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 Megan Donovan to find out ‘Where SHE is Now.’
SHIFT Work + Play
2022 Idea Stage WINNER
How has your business grown or changed since SHE Pitch?
When I won the SHE Pitch “Idea Stage” in 2022, SHIFT Work + Play was truly still an idea; a very developed idea, but one that lived only on paper. In November of that year, just a few short months after SHE Pitch, we opened our doors and began offering family-friendly coworking to parents and professionals in the Frederick area. Since then, we’ve been refining our model, growing our coworking community and building partnerships with other small businesses.
What’s next for your business?
As we approach our two year anniversary, I’m excited to be launching new benefits and opportunities for our members, including date nights, an expanded program of classes and activities, and new coworking amenities. So much of the first 2 years was focused on getting the word out about who we are and what we offer. Now it’s really exciting to be entering a new phase, during which I can focus more on enhancing the member experience and finding new ways to support our coworkers and the community around us.
Looking back, what was the most valuable take away from your SHE Pitch experience?
One of the most valuable aspects for me was the way the 3-stage SHE Pitch process required me to refine my business concept at a critical phase of development. Between the Pitch Creator course, business coaching and final pitch experience, I was pushed to examine aspects of the business that I had not yet grappled with and to articulate a concise and compelling concept. As a result, I was more strategic and confident in my plans. Two years later, I still look back and draw confidence and strength from that experience.
Advice to fellow entrepreneurs
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help. Frederick is full of caring, supportive, collaborative business owners. If you are struggling with a tough problem or feeling overwhelmed when it comes to decision-making, reach out to the community around you. No matter what challenge you’re facing, someone else has faced it before and can relate to what you’re going through.
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!