The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of S.H.E. Pitch, a new opportunity aimed to develop and enhance female entrepreneurship in Frederick County.
S.H.E. Pitch is a pitch competition for female CEOs – or “S.H.E.-EOs” – designed to give businesses both in the “idea stage” and “growth stage” significant cash prizes, publicity and networking opportunities. S.H.E. Pitch is a component of the 2021 programming for S.H.E. Week, a week of events celebrating the Strength, Heart and Equality of women in Frederick County. Enrollment is now open.
“We’re very proud that the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce focuses energy on recognizing and celebrating women and minority-owned businesses. We believe wholeheartedly that one of the key components of our economic success is the diversity and creativity of our owners and business leaders,” said Rick Weldon, president and CEO. “S.H.E. Pitch is the next logical progression of our amazing S.H.E. Week experience over the last few years. We’ve learned so much about our incredible women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders that we now want to directly contribute to their missions and passions. These business stories are inspiring and motivating, and the women behind these stories are no less amazing. We can’t wait to share them with everyone in Frederick County!”
Eligibility for S.H.E. Pitch is based upon a set of criteria established for two categories of competitors – those in the idea stage of their business and those in the growth stage. Registration for the competition is free but requires a discounted investment of $26 to develop the necessary materials needed for judging and progression through the competition. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to enroll in the month of April as the process involves online coursework and submission deadlines for judging.
Finalists in both categories will pitch their businesses to a virtual audience on August 26 as part of S.H.E. Week 2021 programming. Winners will be announced during the live event with audience members also getting the opportunity to vote and award their favorite pitch a “People’s Choice” prize.
“This opportunity wouldn’t exist without our partners at Frederick County Office of Economic Development, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, Maryland Women’s Business Center and Octavo Designs,” said Jennifer Gerlock, vice president of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. “Their vision, financial prize investments and work on behalf of established and emerging female entrepreneurs is nothing short of inspiring.”
More details on the process, eligibility and registration can be found online at frederickchamber.org/shepitch.
Businesses who wish to get involved or sponsor either S.H.E. Pitch or S.H.E. Week are encouraged to reach out to Jennifer Gerlock at jgerlock@frederickchamber.org for more information.
S.H.E. Pitch is made possible through a partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and Octavo Designs.
S.H.E. Week, which runs August 22-27 in 2021, is a program developed by The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.