Garrett County, MD Business News

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Economic Development Week in Garrett County

The Garrett County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed September 28 through October 2, 2026, as Economic Development Week in Garrett County, recognizing the important role economic development plays in supporting local businesses, strengthening the workforce and creating opportunities for continued investment and growth. The proclamation also recognizes the work of Garrett County’s economic development staff, who work every day to support the County’s business community and advance economic development opportunities throughout Garrett County. Read the full story.

FY 2027 Agriculture Marketing Grant Applications Now Open

Looking to give your farm or agriculture-related business a marketing boost? Garrett County’s FY 2027 Agriculture Marketing Grant is now accepting applications. Eligible businesses can receive up to $1,000 to help with marketing expenses such as website development, advertising, graphic design, signage, and farmers market display items. Application deadline is March 31, 2027, unless grant funds are exhausted sooner. Don’t wait to put your marketing plans into action! Learn more and access the application.

white paper currency on a dark blue background

FY 2027 Small Business Marketing Grant Applications Now Open

Ready to put your business in front of more customers? Garrett County’s FY 2027 Small Business Marketing Grant is now accepting applications. Eligible local businesses can receive up to $1,000 to help offset approved marketing expenses and strengthen their promotional efforts. Applications deadline is March 31, 2027, unless grant funds are exhausted sooner. This is a great opportunity to invest in marketing that helps your business grow and reach new customers. Learn more and access the application.

Annual report icon featuring a blue outlined document with a rising gold arrow and bar chart above stylized blue mountains, green hills, and an evergreen tree.

Garrett County Business Development Releases FY 2026 Annual Report

Garrett County Business Development has released its FY 2026 Annual Report, highlighting the Department’s efforts to support local businesses, encourage investment, promote available resources, and strengthen the County’s economy. The report features key accomplishments, business activity, and initiatives from the past fiscal year. The report is available online at the Garrett County Business Development website. Read more.

Promotional graphic for “Coffee With Connor,” featuring bold brown lettering, a steaming cup of coffee, and a warm coffee-themed background. The graphic identifies Garrett County Business Development and includes the Garrett County Government seal.

Coffee With Connor: Let's Talk Business

Garrett County Business Development is inviting local entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in learning more about business development to join Business Development Specialist Connor Norman for a series of informal “Coffee with Connor” events this fall. The events are designed to provide an easy, informal opportunity for members of the business community to sit down with a member of the Garrett County Business Development team, ask questions, and learn more about the resources available to support businesses in Garrett County. The events will be held from 9 AM to 12 PM at three local coffee shops throughout the county:

October 2nd - Black Hawk Coffee, Oakland
November 6th - Root Cafe, Friendsville
December 4th - The Travel Mug, Grantsville

Learn more.

Understanding FAMLI: What Garrett County Employers Need to Know

Garrett County businesses have an important new employee-benefit program to prepare for as Maryland moves toward implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. FAMLI is a mandatory statewide program that will provide eligible Maryland workers with paid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. While benefits will not become available until January 2028, employers need to begin preparing now. Payroll contributions and quarterly reporting requirements begin in 2027. For Garrett County employers, one of the most important dates to keep in mind is November 15, 2026. Employers considering an approved private FAMLI plan and seeking exemption from State Plan contributions during 2027 must submit a Declaration of Intent by that date. Learn more.

Men, women and children at the ribbon cutting for Cosmic Cheer's new location in Oakland.

Cosmic Studios Celebrates New Location in Oakland

Cosmic Studios recently celebrated the opening of its new location at 452 Weber Road in Oakland with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Garrett County Department of Business Development. The new location provides Cosmic Cheer with a convenient setting near local schools, along with improved parking and space to accommodate its programs and activities. The studio offers classes for all ages and skill levels, including regular season classes, competitive cheer and dance, tumbling and gymnastics, private lessons, and party rentals. Read the full story.

Pictured from left: Business Development Manager Kim Durst, Garrett Chamber Membership & Operations Coordinator Katie Cantrell, Business Development Specialist Connor Norman, Mayor Spencer Schlossnaggle, Councilwoman Pam Tricket, Owners Dave, Carrie, Inga, & William Wampler, Commissioner Paul Edwards, Councilman Ed Kelley, Commissioner Ryan Savage, Councilman Chad Bittinger, and Dave Stephens.

Friendsville Outpost Celebrates New Business Investment

More than 50 community members, local officials, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Friendsville Outpost during a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Garrett County Department of Business Development. Owned by Dave Wampler, William Wampler, Carrie Wampler and Inga Wampler, Friendsville Outpost is a new addition to the Friendsville business community and represents a family investment in the local economy. The business provides another destination for residents and visitors while adding to the mix of businesses and amenities that support Friendsville as a place to live, work and recreate. Read the full story.

Diehl's Ford Sales Recognized for Excellence and 40 Years of Ford Partnership

Di ehl’s Ford Sales recently celebrated two significant milestones, receiving Ford Motor Company’s prestigious President’s Award for the fifth time and a 40-year dealer award from Ford Credit. Representatives from Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Credit Company joined employees, customers and community members at the dealership’s President’s Award and Customer Appreciation celebration on August 21, 2026, to recognize the accomplishments. For Diehl’s Ford Sales, the award represents more than sales performance. It reflects the continued success of a locally established business, its employees and its commitment to serving customers and the community. Read the full story.

