Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 MCE Pohanka Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, celebrating exceptional small business owners across the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The nomination deadline is Friday, October 3, 2025. Winners will be announced at the annual banquet held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. at the Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons at Salisbury University.
With generous support from our Premier Sponsor, Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury, this event shines a spotlight on the business owners who drive local economies forward with vision, grit, and determination. Award categories include:
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Honoring overall excellence in leadership, growth, and business impact. Winner receives a trophy and cash prize.
• Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by D3 Digital Marketing Agency, this award celebrates creative thinking and breakthrough ideas.
• Workforce Development Award – Sponsored by Worcester County Economic Development & Tourism, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to job creation and employee advancement.
To nominate, sponsor a table, buy tickets or apply, please visit www.MarylandCapital.org. Why Recognition Matters
In the whirlwind of daily operations, entrepreneurs rarely stop to acknowledge how far they’ve come. That’s why being nominated—being seen—matters. Recognition validates effort, boosts visibility, opens new doors, and reminds us that we’re all part of a greater economic community.
"When you nominate someone, you’re doing more than filling out a form," says MCE Executive Director Maurice Ames. "You’re telling a small business owner that their story matters—and that their hard work is making a difference."
Nominations are welcome from community members, peers, and entrepreneurs themselves. Eligibility requirements include:
• Business must be for-profit and located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland • Must employ 100 people or fewer
• Must be in good standing with the State of Maryland
• Nominee must be an owner or majority partner actively involved in daily operations To submit a nomination, visit www.marylandcapital.org.
Celebrate with Us
The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Banquet is MCE’s primary fundraiser. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, beer, wine, and beverages. Table sponsorships start at $1,250 and offer marketing benefits including logo placement in the event video, website, newsletters, and social media.
Past winners include some of the region’s most inspiring business leaders, from Heather Hall and Shaina Daly of The Ugly Pie to Chris Eccleston of Delmarva Veteran Builders and Dr. Nicole Odom-Hardnett of Focus Point Solutions.
We invite you to take a moment to lift up a small business that inspires you—because when one entrepreneur is recognized, our entire community shines a little brighter.
About Maryland Capital Enterprises
Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc. (MCE) empowers small businesses to succeed by providing funding, business consulting, and training services across the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Calvert, Harford and Anne Arundel counties. MCE’s mission is to help entrepreneurs from all backgrounds build strong, sustainable businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth.
