ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

By ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Public Relations

SALISBURY, MD---Judges in the 23rd round of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition were wowed by medical device innovation, awarding body-powered upper extremity prosthetics company Marins Med with this semester’s top funding amount: $40,000.

Co-founders Darryl and Suzen DuBre and Steve Burke, of Georgetown, DE, impressed the judges with their patented specialized prosthetic device, the ProHensor. The invention’s user-actuated lock improves prosthetic acceptance, features three modes with increased functionality and is durable. The Shore Hatchery funding, for device manufacturing, will allow the team to continue its mission of creating devices that restore functionality and seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of amputees. 

Held at Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore’s Perdue Henson Center, the competition featured 14 applicants from throughout the Mid-Atlantic vying for their share of $100,000 in prize money. Other winners included:

•    The LeGrand Company, LLC – Nicholas LeGrand: The Newark, DE, company manufactures Bed Ledge, a product that allows safe and independent bed mobility. From aging populations to medical facilities and post-surgical rehabilitation, the product decreases fall risk and prevents future injuries - $25,000

•    Cherone Chocolates – Mekia Cherone: The artisan chocolate business in Willards, MD, offers an array of made-to-order cake pops, assorted chocolate boxes, truffles and more - $15,000

•    B&J’s Soulful Creations – LaTosha Bateman: This ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½-based catering company aims to “create delicious cuisine from our soul to yours” with a focus on assisting and educating local youth through the culinary arts - $10,000

•    Jay’s Watermelonade, LLC – Joyson Balisamore: Through the production of three holistic juice blends, the company hopes to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth and young adults in Baltimore, while increasing awareness of the importance of healthy hydration - $10,000

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 123 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, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ executive director of entrepreneurship, “We want to play a role in expanding business growth and increasing job creation in our communities.”

The Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery program was established with an initial $1 million contribution in 2013. In 2017, the Ratcliffe Foundation announced a second $1 million gift to continue the Shore Hatchery through this spring, followed by the most recent announcement of an additional $900,000 to maintain the program through at least 2026.

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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ website.