The Incubators @ HCC

Watch Local Entrepreneurs Compete Live for $5,000

Join us for the Spark! Tank Pitch Competition, where local entrepreneurs take the stage to pitch their business ideas live for a shot at the $5,000 Grand Prize. A runner-up will take home 2nd Place, and don't miss your chance to help decide the Audience Choice Award winner!

🍔 Food & drinks provided
🎯 Watch bold ideas come to life
🗳️ Your vote matters — help pick the crowd favorite.

Admission is free — everyone's welcome!

Come support Washington County's next big idea!

Spark! Tank Pitch Competition

Application is closed!

Spark Tank Pitch Competition is your chance to showcase your innovation, gain visibility, and compete for prizes. Whether you’re launching a startup or supporting the next big idea, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Open to student and community entrepreneurs
Present your business idea to a panel of judges
Receive valuable feedback and exposure

Benefits:

💰 Win prizes & funding opportunities
📣 Build visibility
🤝 Connect with mentors/investors

Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Behavioral Science & Humanities (BSH)
Hagerstown Community College
Cost: Free Event

Application Deadline: September 20, 2026

To apply, your business must meet the following criteria:

Time in business: The business must have been in operation for fewer than 5 years as of the application deadline.
Revenue: Annual gross revenue must be under $100,000 for the most recently completed fiscal year.
One entry per business: Each business may submit only one application per competition year.
Prior winners: Businesses that have previously won a Spark! Tank monetary prize are not eligible to reapply.

MEET THE 2025 WINNERS

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MEET THE 2025 PARTICIPANTS

Tucked Accessories

Problem:
Millions of people living with ostomies struggle to find clothing that is comfortable, stylish, and discreet. Current options look medical, feel restrictive, and fail to support confidence or normalcy in daily life.
Solution:
Tucked® Accessories offers patented adaptive apparel that blends fashion and function. Our tops feature a discreet inner pocket system to securely support and conceal ostomy bags, allowing wearers to move freely and dress confidently. We’re redefining adaptive fashion—because dignity and style should never be compromised.

Avant Medical Systems

Problem: In emergency situations, medical professionals often estimate patient weight because no portable device can weigh a person lying down. These guesses lead to medication dosing errors and treatment inaccuracies—especially in critical and pediatric care where precision is vital.

Solution:
Avant Medical Systems’ Vital Signs SmartBoard integrates a scale and vitals monitoring system into a lightweight emergency backboard. It accurately measures weight and vital signs, then wirelessly transmits data to smart devices or EHR systems in real time. Designed for EMS, hospitals, and home health providers, it eliminates guesswork, improves efficiency, and enhances patient safety during lifesaving interventions.

Rooted

Problem:
Local nonprofits face growing demand for services, but volunteer turnout often falls short. With potential cuts in social welfare programs and 668,000 Maryland residents relying on SNAP benefits, community organizations are under pressure to do more with fewer resources. Individuals who want to help often struggle to find opportunities easily.
Solution:
Rooted bridges this gap with a community service app that connects volunteers to local nonprofits and projects. Users can discover opportunities, report community issues, and earn rewards for participation. By making volunteering accessible and engaging, Rooted strengthens communities and drives meaningful change.

Sweet Corn Puddin'

Problem:
Busy families and food businesses struggle to offer authentic, comforting desserts without the time, labor, and cost of making them from scratch. Restaurants and cafés face staffing shortages and rising expenses, while consumers crave homemade quality and convenience.
Solution:
Sweet Corn Puddin’ delivers a handcrafted, ready-to-serve dessert inspired by a cherished family recipe. Simply thaw, heat, and enjoy — no prep required. Perfect for homes, restaurants, and caterers, it saves time while offering nostalgic flavor and versatility. Sweet Corn Puddin’ meets today’s demand for premium comfort food with convenience, heritage, and heart.

ITK

Problem: People waste hours waiting in lines at restaurants, salons, and stores because they lack accurate, real-time information. Existing solutions rely on outdated estimates, leaving customers frustrated and businesses disconnected from ready-to-buy customers.
Solution:
Budge solves this by providing a user-powered app that shares live wait times from people already on-site. Users can plan smarter and skip the wait, while businesses gain visibility to nearby customers ready to act. Budge turns wasted time into actionable insight—helping people reclaim their most valuable resource: time.

Jalapeno & Honey

Problem:
Event hosts and busy families often settle for generic catering that lacks flavor, cultural connection, and convenience. Guests leave unimpressed, and hosts feel stressed trying to create memorable experiences.
Solution:
Jalapeño & Honey delivers Afro-Latino inspired catering that’s bold, authentic, and easy to enjoy. From handcrafted empanadas to signature sauces, we provide customizable packages and mobile service that save time while celebrating culture. We turn ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences—Flava Without End.

Flower Labb

Problem: Cannabis consumers face two major frustrations: pre-rolled joints from dispensaries often sit for weeks, losing freshness, flavor, and potency. Rolling your own is messy, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Dispensaries also struggle with labor costs and inventory waste from pre-rolls that don’t sell quickly.

Solution:
Flower Labb is revolutionizing the experience with a smart cannabis rolling machine that delivers freshly rolled, perfectly customized joints in minutes. Users can choose flower types, blends, papers, and infusions for a personalized experience—no mess, no wait. For dispensaries, it’s a self-serve solution that boosts sales, reduces waste, and creates an interactive customer experience. Freshness and customization, at the press of a button.

Forest & Fern

Problem: Event hosts often struggle with limited, impersonal drink options at weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. Traditional bars can’t always accommodate outdoor or non-traditional venues, leaving guests with a less-than-memorable experience.

Solution:
Forest & Fern Mobile Bar solves this by bringing a fully customizable, high-end bar experience directly to any location. With professional mixologists, tailored drink menus, and seamless setup, they transform ordinary events into unforgettable celebrations—wherever the party goes.

PITCH COMPETITION EVENT

November 18, 2025