A group of community and business leaders gathers outside Middletown Valley Bank’s Oakland Branch for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with the group holding a green ribbon in front of the bank entrance.

Middletown Valley Bank Expands in Garrett County

Middletown Valley Bank has expanded its presence in Garrett County with the opening of a new full-service branch in Oakland. The expansion builds on the bank’s commercial and mortgage lending services already available locally and provides businesses and residents with additional access to banking and financial resources. For the business community, local access to commercial lending and other financial services can help support investment, expansion and future growth. Read the full story.

Men and women celebrating the ribbon cutting for Brewery and The Beast Social House in Downtown Oakland. Photo courtesy of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

A Homegrown Business Continues to Grow

From a food truck to a successful brewery and restaurant—and now a second location in downtown Oakland—Brewery and the Beast continues to grow and invest in Garrett County. Garrett County Business Development recently joined the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of the new Social House, another exciting milestone for owner Craig Frazee and his team. The expansion is a great example of local entrepreneurship in action and the important role growing businesses play in strengthening our communities. Read the full story.

Photo (l-r): Melissa Bolyard, Agriculture Business Specialist; Shannon Baker, Yough Glades Cafeteria Manager; Kenzie Mousch, Nutrition Educator with UMD Extension; Robin Wolf, Yough Glades Cafeteria; Dawna Ashby, GCPS Chief Academic Officer; Levi Lantz, ALL Produce; Willie Lantz, Extension Educator UMD; Nannette Braithwaite, Yough Glades Cafeteria; Scott Germain, GCPS Food & Nutrition Services Supervisor; and Wendy Glotfelty, Yough Glades Cafeteria.

Local Agriculture Takes Center Stage Through Maryland Mondays Farm to School Initiative

Garrett County’s agricultural businesses are finding a new market through Maryland Mondays, a Farm to School initiative connecting local farmers and producers with Garrett County Public Schools. The program recently kicked off with 300 pounds of locally grown green beans from ALL Produce, served to approximately 1,200 students. For Garrett County Business Development, Maryland Mondays is a great example of how partnerships can create new opportunities for local businesses while introducing the next generation to the importance of agriculture in our community. Read the full story.

DoTCom Partners on Community Technology Courses

Garrett County’s Department of Technology and Communications (DoTCom) is partnering with Garrett College and the Maryland Broadband Cooperative to offer a series of community technology courses designed to provide local residents with opportunities to strengthen their technology skills. This hands-on series will help participants develop practical technology skills needed for everyday life, work, and communication. The courses will be held at Garrett College’s McHenry Campus during three upcoming sessions. Each course will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. over three consecutive evenings. The courses are free to attend. Pre-registration is required.

The courses include:

October 12, 13, 14 - Series One: Computers Made Simple
October 26, 27, 28 - Series Two: Staying Safe Online
November 9, 10, 11 - Understanding AI and Avoiding Scams

Learn more and register.

Tri County Council for Western MD Revolving Loan Fund - What to Know

Tri County Council for Western Maryland’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) strengthens the economic foundation of the region by empowering businesses that might lack access to the capital they need. By providing adaptable gap financing on reasonable terms, the RLF builds community wealth, creates and retains jobs and fuels a more robust economy. When each repaid loan revolves back into the fund, every dollar invested multiplies its impact, supporting more businesses and creating a stronger Western Maryland for years to come. Learn more.

October 15: Tech at The Gap - Age of Disruption

Technology, innovation and cybersecurity will take center stage this fall as Tech at the Gap returns to Rocky Gap Casino Resort on Thursday, October 15th, 2026, for its 10th annual conference. The 2026 conference will bring together technology professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and other professionals for conversations focused on the rapidly changing digital landscape. This year’s theme, “The Age of Disruption,” will explore how artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation and emerging technologies are reshaping businesses and communities. Learn more and register.

October 27: TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo

Maryland entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators and economic development professionals will have an opportunity to connect, learn and explore new opportunities at TEDCO’s 12th Entrepreneur Expo on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. The statewide event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, international organizations and business support resources for a full day focused on helping companies start, grow and scale. Attendees can participate in workshops and roundtable discussions, hear from industry leaders, watch live startup TEDCO is also organizing shuttle buses from select regions. Learn more and register.

November 15-17: 2026 Maryland Agritourism Conference

Agritourism can help family farms and agricultural businesses diversify their operations, generate additional revenue, and connect with visitors. The 2026 Maryland Agritourism Conference, hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and UMES Extension, will be held November 15–17 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. With the theme “Boosting Agritourism Strategies to Improve the Profitability of Family Farms,” the conference will feature educational sessions, hands-on workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities focused on practical strategies for growing agritourism. Registration is $250, with an optional off-site agribusiness tour available for $75. Learn more and register. Learn more and register.

Job search workshops: magnifying glass on a yellow background

October: Online Workshops for Job Seekers

The Maryland Department of Labor, in partnership with the American Job Centers, will host a series of free online workshops throughout October to support job seekers across the state. These workshops are designed to help individuals enhance their employment prospects by building essential skills and gaining practical guidance for today’s job market. Learn more and view the schedule .

October: Free SBDC Webinars for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a series of webinars this October aimed at helping entrepreneurs and business owners strengthen their skills and grow their operations. The sessions are designed to provide practical insights, expert guidance, and actionable strategies for businesses at all stages. Interested participants are encouraged to review the August schedule and reserve a spot in advance. Learn more and view the schedule .