The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 11th 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
$2,022 People’s Choice Award, and the $2,500 United
Way of Central Maryland Changemaker
Challenge Award.
See the Five Finalists pitch their ideas on stage at the Live Finale on August 18 at 5:00 PM at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, MD!
The Process
Apply
February 10 – May 31
Submit your business idea through our simple application portal.
Meet & Greet
June 23, 5PM
Meet the other contestants, the judges and the sponsors. Appetizers and drinks generously provided my the TownMall of Westminster.
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 18, 5PM
The five finalists take the stage and pitch their ideas The audience votes for the $1000 People’s Choice Award and the judges deliberate and choose the grand prize winner.
The 2022 Finalists
Using horticulture as a form of therapy and trying to save the world, one plant at a time.
Entrepreneur: Hannah Brookfield
A soul food, southern-inspired family dining experience.
Entrepreneurs: Anthony and Ashley Gerald
Specialized small batch, scratch-made soaps, herbal salves, lotion bars, and other natural skin and hair products.
Entrepreneurs: Kim Beatty and Janice Campbell
A new medical device which has applications for trauma, surgery, critical care, and also military and veterinary applications.
Entrepreneur: David Stonko
Sharing passion for the history of technology by providing quality metalwork and instruction.
Entrepreneur: Jacob Selmer
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.
2022 Applicants
Coffee Roasting by Vanessa
I am starting a small batch roasting company with retail, wholesale and online clients.
SalesCrew
We deliver immediate scaling solutions by supplying highly trained sales professionals.
Sunless Solutions Mobile Spray Tanning
Sunless Solutions Mobile Spray Tanning is a luxury service that provides safe solutions to consumers who want a sun tan.
Action For Kindness
Working to bring kindness in our community to a whole new level.
BotaniGal, LLC
Using horticulture as a form of therapy and trying to save the world, one plant at a time.
HiQ Basketball
HiQ Basketball is an innovative way to train young athletes using different technologies such as, Zoom, Twitch, NBA2K, and Google classroom all in a comprehensive classroom.
Essential Piece Fitness LLC
Fitness social media app with an integrated personal training tool.
G & K Foods, llc
We're a Hawaiian inspired food truck that offers fresh & healthy Hawaiian food!
Wilder Weekends
Wilder Weekends helps people climb mountains, literally and figuratively.
MdSkyshot
MdSkyshot provides greater opportunity to Carroll County organizations to implement existing and emerging UAV software solutions.
Out In Front Marketing
MetaSports Alliance will serve the traditional sports enthusiast community offering online & virtual game attendance with passive gaming and individual leagues.
O.T. Zone
Making every basketball players dream of playing on a hardwood court reality.
Dental Desires
Dental Desires plans to launch innovative toothpaste flavors to bring the fun in dental hygiene for children and adults!
The Elderberry Cabin, LLC
The Elderberry Cabin is the only licensed business in Carroll County to manufacture and distribute Elderberry Syrup.
Selmer Ironworks
Selmer Ironworks shares its passion for the history of technology by providing quality metalwork and instruction.
Collision Course
Collision Course is a soul food, southern-inspired family dining experience.
not established
classroom safety during an active shooter episode
Sykesville Drone Services, LLC
Sykesville Drone Services utilizes drone technology to gather aerial data for a variety of use cases.
Desolate Pariah Studios
Custom refinishing with a twist.
The Difference 2-17
Creating meaningful lives and respectful choices for adults with autism
Meteora Counseling Associates, LLC
A business to provide mental health therapy services to people in the community.
My House
My House is an alternative approach to provide safe and stable housing, supportive mentors, and important job training and life skills, to ensure youth aging out of foster care and homeless youth thrive as adults in our community.
Complete Luxury
Complete Luxury helps professional women save time and money by providing a monthly subscription box filled with quality jewelry and accessories.
Caleb's Creations
We aim to elevate your home or work space by making décor that you design!
Laughing Coffin L C
Laughing Coffin, aims to bring eSports gaming and hobbies to our small community.
COVID Testing and Wellness LLC
We are a wellness clinic, saving one patient at a time.
The Potential Project
We offer corporate teambuilding initiatives to maximize both individual and group potential within the workplace.
Campfire Brick Oven Pizza
We are a food trailer that brings the party to you- serving fresh, made-to-order brick oven pizza
Wetzel's Pretzels To Go
Bringing a new business to Carroll County - the first Wetzel's Pretzels Food Truck on the East Coast
NATIVE AMERICAN CAREER CENTER
Dedicated to improving Native American representation in the workforce throughout Carroll County; the State of Maryland; and the United States.
FEAST Brands, LLC
FEAST Brands, LLC is a culinary consulting group that assists entrepreneurs starting and growing online, delivery-only food businesses.
Hyfly Drone Services
Using drone technology for remote sensing of thermal imagery and precision agriculture
Kevin Wilson Voice Actor
I am a professionally trained freelance voice actor with a home studio setup
Mystic Zen
It is a place to facilitate a sense of community, while helping each other grow and evolve into better behaving humans.
Piano by Kathleen
I am teaching ukulele and piano to children of all ages as well as the disabled.
Goose Ridge Soaps, LLC
Goose Ridge Soaps, LLC specializes in small batch, scratch made soaps, herbal salves, lotion bars, and other natural skin and hair products.
WOW-Women Optimizing Women, LLC
An online womens networking business to connect professional business women, build rapport and refer business.
Evan Davis Media
I am a freelance Videographer/Photographer that specializes in creative videos/photos for the public!
Moving Together Forward, LLC
Coaching and educating others in addiction and overall wellness.
Patapsco Biomedical, LLC
We have created a new medical device which has applications for trauma, surgery, critical care, and also military and veterinary applications.
Friendly Neighbor Services
On demand service providing platform and mobile app that connects neighbors for home check-lists and tasks
Alpha Bravo First Aid
We restock first aid supplies for businesses and teach CPR.
Share Hope through Art
Share Hope through Art uses art as an effort in suicide prevention by sharing hope.
Counter-Intuitive Cooking Inc.
Celcy - The Automated Keurig of Food
Apply. Pitch. Win.
PRESENTED BY
FOUNDING SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
REFRESHMENTS SPONSORS
