Entrepreneur of the Year | Maryland Capital Enterprises

Join us Thursday, November 5th, 2026 ~ 6-9 p.m.

Salisbury University Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons Building

Recognizing Resilience and Vision

The MCE Pohanka Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors a distinguished individual who exemplifies the true spirit of entrepreneurship. This award seeks candidates who have not only embraced the challenges of building their own business but have also contributed to local job creation and demonstrated a forward-thinking vision. We celebrate entrepreneurs who are resilient, dedicated, and unyielding in the pursuit of their goals—those who remain driven even when faced with the demands of their journey. Eligible nominees must be businesses on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Additional Accolades

In addition to receiving a monetary prize, the Entrepreneur of the Year will be honored at MCE’s Annual Awards Banquet. Since 2021, we have introduced two additional awards recognizing outstanding achievements in workforce development and innovation, celebrating two more exceptional small business owners each year.

Acknowledging Our Supporters

We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued supporters. Please scroll down to view the logos of these esteemed partners.

If you have any questions or if you want to learn more about the award, please contact Dory Hayman at dhayman@marylandcapital.org or call 410-546-1900 ext. 122.

What does MCE & the MCE Women’s Business Center Do?

Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) and the Women’s Business Center empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Maryland by providing resources, training, and support to help launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. We focus on creating pathways to economic independence, especially for individuals from underserved communities, through free business consulting, specialized training, networking opportunities, and access to funding options like small business loans.

The Women’s Business Center, a program within MCE, is dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through workshops, mentorship, and targeted resources, we aim to reduce barriers and help women realize their potential as business owners and leaders in our communities. Together, MCE and the Women’s Business Center foster a supportive, inclusive environment where Maryland entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to the local economy.

Why Nominate?

Every successful business has a story of courage, perseverance, and determination. Behind every entrepreneur are countless early mornings, late nights, difficult decisions, and calculated risks taken in pursuit of a dream.

By nominating an outstanding entrepreneur for the MCE Pohanka Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, you help recognize the individuals whose vision, leadership, and commitment strengthen Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These business owners create jobs, inspire innovation, support local organizations, and make lasting contributions to the communities where we live and work.

A nomination is more than an award submission—it is a meaningful expression of appreciation for an entrepreneur whose dedication deserves to be celebrated. Your nomination not only honors their achievements but also inspires the next generation of business leaders.

Together, we celebrate entrepreneurial excellence while supporting Maryland Capital Enterprises’ mission to provide the financing, education, and resources that help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and succeed.

Eligibility and Recognition

The nominee should be a small business owner or a principal partner actively managing the business.
The business must be situated in one of the specified Eastern Shore counties.
The company should have a workforce of 100 employees or fewer.
The business must have been locally established for a minimum of two years.
The nomination should be for a for-profit entity, in good standing with the State of Maryland.

Nominate a Deserving Entrepreneur

Do you know an entrepreneur whose hard work, innovation, and determination deserve to be recognized? Help us celebrate the business leaders who are making a difference on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

To submit a nomination, sponsor a table, purchase tickets, or have your business considered for an award, simply click the appropriate orange button above to complete the corresponding online form.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to nominate themselves. Whether you’re recognizing a colleague, client, friend, or your own business journey, we invite you to share the story of entrepreneurial excellence. Once a nomination or application is received, a Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) representative will follow up with additional information and next steps.

We look forward to celebrating the people and businesses that strengthen our communities through innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Further Inquiries

For any more information about the award, please contact Dory Hayman at dhayman@marylandcapital.org or call 410-546-1900 ext. 122. If attending our banquet or any other event on the Salisbury University campus, make sure to secure your free parking pass at this link: https://salisburyparkingpermits.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal

2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Winner

2025 MCE Pohanka Entrepreneur of the Year

Awarded to: Melissa Drew, President – InSite BUILD

The 2025 MCE Pohanka Entrepreneur of the Year Award was proudly presented to Melissa Drew, President of InSite BUILD, in recognition of her exceptional vision, business growth, and leadership excellence.

In just four years, Melissa has guided InSite BUILD to remarkable success. With a foundation in civil engineering and a steadfast commitment to integrity and excellence, she has built a company known for strategic partnerships, high-quality workmanship, and professionalism on every project.

Beyond business success, Melissa stands out for her dedication to community service. She serves on the Executive Advisory Council of the Perdue School of Business, the Board of Symphony 21, and the Greater Salisbury Committee. She also mentors students through the ACE Mentor Program and supports the Special Olympics of Maryland’s Athlete Leadership Council.

