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Economic growth

M&T Bank's Frederick Small Business Accelerator Program Boosts Entrepreneurial Spirit

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

M&T Bank, in partnership with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, recently hosted a pitch competition for the Frederick Small Business Accelerator Program, aiming to equip entrepreneurs with the skills to build successful businesses and drive economic growth in the region. Michelle Bryan's company, Sweet Maddies LLC, won the $5,000 grand prize, while Xiomara Rivera Pagn and Annette Beale took second and third place, respectively. The 10-week program provided valuable insights and strategies for growth, leaving a lasting impact on the participants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Frederick Small Business Accelerator Program, hosted by M&T Bank in partnership with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, provided 10 weeks of intensive business training and mentorship to local entrepreneurs.
  • Michelle Bryan's company, Sweet Maddies LLC, won the $5,000 grand prize for her innovative online bakery "Cookies On Demand," a family-owned business based in Frederick.
  • Xiomara Rivera Pagn's Language Policy Consulting LLC took the second-place prize of $3,000, and Annette Beale's Premier Integrative Health and Wellness LLC won the third-place prize of $2,000.
  • The program consistantly recognized and supported local entrepreneurs based in Frederick County with businesses operating for at minimum two years.
  • M&T Bank has offered similar accelerator programs in Prince George's and Howard counties along with Baltimore City.
  • Bryan attributed the success of the program to AJ Nwoga at M&T Bank, who provided "grounded and approachable" guidance and connections with industry experts.

Statistics:

  • 10 weeks: Duration of the Frederick Small Business Accelerator Program
  • $5,000: Grand prize won by Michelle Bryan's Sweet Maddies LLC
  • $3,000: Second-place prize won by Xiomara Rivera Pagn's Language Policy Consulting LLC
  • $2,000: Third-place prize won by Annette Beale's Premier Integrative Health and Wellness LLC
  • 10: Number of local entrepreneurs participating in the program
  • 2: Minimum years of business operation required for participation

Sources:

  • M&T Bank statement
  • Original article by BridgeTower Media, Copyright 2025 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved

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