蜜桃传媒

蜜桃传媒's Warehime School of Business and USRC Recognize Outstanding Achievement of Regional Startups in Annual Pitch Competition.

Susan O鈥橬eill, USRC Exec Dir; Alicia Boyd, winner; Bryan Matthews, 蜜桃传媒 Interim President

Innovation and community impact were on full display this past Tuesday at Washington College as entrepreneurs from across the Upper Eastern Shore competed in the third annual . After a series of high-stakes pitches, Alicia Boyd, founder of Humble Hearts Catering & Events, was named the first-place winner, taking home the $4,000 grand prize for her community-based food market idea.  

The competition, co-hosted by the 蜜桃传媒 Warehime School of Business and Upper Shore Regional Council, in partnership with StartUp Maryland, , , and , drew considerable talent. This year鈥檚 finalists represented a diverse array of industries, from sustainable agriculture to retail and professional services.

The 2026 winners are:

• 1st Place ($4,000): Alicia Boyd, . A winning concept focusing on a community-based food market that provides rural families and seniors with affordable, locally sourced fresh produce and ready-to-heat meals.
• 2nd Place ($1,000): DeSales Ward, . A landscaping venture dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor solutions, such as organic fertilizing and native plant design, to help homeowners and businesses maintain beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
• 3rd Place ($500): Liz Gilbert, . A mobile bookstore will bring a diverse selection of new and used books to Eastern Shore communities, serving as a local gathering spot for readers through book clubs and educational programs.

Among the ten finalists who took the stage were several 蜜桃传媒 students, highlighting the strong entrepreneurial spirit fostered on campus. These student ventures鈥攆ocused on community transit and cancer awareness鈥攕tood alongside veteran business owners, showcasing the depth of talent within the college community.

鈥淗osting the STRT1UP Roadshow at 蜜桃传媒 for the third consecutive year underscores the Warehime School of Business and the Innovation Plant鈥檚 commitment to serving as an engine for regional economic growth,鈥� said Dr. Caddie Putnam Rankin, Associate Dean of the Warehime School of Business. 鈥淭he budding entrepreneur community on the Upper Eastern Shore is strong. And, I was impressed by how they are all using business to promote progress in our communities. By providing these founders with a platform for mentorship and investment, we are ensuring that the next generation of business leaders has the resources necessary to support communities that thrive.鈥�

The STRT1UP Roadshow is an annual event designed to celebrate and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne鈥檚 counties. By connecting founders with mentorship, capital, and a public platform, the competition continues to fuel the economic and social development of the Maryland Eastern Shore.

The Upper Shore Regional Council Executive Director, Susan O鈥橬eill stated that 鈥淯SRC is proud to support this region鈥檚 growing community of entrepreneurs. This year鈥檚 participants benefited enormously from the guidance of the Upper Shore Business Mentors, whose dedication, expertise, and one鈥憃n鈥憃ne support helped each participant strengthen their business pitch. Their commitment, along with each of the county economic development teams is a powerful example of how collaboration builds stronger local economies."

In addition to the competition, attendees benefited from the Business Resource Panel with a discussion focused on funding and incentives which explored available capital resources, incentive programs, and practical funding strategies for startups and growing businesses. They also had the chance to connect with key resource partners offering valuable support for entrepreneurs and small businesses with organizations such as / , , , and others who were on-site to share information about their programs, funding opportunities, and technical assistance.

For more details on the event, please visit: .

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About StartUp Maryland

Driven from within the startup community and led by/for entrepreneurs, Startup Maryland is peer-driven and focused on high-growth ventures. Forged on the themes spawned by national initiatives, Startup Maryland strives to connect innovation communities.  We recognize the importance of founding - entrepreneurs, startup, ramp-up and speedup companies to the innovation economy. Startup Maryland rallies entrepreneurs, supporters, and other innovation stakeholders around four main mission themes: Celebration | Coaching | Curation | Capital. Learn more at

About 蜜桃传媒

蜜桃传媒, Maryland鈥檚 premier small college, enrolls approximately 1,000 undergraduates from more than 39 states and territories and 23 nations. Washington is known for outstanding academics in more than 50 academic programs. With an emphasis on experiential learning opportunities across the disciplines, ranging from internships and research to international study and civic engagement, Washington prepares students for successful careers and lives after graduation. The College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing as well as the 5,000-acre river and field campus which provides unique research opportunities for students and faculty. Learn more at .

About Upper Shore Regional Council

The is a Maryland-based regional planning and development agency serving Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne鈥檚 counties. It fosters economic growth, infrastructure development, and agricultural sustainability through initiatives like the , the , and business mentoring. The council connects local, state, and federal resources to promote the region's unique, bucolic identity while boosting its economic relevance.