Guns, Java Pops and Makeup: A Look at 'Carroll Business Challenge' Entries

The first-ever Carroll Business Challenge brought in 22 small business plan entries. The winner will be announced at an event on Nov. 29.

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll County Department of Economic Development partnered with Hometown Startups to launch the Carroll Biz Challenge 2012 in August. The winner of the challenge will walk away with $5,000.

Finalists will be announced Friday and the winner will be announced at the Carroll Business Challenge event on Nov. 29 at McDaniel College from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $25.

Check out these entries submitted to the Carroll Business Challenge. This is just a summary, to see more detailed information about the entries, check the Carroll Business Challenge website.  

• Samantha Knight proposes a new start-up called K&H Design that will design and make clothes and accessories with are "modern with a hint of vintage that doesn’t ever go out of style."
• Ann Thomas proposes an existing start-up called the Work Shoppe which offers clothing and life skills training to those trying to keep or gain employment.
• Marcy Koch proposes a new start-up called Anvil Mountain Firearms, a woman-owned gunsmith business offering a variety of firearm related educational, training and retail services.
• Kevin Giffhorn proposes an existing start-up called WeLearn Educational Software, a company offering educational software solutions at affordable prices.
• Jeannette Heath proposes a new start-up Before You Go which will produce travel-friendly toilet deodorizer drops.
• Helene Taylor proposes new start-up the French Twist Cafe which will offer a sit down coffee shop that will source coffees from a local micro-roaster, and will offer a full breakfast and lunch menu featuring crêpes. 
• Jason Evans proposed an existing start-up called Evans Quality Roofing which will offer roofing services.
• Theresa Pstrak proposes an existing start-up called Beautiful Faces Permanent Makeup Salon which offers permanent makeup solutions.
• Rebecca Dandy proposes a new start-up called Kismets which will produce food products Java Pops and Beccaroons.
• Brian Wagner proposes new start-up SAR Innovations which offers software and training for improved documentation of search and rescue operations.
• Gayle Harrod proposes the new start-up called Come Together Cafe & Emporium which aims to bring together the arts community as well as serve "at risk" and "special needs" populations. 
• Laura Ruby proposes new start-up Optimal Wellness Center which will offer a "unique approach to reversing chronic illness and achieving optimal wellness."
• Michael Platte proposes existing start-up Platte Insurance Education which will offer insurance education services.
• Sean Schmidt proposes existing start-up Holistic Home Energy Services which offers homeowners individualized data-driven information on home energy use.
• Wendy Wolf proposes existing start-up Total Assistance which provides concierge, errand and personal assistant services.
• Hayoung Kim proposes new start-up Bridge Education Abroad Institute which will provide opportunities for students to strengthen their leadership and diplomatic skills.
• John Boglitsch proposes new start-up Pinnacle Electric which will install electric vehicle charging stations.
• Tiombe’ Paige proposes new start-up Paiges of Style, a designer retail boutique.
• Roger Voter proposes existing start-up Save Point, a multipurpose gaming center located at TownMall. 
• Michael Jordan proposes existing start-up Critical Response Management which is an emergency response consulting firm offering turnkey solutions for business and organizations.
• Kristi Denning proposes new start-up Molten Glow, which will offer locally made glass and silver jewelry and artwork.
• Lora Andrews proposes existing start-up CUP Tea Bar & Cafe which offers specialty teas and food using seasonal healthy ingredients.

Which entry do you think deserves to be named the winner and walk away with $5,000? Tell us in comments.