S.H.E. Pitch is a pitch competition for female entrepreneurs designed to give businesses both in the “idea stage” and “growth stage” cash prizes, publicity and networking opportunities.

All who register will get access to a professional pitch creator program that will guide them through the process of creating a catchy elevator pitch, investment summary and slide presentation deck.

Finalists will get the opportunity to compete in front of an experienced panel of judges and a live audience for cash prizes, plus publicity and resources to launch or enhance their business!

REGISTRATION FOR S.H.E. PITCH 2025 HAS CLOSED

S.H.E Pitch 2025 by Frederick Chamber

ELIGIBILITY

Idea-Stage Businesses:

Must be a for-profit business.
Must be at least 51% woman-owned.
Owner must be a resident of Frederick County; OR lease or own a physical business location in Frederick County OR are a member of a Frederick based shared office or kitchen.

Growth-Stage Businesses:

Must be a for-profit business.
Must be at least 51% woman-owned.
Must be generating revenue for the identified business, not to exceed $1 million in 2024
Owner must lease or own a physical business address/location in Frederick County, or if working out of the home must be in Frederick County and have a Home Occupancy Permit*, or are a member of a Frederick based shared office or kitchen.
Must be registered and in good standing in the state of Maryland as either a corporation, sole proprietor, LLC or DBA/trade name.*
Must be no more than three years old as of March 1, 2025. Start date for business operations must be on or after March 1, 2022.
Must meet at least ONE of the following qualifications:
- Accessed capital – acquired debt or equity infusion or used personal funds or received a grant to pursue business operations.
- Acquired resources – hired or compensated employees, or hired independent contractor to perform essential business functions.
- Incurring expense – has incurred business expenses in the operation of the business.
- Obtained licenses – has received any required business license for the industry as defined by the state.

*Must be in process and complete by June 23, 2025

Still have questions on which category you fall into? Contact Shelby Maly at [email protected]!

FUNDING

Are you or your organization interested in investing in the future of women-owned businesses in Frederick County? S.H.E. Pitch is looking for investors to join together to provide cash prizes for the winners of this year's competition. Use this form or contact Shelby Maly at [email protected] for more information.

Interested in S.H.E. Pitch 2025 but not sure where to start? Check out the recorded webinar below, designed to guide you through every step of this exciting pitch competition for women entrepreneurs.

EDUCATION PARTNER

We are excited to once again partner with Pitch Creator as the Education Partner of S.H.E. Pitch.

"The SHE Pitch experience played a pivotal role in moving my business from concept to reality. The Pitch Creator course challenged me to take my initial business plan and refine it into a focused and compelling investment summary and pitch deck. As a finalist, pitching my idea to a panel of judges and live audience was an incredible opportunity - one that empowered me to connect with the Frederick community and test out my ability to communicate my vision for family-friendly coworking with a wide local audience."

-Megan Donovan, Owner of SHIFT Work + Play and 2022 SHE Pitch Idea Stage Winner

PREVIOUS COMPETITIONS

2024 FINAL PITCH COMPETITION VIDEO

2023 Final Pitch Competition Video

2022 FINAL PITCH COMPETITION VIDEO

2021 Final Pitch Competition Video

“Going through the SHE Pitch process has been a wonderfully eye opening experience for me as a business owner. It has challenged me to really think through all of the details of my business and the vision I have for the future of opening my art studio. Participating in SHE Pitch has truly elevated my planning and my actions as a small business owner!"

-Tina Harper, Owner of Dream Free Art Studio and 2022 SHE Pitch Finalist

THIS OPPORTUNITY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY:

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 and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.