Congratulations to BierBath, the 2024 Carroll Biz Challenge winner!
The Biz Challenge, the marquee event of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, showcases local entrepreneurs. It gives them the exciting opportunity to pitch their new business ideas, make great connections, get loads of publicity, and compete for the $10,000 cash Grand Prize (plus additional prizes worth thousands more), the $2,025 People’s Choice Award, and the $2,000 United Way of Central Maryland Changemaker Challenge Award.
40 Entrepreneurs entered.
Five have been chosen to pitch their ideas before a panel of judges and a live audience on August 14.
Only one will win the Grand Prize.
See it LIVE! August 14 // 5:00 Happy Hour // 6:00 Live Finale.
The Process
Apply
February 4 – May 31
Submit your business idea through our simple application portal.
The Application Period is now closed.
Meet & Greet
June 24, 6-8 PM
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 14, 5 PM
The five finalists take the stage and pitch their ideas. The audience votes for the $2,025 People’s Choice Award and the judges deliberate and choose the grand prize winner.
Come to the Live Finale!
The Criteria
The following 10 categories will be used to determine the Final Five Finalists and the Grand Prize Winner.
Innovation
Product/Service Clarity
Market Potential
Competitive Advantage
Future Milestones
Sustainability
Scalability
Leadership
Community Impact
Showmanship
The Grand Prize
Here’s the Grand Prize package as it stands right now. It will most likely increase.
$10,000 CASH
Carroll County Chamber of Commerce // 1-Year Membership
$330
Carroll Biz Challenge // 2025 Platinum Sponsorship
$1,500
127 Creative // 3 Hours of Marketing + Media Services
$570
WTTR // Airtime
$1,000
Jonathan C. Weetman, Attorney at Law // Business Legal Services Package
$500
Brown Plus // Up to 5 hours Accounting and Tax Consulting
$2,600
Miller Resources for Entrepreneurs // 2 Small Business Workshops
$400
Magic // 4 Tech Incubation Meetings
$1,000
BotaniGal // Plant of Choice up to $100
$100
Evan Davis Media //Promo Video
$2,000
Answer Tax & Business // Business Tax Return Preparation
$1,000
Covalent Spirits // Gift Card
$50
Outback Steakhouse // Steak Dinner for 4
$200
Bierbath // Beerspa with Friends
$240
The Chick // 5 Private Yoga Sessions for 3 People
$500
Antietam Broadband // $2000 Voucher toward a Technology & Fiber Stack
$2000
Infinite Love Project // Up to 8′ Be Kind Sign
$250
The Judges
Meet the panel who will decide the fate of the Final 5 at the Live Finale.
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 4 years, she expanded her reach by opening 4 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 and in 2024, Annapolis and Bowie, MD franchise locations. 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.
The Judges
Meet the panel who will decide the fate of the Final 5 at the Live Finale.
Kim Fernandez
Kim Fernandez is the heart and owner of GIRLKIN enterprise, a luxury beauty brand built to empower women through beauty, business, and bold ambition. Since launching her lash business in 2016, Kim has transformed GIRLKIN into more than just a salon—it’s a movement. Inspired by her maiden name, GIRLKIN stands for Gainful, Influential, Relentless Ladies Keeping in Network, a philosophy that embodies her mission to uplift and connect ambitious women.
Kim is a multi-hyphenate woman—a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and mother who believes that women can have it all. She is dedicated to creating pathways for success through technical training, entrepreneurship workshops, and franchising opportunities, ensuring that beauty professionals don’t just build businesses—they build legacies. She has taken her “Pink Print”—a cheeky, feminine twist on the traditional blueprint—and turned it into a roadmap for ambitious women ready to elevate their careers.
More than just a businesswoman, Kim is a transformational leader in the beauty and business communities, bringing over 20 years of expertise in senior management. She values sisterhood, mentorship, and creating lasting opportunities for like-minded individuals to thrive.
Beyond the boardroom, Kim finds purpose in being present—whether it’s volunteering, supporting youth through sports and community activities, or cherishing time with her family. As a devoted wife and mother of four boys and one girl, she embodies the balance of ambition and deep personal fulfillment.
Through GIRLKIN, Kim continues to redefine luxury beauty while empowering women to be gainful, influential, and relentless in pursuit of their dreams—together, keeping in network.
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.
