By Staff Writer
On August 14, five ambitious entrepreneurs from across Carroll County will step into the spotlight at the 2025 Carroll Biz Challenge Live Finale, hoping to turn their bold business ideas into reality.
The event, now in its 14th year, is the signature entrepreneurial showcase hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and will take place at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster.
Selected from a pool of 40 applicants, the five finalists will each have five minutes to pitch their business concept live on stage, followed by a seven-minute Q&A session with a panel of seasoned judges. The stakes are high: the Grand Prize includes $10,000 in cash and $20,040 in goods and services designed to jumpstart the winner’s venture.
This year’s finalists represent a wide range of industries and passions:
AXOLTL
A tech-forward AI company using computer vision and predictive analytics to streamline enterprise operations. Entrepreneur: Chandler Provence
Fine Tuned
A music-focused startup that fosters creativity and community through immersive music-based experiences. Entrepreneur: Jake Fine
Gilbert’s Premium Jerky
A family-run operation creating one-of-a-kind jerky flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Entrepreneur: Christopher Fong
Puzzle Lady
A whimsical brand that merges art and play with handcrafted acrylic puzzles and themed gifts. Entrepreneur: Gwen DeGroff
Village West Pilates
A boutique Pilates studio in downtown Westminster offering small-group and private classes with a community-centered approach. Entrepreneur: Alexandra Chambers
While the judges will select the Grand Prize winner, the audience will also have their say. Attendees will cast votes for the $2,025 People’s Choice Award. In addition, the United Way of Central Maryland will present the $2,000 ChangeMaker Award to one of the 40 applicants whose business demonstrates the greatest potential for community impact.
The judging panel includes an impressive roster of business leaders:
- Steve Moore, owner of RunMoore and 2014 Carroll Biz Challenge winner
- Kim Fernandez, CEO of GIRLKIN Lashes
- Dr. Angelica Carter, founder of the LIT Company and Director of Community Engagement at Carroll Community College
- Graham Dodge, Vice President of Venture Development and a multi-time entrepreneur and inventor
Returning to emcee the event are crowd favorites Jon Weetman, known as “The Entrepreneurs’ Lawyer,” and Hannah Brookfield, aka “BotaniGal” and winner of the 2022 challenge. The competition caps off a months-long process that began with applications submitted from February through May. Finalists were selected in July after careful review and deliberation by the challenge’s advisory committee. The event promises an evening of innovation, inspiration, and local pride, as Carroll County’s next generation of business leaders competes for the opportunity to launch their dreams.
