When is the deadline to enter?
May 31 at 11:59:59PM

Do I qualify to enter the Carroll Biz Challenge?
You qualify to enter if:
• You are at least 18 years old
•  You have a new business idea that will be located in Carroll County, MD
•  Your new business is not a chain or a franchise
•  You either have started in the last two years or plan to open in the next two years.

Is there an age requirement?
Yes, you must be at least 18 year old.

Do I need to include a video?
Yes, a video is required to enter.

When and where is the Meet & Greet?
Thursday, July 23 at 6PM at the TownMall of Westminster, outside of Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Do I have to come to the Meet & Greet?
Attending the Meet & Greet is not required but highly recommended. Each applicant will get 1 minute to pitch their idea. This pitch will be a part of the evaluation process.

When and where is the Live Finale? 
August 13. Happy Hour starts at 5:00PM and the live show starts at 6:00PM.

The Carroll Arts Center
91 W. Main St
Westminster, MD 21157

How are the five finalists determined?
The Advisory Team will meet in mid-July to evaluate all the applications and determine the five finalists who will present their ideas at the Live Finale on August 13. 

How do I make a great application? 
There are 10 criteria are used to evaluate the applications and final pitches:

1. Innovation
Does your idea provide new solutions to a problem or meet a need in a creative way?

2. Leadership
Do you have the necessary leadership abilities and team in place to be successful?

3. Clarity
Can you clearly explain your product or service and how success can be achieved?

4. Market Potential
Is there a significant market for your product or service?

5. Competitive Advantage
Do you understand who the competition is and do you have advantages over them?

6. Future Milestones
Can you identify and understand the future milestones necessary for success and are they achievable?

7. Sustainability
Is your business sustainable for the long haul?

8. Scalability
Do you have a vision to expand and grow?   

9. Carroll County Impact
Is this going to make a significant impact in the Carroll County community?

10. Showmanship
Can you pitch your idea well? Can you perform well on stage and be entertaining and compelling?