Incubator Member Exclusive Opportunity

We're excited to share a great conversation from Tri-State Update, a media project by Andrew Keller (owner of Learnicity) created to bring a more connected media experience to entrepreneurs and residents across our region.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Diana of Faithema Juices — one of our incredible incubator members — to talk about:

• The health benefits of her juices
• Her passion for wellness
• The role her faith plays in her business journey
• What's next for Faithema Juices

Diana's story is a great example of the passion and purpose driving small businesses right here in our community. Give it a watch and show her and Andrew some love!

▶️ Watch the episode on YouTube

Learn more about Tri-State Update: tristatesupdate.com

Principles of Entrepreneurship Class

Enrolling Now

Thinking about starting a business, or want to strengthen the one you've already got? HCC's Principles of Entrepreneurship class covers the fundamentals you need to turn your idea into a real, sustainable business.

When: September 9 – December 16

Days: Monday & Wednesday, 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Scholarships are available, so don't let cost hold you back from investing in your business.

For more information or to enroll, reach out to Rebecca Powers at rkpowers@hagerstowncc.edu.



👉 Learn more and register here

Welcome to Our Newest Members

Civic-engagement app connecting communities through volunteering and local rewards. 

Owners: Felipe Albuquerque, Zander Hine, William Hou, Uzair Khan

JED Holding

Nigerian Food

Owner: Obiageli Obidi

Independent Business Circle

This members-only experience is designed for business owners who are ready to grow with intention, clarity, and support.

This is not your typical networking group. It’s a professionally facilitated, monthly advisory circle where you’ll engage in real conversations, work through challenges, and gain valuable perspective from fellow business owners.

Each session is designed to help you:

• Work through real business challenges
• Gain insight from experienced peers
• Strengthen your decision-making and strategy
• Stay accountable to your goals

The Circle meets the third Tuesday of every month in a focused, supportive environment built around thoughtful leadership and sustainable growth—because running a business shouldn’t feel like something you have to figure out alone. Next session is August 18.

⭐ Leave Us a Review —

It Helps More Than You Know!

If our incubator has made a difference in your business journey, we'd love for you to share your experience! A quick review on Google or Facebook helps other small business owners in our community discover the resources, support, and connections available to them.

It only takes a minute of your time, and every review helps us reach more entrepreneurs who could benefit from this program.

Business Incubator + Labs

📍Leave A Google Review Here

📘 Leave a Facebook Review Here

Culinary Incubator

📍Leave A Google Review Here

📘 Leave a Facebook Review Here



Thank you for your support!

10 Clever Cross-Promotion

Strategies for Small Businesses

If audience growth has felt slow lately, this article is worth a read. Cross-promotion is a marketing tactic where two businesses promote each other's products or services for mutual benefit — a "buddy system" for brands that amplifies each other's reach without cannibalizing sales.

A few highlights from the piece:

• Look outside your niche. Rather than partnering with a direct competitor, the strongest cross-promotion partnerships come from teaming up with a business in a different industry that shares your customer base — like a supplement brand partnering with a running gear company.

• Use your social channels. Your partner's followers likely haven't discovered your brand yet, and a simple shoutout can introduce your business to a whole new audience — as long as it works both ways.

• Try bundled offers. Pairing complementary products or services into a single offer — like a coffee shop and bookstore teaming up on a "Read and Relax" bundle — is a guaranteed win for both businesses and the customer.

• Don't overlook email. Featuring a partner's product or offer in your newsletter (and having them return the favor) is a simple, low-cost way to cross-promote directly to an engaged inbox audience.

• Guest posting still works. Writing a helpful guest article for a complementary business's blog gets your brand in front of a new audience while giving them valuable content — a true win-win.

The article covers 10 strategies in total, from community events to QR codes to influencer partnerships — well worth the full read for anyone looking to grow their following through partnership rather than paid ads alone.

👉 Read the full guide here

August Chamber Events

Coffee & Connections

When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Topic: Learn more about Stratosphere Social and come out to support Quinton of Slide Hustle, this months HCC Culinary Incubator Chef

Women Empowered

When: Friday, August 14, 2026 (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: HCC, CBES Building; 20140 Scholar Dr. Hagerstown, MD 21742

Topic: You Don't Have to Do It Alone. The Power of Community in Entrepreneurship.. (or whatever you're building!)

*Breakfast will be provided by Casimir Bakery, Royal Cakery, Bewitching Flour, Faithema Juices, and A Table Above.

Your Next Customer

When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Topic: A.B.C.- Associations, Building Relationships, and Collaboration- The Connection within the Connection

August B.A.S.H

When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Where: M&T Bank, Williamsport Branch

Pricing: $5 for Members; August's Cash Prize: $1,250

Maximize Your Membership

When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Topic: Learn How to Maximize your Investment in the Chamber



*Reminder- Incubator Members must attend at least one Chamber event per month as part of their membership obligations.