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SALISBURY, MD---Judges in the 25th round of ÃÛÌÒav’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition were inspired by artistic celebrations of animal companions, awarding Remember Me Glass with this semester’s top funding amount: $35,000.

The business is the latest offering out of Jeffrey and Hilari Auxer’s Berlin, MD, venetian blown glass gallery and studio. Remember Me Glass’ custom pet memorials honor loved ones through comfort, creativity, and unique artistic expressions. 

Held at Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore’s Perdue Henson Center, the competition featured 13 applicants from throughout the Mid-Atlantic vying for their share of $100,000 in prize money. Other winners included:

•    Good Time Health – Justin Moser, Will Moser, and Jacob Fisher: The coffee and tea company, based in Westminster, MD, is inspired by the health benefits of mushrooms, and creating a fusion of wellness and taste. Using organic, top-quality Arabica beans or loose-leaf tea infused with fruiting body extracts of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps mushrooms, Good Time Heath provides customers with beverages that include added health benefits - $25,000

•    Digging Deeper – Julia Berg and Sarah Mason: This ÃÛÌÒav-based educational consulting company specializes in providing high-quality, authentic learning experiences for students while supporting teachers in implementing engaging lessons that align with state and local standards - $12,500

•    Lakay Goods – Monica Joseph: These sustainably sourced plant-based health and beauty products from Capitol Heights, MD, are rooted in Haitian herbal medicine and eco-friendly practices for holistic healing - $5,000

•    Divine Natural – Alexis Carter: This Ocean City, MD, skincare and lifestyle brand prioritizes plant-based, toxin-, dye-, and fragrance-free products made with fruits, vegetable purees, clays, and milks - $5,000

•    Kunaya – Faridat Ilupeju: This tiger nut milk company, based in Baltimore, offers a dairy- and allergen-free milk alternative that is rich in healthy fats and nutrients that support cardiovascular health - $5,000 

•    Oceeto – Andrea Hess: This ‘Care-digan’ designer, out of Newark, DE, offers mothers and caregivers a garment that lets them manage their daily activities easily, comfortably, and presentably with all-over coverage and smart design - $5,000

•    Storytime AI – Kate Dwyer and Brian Carlson: This Baltimore company provides differentiated reading materials that engage learners, building both reading skills and foundational AI understanding in a safe, age-appropriate environment designed specifically for K-12 classrooms - $5,000

•    Strike Sense – Charles Nerad: This detachable, affordable smart sparring vest out of Baltimore makes electronic scoring accessible for everyone - $2,500

In addition to funding, winners and participants also receive mentoring support from the program’s board. Mentors include business leaders such as Chris Perdue of Perdue Farms, Inc.; Mike Cottingham of the Rommel Companies; Dr. Erinn Tucker-Oluwole of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and Matt Cohen of SIMPLi. 

This round’s winners join the program’s 128 previous award recipients, who have self-reported estimated profits of some $35 million annually, creating 1,169 jobs to date.

“The goal of this program is to assist where we can make the most lasting impact,” said Michael Jensen, SU executive director of entrepreneurship, “We want to play a role in expanding business growth and increasing job creation in our communities.”

Administered by the Perdue School and the Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship, its goal is to fund and provide guidance to entrepreneurs with active small businesses in order to achieve greater scale and market reach. 

“This program offers an important stepping stone for startups,” said Jensen. “The award removes specific obstacles to growth and enables expansion.” 

Up to $200,000 annually is available for those applying for grants through the Shore Hatchery program. Its board of directors selects recipients based on presentations. All competitors have the opportunity to meet with SU’s team at the Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship to discuss resources available to support their businesses.

For more information call 410-546-4325 or visit the Ratcliffe Shore Hatchery webpage.

Learn more about opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.