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 Tina Harper to find out ‘Where SHE is Now’:
Dream Free Art
2022 Rising Star
How has your business grown or changed since SHE Pitch?
My business actually grew tremendously after SHE Pitch! Within the first 24 hours post-pitch, I had several members of the business community reaching out to me wanting to help me grow. I had the keys to my brick and mortar about 6 weeks after my pitch and about 9 months after my pitch I expanded to a larger location!
What’s next for your business?
We are looking into creating a franchise for Dream Free Art as we have been repeatedly asked to open more locations in other areas and to add mobile services too!
Looking back, what was the most valuable take away from your SHE Pitch experience?
Putting my business concept under a microscope to thoroughly analyze my idea and to truly breathe life into it was invaluable to me. The SHE Pitch process made me look at my wacky dream and turn it into an actual action plan.
Advice to fellow entrepreneurs
Just do it! Yes, it’s scary and yes, the fear of the unknown can be debilitating, but take one step at a time and you’ll be fine. You’ll never know what amazing things that could possibly come your way if you don’t try, so ask the questions you have, make new connections, take one step at a time and just do it! You’ll be so amazed at how much you can accomplish when you just try.
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!