Dr. Angelica Carter
Dr. Angelica Carter founded The LIT Company, a banking equipment rigging business, in 2017. Today, LIT is the preferred installer for marquee financial institutions across seven states including PNC, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Wells Fargo, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Truist—and proudly supports community banks like Sandy Spring Bank, Tower Federal Credit Union, Point Breeze Credit Union, WesBanco, and Farmers & Merchants Bank, both directly and through strategic partnerships. Her husband is her business partner (and rock), and she loves to tease that she’s the hustle, he’s the talent—and hustle always wins when talent doesn’t hustle.
Additionally, Angelica serves as Director of Community Engagement & Employee Development at Carroll Community College, where she leads initiatives that connect skills development with real-world solutions to overcome barriers to growth—both within the college and the broader community. This is especially evident in the Justice System to Careers Initiative, which includes the SBDC’s Pathways to Entrepreneurship program, helping justice-involved individuals gain the training and support needed to create their own sustainable employment.
A Doctor of Business Administration with professional certifications in marketing, HR, coaching, and change management, Angelica is passionate about building pathways for others to succeed—whether through strategic support, mentorship, or a well-timed dose of tough love. If you're willing to do the work, she's excited to help you win.
Graham Dodge
Graham Dodge is the Vice President, Venture Development at TEDCO where he oversees investment readiness and entrepreneur support services for Maryland’s most promising technology startups. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and patented inventor with experience developing systems of intelligence, entrepreneurial ecosystems and open source communities. Through his previous work at the Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC) in Westminster, Maryland he established 1 Million Cups Westminster, the Autonomous Robotics Innovation Center (ARIC), the Westminster Angel Network, and StartUp Lab. While President of the PathCheck Foundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he led the development of open source software and standards used by Mayo Clinic, Google Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). As an entrepreneur he co-founded SMGB Technologies, Shield Pals and Sickweather, the latter of which was recognized as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Brilliant Companies. He is also a technology accelerator veteran as an alumni of Techstars, 500 Startups, and Plug And Play Tech Center as well as a former mentor to countless other startups through his work at Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures and the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (I-CORPS). Graham lives in Westminster, Maryland with his wife and their five kids. He's the author of The Entrepreneur's Dance.
The 2025 Finalists
AXOLTL is a cutting-edge AI software company that helps enterprises accelerate decision-making and operational efficiency through scalable computer vision, predictive analytics, and low-code multi-modal data solutions.
Entrepreneur: Chandler Provence
Fine Tuned builds community and culture through music by presenting curated concerts and by providing event production services to engagement-driven organizers.
Entrepreneur: Jake Fine
Family-owned and community-driven, Gilbert’s Premium Jerky crafts never-before-seen flavors using locally sourced ingredients in pursuit of the world’s best beef jerky.
Entrepreneur: Christopher Fong
Puzzle Lady is a whimsical lifestyle brand that blends art and play through beautifully illustrated acrylic puzzles, puzzle-themed gifts, and accessories designed to bring calm, connection, and creativity into the lives of puzzle lovers.
Entrepreneur: Gwen DeGroff
Village West Pilates, located in historic downtown Westminster, is a boutique studio offering small-group and private sessions that blend classical Pilates principles with modern techniques to help men and women of all ages build strength, flexibility, and wellness within a supportive, community-focused environment.
Entrepreneur: Alexandra Chambers
The 2025 Applicants
Snap Foods LLC - Business Name - IScream Truck
An elevated family ice cream experience, artfully crafted treats served with charm, music, and outdoor leisure.
Nursupero
Nursupero provides nursing delegation advisory services to organizations who provide services to people with developmental disabilities.
Sober Livin
Sober Livin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the community with valuable information, resources, inspiration, education, and support for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Village West Pilates
Village West Pilates, located in historic downtown Westminster, is a boutique studio offering small-group and private sessions that blend classical Pilates principles with modern techniques to help men and women of all ages build strength, flexibility, and wellness within a supportive, community-focused environment.
Primedy Health
Primedy Health is a holistic wellness provider offering personalized fitness, nutrition, and mindset programs—both virtually and at their Mount Airy, MD location—to help individuals of all ages build lasting strength, energy, and resilience through expert coaching and community support.
Esheel
Esheel is a nonprofit that empowers Hazara refugee women through culturally rooted, hand-embroidered products, preserving Hazara cultural heritage, creating sustainable livelihoods, and connecting global customers to Hazara culture, history, and art.
Go! Travelbags LLC
Go! Travelbags LLC is a travel company that specializes in luggage delivery.
Wellness Society LLC/Pillars Leadership Group
GLOW Teen Carroll is a leadership program for girls in grades 8–12 that builds confidence, purpose, and real-world skills through mentorship, practical tools, and a supportive community—empowering them to grow into strong, intentional leaders.
