Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence

The MCE Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Recognizing Resilience and Vision

The MCE 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. Starting in 2025, we will be including businesses in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County.

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 [email protected] 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?

Nominating a local business for the MCE Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a way to honor and uplift the individuals who are driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation within our community. These entrepreneurs often work tirelessly behind the scenes, overcoming challenges and taking risks to build businesses that enrich our local economy and create opportunities for others. By nominating them, we recognize their contributions and inspire them—and others—to continue investing in our region.

This award is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a powerful reminder of the impact that small businesses have on our collective future. A nomination highlights the resilience and vision within our community and sends a message of encouragement and support to all entrepreneurs striving to make a difference.

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

To nominate a candidate, please complete the nomination form below. All needed forms are linked directly just below, or on this MCE website homepage dropdown menu entitled “Entrepreneur of the Year.” Business owners are welcome to self-nominate using the application form. MCE representatives will reach out to nominees with further information.

Further Inquiries

For any more information about the award, please contact Dory Hayman at [email protected] 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

2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Winner

The Ugly Pie

This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development, was awarded to Heather Hall and Shaina Daly, the talented duo behind The Ugly Pie, who have been filling Salisbury with delicious, unique pies since 2014. They opened their first store downtown in 2017 and quickly outgrew it, now operating from their current location on East William Street. Known for their creative flavors and commitment to quality, Heather and Shaina offer both sweet and savory options, delighting even the most skeptical pie lovers. They’re dedicated to exceptional customer service, environmental responsibility, and supporting the community.

Left: MCE Executive Director, Maurice Ames, Shaina Daly and Heather Hall

2024 MCE Innovator Award Winner
Sara Noyes Aquino
Atlantic Portable X-ray

MCE Executive Director, Maurice Ames, Sara Noyes Aquino and D3 Corporation’s Director of Public Relations, Jenni Pastusak

2024 MCE Workforce Development Award Winner
Jeremy Brink
Ocean 13

MCE Executive Director, Maurice Ames, Jeremy Brink, MCE Baltimore Regional Director, Nick Rudolph and Lower Shore Workforce Alliance Business Services Manager, Julianna Allen, presenting for Worcester County

Senator Mary Beth Carozza Presents Citations to Our Award Recipients

The evening was further distinguished by Congressional Citations presented to the award recipients in recognition of their contributions to the community and the local economy. Delegate Christopher T. Adams, chair of the Eastern Shore Delegation, provided a citation from his office, alongside citations from Maryland Senators Mary Beth Carozza and Johnny Mautz, and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Benjamin Cardin. These commendations underscored the impact and importance of the work being done by this year’s honorees.

The event also included presentations by winners of the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business Ratcliffe Foundation and Shore Hatchery Entrepreneurship competition, introduced by Bryan Bourdeau, Assistant Director of the Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship at Salisbury University.

Maryland Capital Enterprises congratulates the 2024 award winners and thanks all supporters and sponsors who made this event a success. Their commitment fuels MCE’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and create opportunities that drive positive economic change in Maryland.

A Very Special Thank You to our Award Sponsors:

Worcester County Dept. Economic Development & Tourism sponsor of The Workforce Development Award
D3 Corp sponsor of The Innovator Award

Maryland Capital Enterprises would also like to thank our generous 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Sponsors: Hebron Savings Bank, Delmarva Power, First Shore Federal, PNC Bank, Link Bank M&T Bank, The City of Salisbury, SU Foundation, Precious Hands Commercial and Residential Construction Services, Dorchester Lodge #223 IBPO Elks Of The World, BBSI, Step Up From Grace, Ocean Fruit, Worcester County Department of Tourism & Economic Development, D3 Corp., Dwayne Lockman, Choptank Electric, iHeart Media.

Door Prizes Generously Provided by: Wawa Community Care, Mogan’s Oyster House and Plak That.

Through these awards, Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc. continues its mission to support and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives on the Eastern Shore. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities.