Carroll Biz Challenge Meet and Greet 2019

In our previous blog we announced that Hampstead Marketing and Design was entered as a contestant in the Carroll Biz Challenge, a local countywide search for new and exciting business ideas. Carroll Biz Challenge is a self described cross between Shark Tank and America’s Got Talent, and it does not disappoint.

We attended the first ever meet and greet event hosted by the Biz Challenge and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, with thanks to their many corporate sponsors. There was an excitement in the air as we waited in a short line to enter the meet and greet space at the Town Mall of Westminster. We were greeted, received contestant name tags, as well as a small gift bag.

Most exciting was that the event featured craft beer from last years winners, the fine gentlemen of Brewery Fire. Any event with an open bar is amazing, but when you throw in beer of this quality, you’re just asking for a great time.

After per curing a drink we networked and mingled with other contestants and sponsors. The setting was friendly and though we were surrounded by so many inspiring and strong small businesses, it was easy to talk to everyone and even made a few new contacts.

This was about the time that the presentation began and we learned about the contest itself, the wonderful sponsors, and then.

BAM.

No Power. A storm rolled through, in true Carroll County fashion, and knocked out the electricity at the mall. After just a few minutes the power came back on to thunderous applause, only to follow by an immediate and disappointing “Ahhhhhh” as the power again went dark.

The show, however, must go on, and in true spirit of business perseverance we continued the entire filmed presentation with just the glow of the camera lights and many phone flashlight apps.

I have to give it to the chamber and organizers, they really pushed through and made it fun, the only thing missing were the smores and campfire stories.

We are so thrilled to be in contention with so many amazing local business owners and even if we are not selected to appear in the top 5, we will most certainly be attending the main event, which is broadcast live, and is poised to be this years must attend event for Carroll County. The live finale will take place August 8th, 2019 at the Carroll County Center for the Arts from 5-8. We hope to see you there to show your support of the little guys with the big ideas.