Melissa’s vision reaches far beyond the structures her company builds — she is committed to building legacies grounded in relationships, community investment, and bold entrepreneurial leadership.

Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello, Jeff Trivits, Jenni Pastusak, and Maurice Ames

2025 MCE Innovator Award Winner Jeff Trivits

The Irish Penny Pub & Grill

The 2025 MCE Innovator of the Year Award was presented to Jeff Trivits, Owner of The Irish Penny Pub & Grill, in recognition of his creativity, originality, and visionary approach to business.

Jeff has cultivated The Irish Penny into a beloved local gathering place — a warm, welcoming spot that feels like “where everybody knows your name.” His success stems from a combination of culinary innovation, customer connection, and community spirit that continues to set the pub apart.

Through his inventive leadership and commitment to community, Jeff exemplifies the spirit of innovation — proving that fresh ideas, authenticity, and heart are the true ingredients for lasting success.

Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello, Jason Welch, Nancy Schwendeman, and Maurice Ames

2025 MCE Workforce Development Award Winner
Jason Welch

Coastal Provisions Restaurant Group

The 2025 MCE Workforce Development Award was presented to Jason Welch, Owner of Coastal Provisions Restaurant Group, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to creating career opportunities and cultivating a strong, inclusive workforce.

Jason leads Coastal Provisions Restaurant Group, which includes three exceptional dining destinations — Tall Tales Brewing Company, Oaked 110 Whiskey & Wine Bar, and Oaked at the Globe. Under his guidance, each restaurant has become known for its hospitality, quality, and sense of community, providing not only memorable dining experiences but also rewarding careers for local residents.

His leadership is defined by mentorship, respect, and investment in people. Jason’s dedication to developing talent and offering meaningful advancement opportunities exemplifies the spirit of the Workforce Development Award — showing that true business success grows from empowering the individuals who make it possible.

The evening opened with two powerful keynote addresses. The Honorable Jacob Day, Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development, delivered an insightful message on the importance of economic opportunity and community resilience. Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello, Dealer-Operator of Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury, gave an inspiring keynote that set a celebratory tone for the awards presentations. We are deeply grateful for the meaningful and motivating words shared by both speakers.

The program was further elevated by Congressional Citations recognizing each award recipient’s outstanding contributions to the community and regional economy. Delegate Christopher T. Adams, Chair of the Eastern Shore Delegation, provided a citation on behalf of the Wicomico County Delegation, presented by Delegate Barry Beauchamp, District 38B. Additional citations were provided by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. These commendations underscored the tremendous impact of this year’s honorees and the essential role their work plays in strengthening Maryland’s economic landscape.

The evening also featured dynamic presentations by winners of the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business Ratcliffe Foundation and Shore Hatchery Entrepreneurship Competitions. They were introduced by Heather Brooks, Competition Director of the Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship at Salisbury University. Award presentations were led by Jenni Pastusak, Director of Public Relations at D3, and Nancy Schwendeman, Workforce Development Specialist with Maryland’s Coast, Worcester County Tourism & Economic Development.

Maryland Capital Enterprises congratulates the 2025 award winners and extends heartfelt thanks to all supporters, partners, and sponsors who made this event possible. Your commitment fuels MCE’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and create pathways to economic success across Maryland.

A Very Special Thank You to Our Award Sponsors

Worcester County Department of Economic Development & Tourism – Sponsor of the Workforce Development Award
D3 Corp – Sponsor of the Innovator Award

Thank You to Our 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Sponsors

Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury, Hebron Savings Bank, Delmarva Power, PNC Bank, Link Bank, M&T Bank, The City of Salisbury, Salisbury University Foundation, Precious Hands Commercial & Residential Construction Services, Dorchester Lodge #223 IBPO Elks of the World, BBSI, Worcester County Department of Tourism & Economic Development, D3 Corp., InSite BUILD, Solomon’s Financial Solutions, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Mike Cottingham, and iHeart Media.

A special thanks goes out to Minute Man Press for generously donating the printing and delivery of our event brochure.

Door prizes generously provided by Wawa Community Care, Mogan’s Oyster House, and Ace Home Center.

Through these awards, Maryland Capital Enterprises continues to champion the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives across the Eastern Shore. We believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to strengthen communities, create opportunity, and change lives.