3 HoCo Entrepreneurs Receive $21K Through "HoCo Higher" Accelerator Program

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The entrepreneur accelerator program “HoCo Higher” wrapped up with a pitch competition and three winners who will receive $21,000 in total funding for their business dreams. The 25 entrepreneurs who completed the inaugural class received $5,000 in seed money.

“Small businesses are the economic engine that pushes Howard County forward and help our community thrive,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “HoCo Higher has helped entrepreneurs, especially those who are traditionally underserved, reach new heights and access important resources and support structures. We’re thrilled with this inaugural class of innovators, who have come together and really put forward new, thoughtful ideas that we’re excited to see come to life.”

All the entrepreneurs in the class participated in an elimination round pitch competition to determine five finalists that included:

• Tocar Spa - Stephen Conti | 1st Place - $15,000 | Healthcare - Massage Therapy
• HoCo Pirate Adventures - Chris Fuchs | 2nd Place - $4,000 | Non-Profit, Education
• Mosquito Hunters – Chaz Robinson | 3rd Place - $2,000 | Pest Control
• UPL!FT! - Dr. Xavier Bruce | Professional Development Training
• Koller Consulting - Sheri Koller | Consulting- Social Work

During the 10-week program, entrepreneurs followed a curriculum curated by M&T Bank. The curriculum included lessons from a diverse set of presenters on legal business formation, obtaining certifications, developing business plans, managing business and personal finances, sourcing capital, pricing strategies, risk management and business insurance, marketing strategies and more.