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Celebrating Empowerment: The 5th Annual S.H.E. Pitch Competition

The atmosphere in the Hood College Hodson Auditorium on August 8, 2025, was filled with excitement and anticipation, as six noteworthy women entrepreneurs took to the stage for the fifth annual S.H.E. Pitch competition. This event is part of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce's S.H.E. Week, and it provided a platform for women-owned businesses at various stages of development to gain recognition and financial backing.

This year, the S.H.E. Pitch awarded a total of $14,500 to local women-owned businesses, highlighting the importance of innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit among women. The winners of the 2025 S.H.E. Pitch competition included:

• - Idea Stage Winner: Ngoc Chau from NCE BIM Consulting, who received $5,000.
• - Growth Stage Winner: Michelle Bryan from Sweet Maddie's – Cookies on Demand, awarded $5,000.
• - People's Choice Award: Michelle Bryan also took home the additional $500 for this category, showcasing her business's popularity.
• - She's Rising Award: Given to Inga James from Nonprofit Growth Strategies of Maryland, also receiving $500.
• - Pitch Creator Hustle Award: Holly Nelson from The Play Café earned this recognition, alongside a $500 boost.

All finalists received a $500 prize thanks to the support of local community partners, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that characterizes the Frederick business community. Other finalists included talented entrepreneurs such as Mari Millard (Two Maids Frederick), Jarena Griffin-Price (Box 154), and Inga James, who has demonstrated remarkable innovation within their respective fields.

Shelby Maly, the Director of Marketing for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, expressed the overarching mission of the S.H.E. Pitch competition: “It's about showing women that their ideas are worth investing in and that there is a community here that believes in their potential.” Maly emphasized that the competition goes beyond monetary prizes—it's about empowering women to refine their business concepts and build their confidence in a supportive environment.

Throughout their preparation journey since April, each finalist diligently worked on polishing their business summaries and refining their narratives to captivate the audience. The dedication exhibited by these women was a testament to their strength and ambition, and they inspired everyone present at the pitch event.

Alongside monetary awards, the finalists received essential in-kind support aimed at fostering their entrepreneurial growth in Frederick County. This included complimentary coworking memberships from SHIFT Work + Play, print vouchers from Print @ Hood, consulting services in QuickBooks from Details Matter Bookkeeping and Advising, professional headshots by Acacia Bowens of AK's GraFix Photography, an advertising package from Sass Magazine, and even media exposure via a feature segment on Good Morning Frederick with Dani Gurrie.

About the Women in Business Committee

The Women in Business committee plays a vital role within the Frederick County business landscape. Their mission is centered around empowering and developing women through avenues of education, networking, and mentoring while promoting opportunities that inspire growth and success. They create programs that encourage women to learn from one another and address unique challenges faced in the business realm.

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

Representing the collective voice of local businesses, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce engages in strategic leadership to shape the region's economic landscape. Through their advocacy and services, they aim to bolster the business community and ensure a prosperous environment for all entrepreneurs.

In summation, the 5th Annual S.H.E. Pitch competition was not just an event; it was a celebration of women's entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and communal support. With each pitch, the participants showcased what could be achieved when women invest in their ideas and collaborate to create a brighter future in business.

The S.H.E. Pitch competition emphasizes that women's ideas are not only valued but are crucial to building a thriving community. This year’s event stands as a powerful reminder that when women succeed, entire communities prosper. The enthusiastic audience rallied behind the participants, making it clear that the future looks bright for women entrepreneurs in Frederick County and beyond.