Business & Tech

Carroll Business Challenge Finalists Announced

Five local entrepreneurs will pitch their business idea to a live audience in an effort to be crowned the first ever Carroll Biz Challenge winner.

Five of 22 entries in the county's first ever Carroll Business Challenge were chosen to be finalists in the local business start-up competition.

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.

The following businesses were selected as finalists for the Carroll Biz Challenge 2012:

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  • Critical Response Management
  • The French Twist
  • Holistic Home Energy Services
  • Optimal Wellness
  • WeLearn Educational Software

All 22 applicant small business ideas can be viewed here.

The fun part of the contest is right around the corner and you can get involved. The finalists will compete at a live contest on Nov. 29 at McDaniel College from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25.

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At the live contest, each finalist will pitch their startup to a live audience and panel of judges. After each finalists pitches, the judges will have an opportunity to ask questions. Then the audience will vote for their favorite startup.

The finalist with the most votes will be awarded $5,000 and crowned Carroll Biz Challenge 2012 winner. 

You can learn more about the live contest and purchase tickets here.

Jason Stambaugh, owner of Hometown Startups, said he is blown away by the number of applications this first ever Carroll Business Challenge brought in.

"My goal with the Carroll Biz Challenge 2012 was to provide an accessible opportunity for local entrepreneurs to get noticed, get connected, get better, and get started," Stambaugh said.

Stambaugh said he was impressed by the wide range of business types and industries represented in the applicant pool.

"The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Carroll County," Stambaugh said.  "There are clearly people with incredible passion in Carroll County who have big dreams. It is a strong indicator of the health of our local business community."

See Also:

  • Seeking Motivated Entrepreneurs for First-Ever 'Carroll Biz Challenge'


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