We are thrilled to announce the winners of last week’s HoCo Higher Pitch Competition! This year’s event was a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our community. The competition showcased the remarkable talent and innovation within Howard County and we’re excited to share the achievements of our standout participants.
This incredible event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our valued partners: the Howard County Executive’s Office, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and M&T Bank. Their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in our community has been instrumental in driving the success of our local businesses.
🎖️ 1st Place: Craig A. McKenzie of Engineered Design Services LLC – $2,000
Craig A. McKenzie, founder of Engineered Design Services LLC, took home the top prize of $2,000. Craig’s company has demonstrated exceptional expertise in engineering solutions, earning recognition for its innovative approach and impactful solutions. This victory not only highlights Craig’s dedication but also emphasizes the high-caliber talent within our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
🥈 2nd Place: Nysia Wilhite of Dance Solutions – $1,000
Nysia Wilhite of Dance Solutions secured the 2nd place with a prize of $1,000. Nysia’s passion for dance and commitment to providing top-notch dance solutions resonated strongly with the judges and audience alike. Dance Solutions has proven to be a valuable addition to the local arts scene, enriching the community with its creative offerings.
🥉 3rd Place: Irfan Khan of CrewThrive – $750
Irfan Khan, the visionary behind CrewThrive, earned the 3rd place award of $750. CrewThrive is transforming how businesses manage staff training and development by creating a culture of continuous learning. Their platform provides employees with online access to custom training resources, which helps reduce staff turnover and enhances service standards. Irfan’s innovative approach is setting new benchmarks in employee development and operational excellence.
🏆 Crowd Favorite: Nysia Wilhite of Dance Solutions – $500
In addition to her 2nd place win, Nysia Wilhite was also honored as the “Crowd Favorite,” receiving an additional $500. This special award, voted on by the audience, reflects the strong support and enthusiasm Nysia garnered from the community. Her dedication to Dance Solutions and its impact on local culture truly resonated with everyone present.
A Milestone Achievement: HoCo Higher Graduation
The HoCo Higher Pitch Competition also marked the graduation of Cohort #7 from this prestigious program. We celebrated the incredible achievements of these entrepreneurs who have completed this rigorous and transformative journey. The HoCo Higher program, a flagship initiative by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), equips participants with essential tools, knowledge and connections to propel their ventures forward. This program relies on the support of the County Executive’s office and continues partnership within our community.
Since its inception in 2021, HoCo Higher has supported over 120 entrepreneurs, awarding more than $425,000 across various cohorts. These funds have been instrumental in enabling local startups to thrive, with many graduates now operating successful businesses in Howard County. Notably, previous winners have gone on to generate millions in annual revenue and create dozens of new jobs for the local community.
Fostering Innovation and Growth
The HoCo Higher Pitch Competition is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s exhilarating to witness the growth and success of our local entrepreneurs and to play a role in fostering an environment that nurtures such remarkable achievements. The program continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting and uplifting the business community in Howard County.
Upcoming HoCo Higher Programs
We’re excited to continue supporting the entrepreneurial spirit with our upcoming HoCo Higher programs:
HoCo Higher FastTrac Accelerator
Starting September 26th, this program is designed to help entrepreneurs fast-track their business growth. Gain valuable insights and practical tools to accelerate your business’s journey from concept to success.
HoCo Higher: Growth Accelerator
Kicking off on October 9th, this program focuses on scaling existing businesses. Learn strategies to expand your business, enhance operational efficiencies and achieve significant growth.
HoCo Higher: CEO Accelerator
Join us in person on November 14th and 21st for an exclusive retreat with an Internationally Certified Business Coach. This program is designed to help you “create a systemized plan to increase your earnings while building effective processes to work less.”
Don’t miss these opportunities to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Apply now and be part of these transformative programs.
Empower Your Business with BRITE: The Pathway to Success
HoCo Higher events are a key part of our BRITE program—Business Revitalization Initiative Through Entrepreneurship. BRITE accelerates the journey from innovation to commercialization, offering mentorship, marketing and resources for startups and established businesses in Howard County. Whether you’re in the idea stage or looking to scale, BRITE provides the support you need to grow, from talent acquisition to strategic partnerships.
Diversity drives innovation, and BRITE champions inclusivity by supporting women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned and other historically underutilized businesses. With BRITE, you’ll gain the tools, connections and guidance to turn your passion into powerful products and services, paving the way for entrepreneurial success.
Join Us for Pitch & Mingle: The Great Pumpkin Pitch
Mark your calendar for October 17th and join us at the Maryland Innovation Center for Pitch & Mingle: The Great Pumpkin Pitch. This exciting event will spotlight the community’s most promising entrepreneurs and startups. With over $6,000 in cash prizes on the line, it’s your chance to witness groundbreaking ideas and support local talent.
Support local entrepreneurs, be part of the selection process and connect with like-minded individuals at the Maryland Innovation Center. We can’t wait to see you there!
Interested in presenting? Apply here: Great Pumpkin Pitch Application
