Community Food Market Takes Top Prize at Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow

Washington College's Warehime School of Business and USRC Recognize Outstanding Achievement of Regional Startups in Annual Pitch Competition.

Susan O’Neill, USRC Exec Dir; Alicia Boyd, winner; Bryan Matthews, Washington College 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 Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow. 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 Washington College Warehime School of Business and Upper Shore Regional Council, in partnership with StartUp Maryland, Cecil County Economic Development, Kent County Economic Development, and Queen Anne’s Economic Development, drew considerable talent. This year’s 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, Humble Hearts Catering & Events. 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, Garden Warrior. 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, Brackish Books. 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 Washington College students, highlighting the strong entrepreneurial spirit fostered on campus. These student ventures—focused on community transit and cancer awareness—stood alongside veteran business owners, showcasing the depth of talent within the college community.

“Hosting the STRT1UP Roadshow at Washington College for the third consecutive year underscores the Warehime School of Business and the Innovation Plant’s commitment to serving as an engine for regional economic growth,” said Dr. Caddie Putnam Rankin, Associate Dean of the Warehime School of Business. “The 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.”

The STRT1UP Roadshow is an annual event designed to celebrate and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s 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’Neill stated that “USRC is proud to support this region’s growing community of entrepreneurs. This year’s participants benefited enormously from the guidance of the Upper Shore Business Mentors, whose dedication, expertise, and one‑on‑one 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 Maryland Capital Enterprises / Women’s Business Center, the Upper Shore Regional Council Business Mentor Program, TEDCO, 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: https://www.kentcounty.com/strt1up.

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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 www.startupmd.org

About Washington College

Washington College, Maryland’s 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 www.washcoll.edu.

About Upper Shore Regional Council

The Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC) is a Maryland-based regional planning and development agency serving Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. It fosters economic growth, infrastructure development, and agricultural sustainability through initiatives like the Micro Ag Grant Program, the 3rd Annual Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow, and business mentoring. The council connects local, state, and federal resources to promote the region's unique, bucolic identity while boosting its economic relevance.