and a Trustee at Hey Westminster.
Kim Fernandez
Kim Fernandez is the heart and CEO of GIRLKIN Lashes, a chain of luxury eyelash extension salons! In 2018, Kim opened her flagship location in Pikesville, MD. Within 3 years, she expanded her reach by opening 3 more locations in the DMV area.
True to her brand, she is driven to empower others and create leaders in this industry. Kim has taken her business blueprint and developed a successfully proven franchise program, with the first franchise salon opening in 2021 in Georgia. Through this program, franchisees have endless opportunities to grow themselves as leaders with the GIRLKIN brand.
GIRLKIN's mission is to provide an unmatched experience with gorgeous lashes and unbeatable customer service in a glamorously luxurious environment.
Steve Moore
Steve Moore is the owner of Run Moore, a specialty running shop located in Westminster. Steve was the winner of the Carroll Biz Challenge in 2014, just after he opened his store.
Since opening, Run Moore was twice named a Top Running Store in America and moved to a larger, Main Street location.
In addition to working in running, Steve can often be found running the trails with his friends or spending time with his wife and two kids.
Deb Cancro
Debra Cancro is SVP of Data Products at Bigtincan where she is responsible for developing innovative capabilities to help customers leverage the value of their data. She joined Bigtincan via the acquisition of her AI startup, VoiceVibes, which she founded in 2012 to help people be more effective communicators.
Prior to VoiceVibes, Debra was the founder of Autonomy Engine, LLC, which developed autonomous control systems software. She has over 15 years of marketing and management experience at both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her background includes product marketing for the Bluetooth and HDMI product lines at the Broadcom Corporation (BRCM) and Member of Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Labs as well as being a stay-at-home mom for 7 years.
2023 Applicants
ConectandoUs
ConectandoUs provides the Hispanic community a foundation of connection which fosters an inclusive network of resources.
HiiveCo
HiiveCo is an agricultural service providing turnkey beekeeping solutions including honey bee hive installation and maintenance.
BraidsElevated
BraidsElevated is a hair business that helps to enhance the beauty of its customers through braids that are sure to standout.
East Coast Digital Media
East Coast Digital Media is an exceptional digital marketing agency that specializes in creating captivating business content, expertly crafting your narrative in 15 seconds or less and leveraging the power of social media to amplify your business's success.
The Naked Embrace
I create unique health conscious and eco friendly home fragrance products.
ReDorm
ReDorm is an app/website that connects students who need products with those who are downsizing, preventing perfectly adequate items from going to waste.
What A Day Cafe, LLC
WHATADAY Cafe is Carroll county's first drive thru, locally owned, locally sourced coffee shop serving gourmet espresso beverages, baked goods, salad and sandwiches.
LOLTBooks.com
Self Publisher of my novel Life on Lust’s terms, author of literature and photography.
humanbeingla a DBA of Ferrill Life Coaching
Humanbeingla is a business that is built to answer the desperate call of those who live with the aching feeling that they need help, but do not know where to go or how to begin.
Mclean's Assisted Living
Mclean's Assisted Living is a startup company in Carroll County that will own and operate in-residence assisted living facilities offering personalized care based on each individuals needs.
Weezee's Ride & Delivery Services
Weezee’s is the only grassroots ride and delivery service in Carroll County that caters to both businesses and individuals alike!
prints4peace
As a professional artist, I have more talent than time or money at the present moment; but want to give back to the community by selling my artwork on various substrates to raise funds for local & national charities.
CARROLL Artsin Showcase
A place for people to come and shop all Local made products and to join in a workshop.
Bio-Magnetic PairTherapy
Bio-Magnetic PairTherapy is a paradigm-shift, holistic approach to Wellness which utilize medium intensity magnets placed on specific locations with the correct North or South polarity.
Kaye Weaver VO LLC
I am a Voice Actor providing Voice Over services in Commercial, Animation, Podcast, E-Learning, and more!
Carroll 3D Manufacturing Technologies
Provide Custom Designs and builds for components and parts as well as finished products using 3D manufacturing techniques and manufacturing.
Patapsco Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
Patapsco Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine offers alternative, drug and surgery free solutions for people (particularly seniors and veterans) suffering from chronic pain when all else has failed.
Battle Ready Wellness
To empower others to become the healthiest versions of themselves with proper nutrition and holistic wellness, and in turn feel empowered to guide others through the same.
RootCauseology
I help women optimize brain health and reduce dementia risk by addressing root causes and creating therapeutic partnerships.
Find Your Purpose Inc.
Find Your Purpose is a dynamic new nonprofit serving both the minority and underserved communities of Carroll County.
Nutrition Coaching 4U, LLC
Nutrition Coaching 4U helps people lose weight, manage blood sugar or eat healthier by providing coaching and unique tools for long lasting habits of success.
Don Haas Drone Photography and Video
I will provide drone photography and video to supplement my photography business.
Bong Appetite
We are the first of our kind, providing medicinal value, entertainment and amazing cuisine through the use of cannabis infused cooking.
heart of main cafe and bakery
A place where community is created, community gathers, community supports, and community shares.
Nurse Lynx Inc
We simplify healthcare staffing by providing a cloud based solution that allows for seamless schedule management.
Alpha Bravo First Aid
Share Hope through Art, under the Community Foundation of Carroll County
Share Hope through Art is an innovative suicide prevention program.
Dental Desires
Dental Desires is the perfect choice for those who want to take care of their teeth without sacrificing flavor.
Good Time Health
We're a brand that promotes simple changes to everyday habits that allow a vast wealth of health benefits.
Apply. Pitch. Win.
PRESENTED BY
FOUNDING SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
REFRESHMENTS SPONSORS