Puzzle Lady
Puzzle Lady is a whimsical lifestyle brand that blends art and play through beautifully illustrated acrylic puzzles, puzzle-themed gifts, and accessories designed to bring calm, connection, and creativity into the lives of puzzle lovers.
Local Seafood Prices
Clawsome is a mobile platform built in Carroll County that empowers local seafood vendors with modern tools to share real-time prices and availability—connecting customers with fresh, local seafood in just a few taps, while laying the foundation for smarter, data-driven growth.
Canna Cares, LLC
Creating an informed and confident community where cannabis is embraced through education.
Rhythm Changes
We empower the youth of Carroll County students through Music education and mentorship.
Sunday Morning at Savannah's
Sunday Morning at Savannah’s is a boutique bed and breakfast, coffeehouse, and event destination nestled on a historic estate in New Windsor, Maryland, offering timeless hospitality and unforgettable experiences.
HomeGrown Healing
We are dedicated to supporting the women of Carroll County who need whole-body healing due to facing breast cancer, domestic violence, or the struggles of single motherhood.
Frankie Greenthumbs
We make it easy to grow safe, clean, medicinal cannabis from home.
Uncle Joe’s
Uncle Joe’s is your new go-to for sandwiches, gourmet market items and more on Sykesville’s historic Main Street.
The Kindred Institute for Leadership and Wellness
The Kindred Institute for Leadership and Wellness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive wellness and leadership development.
Moonshadow Collective
Moonshadow Collective is a woman-led creative studio and community space in downtown Sykesville that offers workshops, events, and studio rentals to support artists, makers, and creatives of all levels.
Gilbert's Premium Jerky
Family-owned and community-driven, Gilbert’s Premium Jerky crafts never-before-seen flavors using locally sourced ingredients in pursuit of the world’s best beef jerky.
El Sol Burrito Co.
El Sol Burrito Co. is a startup bringing bold, authentic breakfast burritos to the streets—food truck style, with fresh ingredients and serious flavor, sunrise to sold out.
Sykesville Sandbox
Get behind the wheel of Radio Controlled construction and off-road vehicles.
Main Street Media
Westminster Living and Mt. Airy Living are hyper-local, monthly magazines that bring Westminster and Mt. Airy residents together through community-focused stories, while helping local businesses build their brand with print ads and digital solutions.
JR MALEY ENGINEERING LLC
We offer crucial necessities for other companies. JR Maley Engineering offers IT support services, App design and development, Business admin and Transportation services.
Improvement and Tech Implementation, LLC (Biti)
Titan Frame
Our goal is to become a mainstream American established UAS drone manufacturing company located in Carroll County, Maryland.
AXOLTL, LLC.
AXOLTL is a cutting-edge AI software company that helps enterprises accelerate decision-making and operational efficiency through scalable computer vision, predictive analytics, and low-code multi-modal data solutions.
Neeta Peace of Mind
The first company to provide conditions to allow pets, either physically or virtually to be with their owners that are in treatment centers, including seniors in hospice, battered women and drug and mental heath facilities
GuideWell Patient Advocates LLC
I’m a registered nurse who helps individuals, particularly seniors, navigate the complex healthcare system by providing education, guidance, and advocacy to help them better understand their care and make informed decisions about their medical needs.
Healing Hearts Carroll LLC
Healing Hearts Carroll provides therapeutic services with current office space for up to 2 clients per session (individual, couple, child- 1 guardian), we want to expand to include Healing Hearts Art Studio to launch more services and able to help up to 10 clients at a time.
Placing Seniors with Families
Placing Seniors with Families offers a new approach to high-quality care, helping seniors and families to find each other and live their best lives together.
The Skill Tree
The Skill Tree is a dedicated learning hub to neurodivergent/typical individuals offering a range of social and practical skill building opportunities.
JoJo Maguire Design
JoJo Maguire Design is Carroll County’s first all-in-one bridal boutique — offering brides a seamless, joyful journey from beauty to planning to celebration, while strengthening the local economy and redefining what it means to say “I do.”
YungBlud
I am a tabletop gaming company dedicated to creating fun games that forge friendships.
Biodesign Innovation Labs
Biodesign Innovation Labs is developing an AI-enabled precision medicine platform to revolutionize early cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment by leveraging genomic, multi-omics, and clinical data.
Mt. Airy Psychological Services
We provide mental health counseling and psychological testing services in Carroll County.
PRESENTED BY
PROMOTED & PRODUCED BY
FOUNDING SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
REFRESHMENTS SPONSORS
