S.H.E. Pitch, which recently completed its fourth year, is a competition for local female entrepreneurs in both the “idea stage” and “growth stage.” The event, hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce with sponsorship by The City of Frederick, offers participants an opportunity to present their business ventures in a shark-tank style event to win substantial cash prizes, gain publicity, and forge new networking connections.
Year after year the program continues to not only empower entrepreneurs but also make a significant impact on our local economy. Since the program’s inception, we have proudly watched seven past SHE Pitch winners go on to launch or grow a business within The City of Frederick limits.
Below we catch up past standout and current local business owner Jenni Hoover to find out ‘Where SHE is Now’:
Serenity Swimming
2023 Idea Stage Winner
How has your business grown or changed since SHE Pitch?
The mobile swim lessons continues to be very strong and demand continues to outpace water availability. We have been working hard towards opening the new indoor swim school. I’ve had community members recognize me from SHE Pitch- ranging from sitting at a community pool awaiting the arrival of the swim family or I now teach families I met at SHE Pitch.
What’s next / on the horizon for your business?
SHE Pitch was the first time I announced to Frederick I was trying to open an indoor swim school. I am hoping to have the new facility open before this Christmas- one of the hardest parts in the process has been having to move the timeline back (Spring, Summer, She Pitch 2024, Fall and now Christmas). This facility will give us the opportunity to meet the needs of Frederick with private swim lessons. In addition, we will expand to offer additional programming that is specific to the wants and needs of Frederick. One of the best parts of being a small locally-owned business, is at the new facility we can design and structure the programming based on what the Frederick families are asking for. We’ve already had several requests for unique activities from both parents and kids.
Looking back, what was the most valuable take away from your SHE Pitch experience?
That is tough with a 3-way winner:
First, the friendships and bonds with the other finalist- I’ve had multiple conversations with other finalist about creating fun collaborations!
Second, at SHE Pitch during the break between pitches and awards, I heard from so many community members of how they believed what I was doing was needed for Frederick.
Third, the materials prepared for SHE Pitch; when I was talking to loan officers they would carefully try to ask if I actually knew what I was doing- and I would explain I did Frederick SHE Pitch (and won) and have a solid business plan/ projections- they immediately knew I was serious.
Advice to fellow entrepreneurs
We are really lucky in Frederick to have SHE Pitch and amazing small business resources. In February, I went to an aquatics conference with swim school owners from around the country, it came up how I participated in SHE Pitch and others all wished their community had it. If you are on the fence about doing SHE Pitch, you should! If you are worried you won’t have enough time in the Spring/ Summer, start working on your business plan now.
Are you thinking about starting or growing a business?
Contact The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov to learn more about the resources that can help!