Garrett County, MD Business News

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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.

Garrett County Airport Adds Crew Car for Visiting Pilots

Garrett County Airport now has a crew car available for visiting pilots, thanks to a vehicle donation from the Garrett County Development Corporation. The crew car provides temporary local transportation, making it easier for visiting pilots to access Garrett County restaurants, businesses, attractions, and services during their stay. Thank you to the Garrett County Development Corporation for helping make Garrett County more accessible to visitors arriving by air! Read the full story.

MEDA - Maryland Economic Development Association. Economic Development transforms lives.

Economic Development Creates Local Impact in Garrett County

A new analysis from the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) highlights something that communities across Maryland experience every day: investing in economic development creates opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities. MEDA’s latest analysis found that every $1 invested in county economic development generated an average of $11.67 in economic impact over the past three fiscal years. While the figure represents a statewide average, the findings reinforce the importance of the work being done locally to support business growth, encourage private investment, and create and retain jobs. For Garrett County, economic development starts with understanding and responding to the needs of the businesses and entrepreneurs who call our community home. Read the full story.

Brenda's Body Shop Celebrates 45 Years in Garrett County, MD

Brenda's Body Shop Celebrates 45 Years in Garret County

The Garrett County Commissioners recently recognized Brenda’s Body Shop with a proclamation celebrating its 45th anniversary. For four and a half decades, the Oakland business has served generations of local families and remained a valued part of Garrett County’s business community. The milestone highlights the dedication, hard work, and community support behind a long-standing local business. Garrett County Business Development is proud to recognize Brenda’s Body Shop through its Business Milestone Program and celebrate the businesses that continue to invest in and strengthen our local economy. Read the full story.

Men and women celebrating the ribbon cutting for KMM Tech, a new Garrett County, MD business.

KMM Tech Brings AI-Powered Business Solutions to Garrett County

The Garrett County Department of Business Development recently partnered with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the ribbon cutting for KMM Tech, founded by Tim McVicker. The company helps small and midsize businesses use artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen marketing, and identify opportunities for growth. Learn how KMM Tech is helping local businesses navigate emerging technologies and how McVicker recently appeared on the County’s Business B.E.A.R Podcast. Read the full story.

epresentatives of Allegany Garrett Titles & Settlements and community members gather outside the business for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, holding a green ribbon in front of the building. Photo courtesy of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

AGTS Celebrates McHenry Location With Ribbon Cutting

Allegany Garrett Titles & Settlements (AGTS) celebrated its McHenry location on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted in partnership with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. The event recognized the company’s continued investment in Garrett County and its commitment to serving the region. Founded more than 20 years ago, AGTS has established a strong presence throughout Western Maryland by providing title and settlement services for residential and commercial real estate transactions. The McHenry office expands the company’s local presence, offering convenient access to services for buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, lenders, and property owners throughout Garrett County and the Deep Creek Lake area. Read the full story.

Community members, local officials, and library representatives gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the new Friendsville branch of the Ruth Enlow Library in Garrett County, Maryland. Participants hold oversized scissors and a red ribbon in front of the building’s glass entrance. Photo courtesy of Claudia Reynolds, The Garrett County Republican.

New Friendsville Library Strengthens Community Resources and Qualify of Life

Garrett County Business Development joined local officials and community members on October 9, 2026, to celebrate the opening of the new Friendsville branch of the Ruth Enlow Library, a community investment that expands public resources and supports the quality of life that helps Garrett County attract and retain residents, workers, and businesses. The ceremony included the presentation of an American flag by Woodmen Life Chapter 45 of Friendsville, followed by members of Boy Scout Troop 1 raising the flag for the first time. Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller attended, along with representatives of Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and Senator Angela Alsobrooks, who recognized the milestone. Read the full story.

A banner graphic with a folded paper map design on the left side, featuring three stylized map pin icons in green, beige, and reddish-brown. On the right, against a dark green and blue geometric background, the text reads: “RESPOND NOW! SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT SURVEY.” The graphic also includes the official seal of the Federal Reserve System and a list of all 12 Federal Reserve cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, St. Louis, and San Francisco.

Your Voice Matters: Take the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey

Are you a Garrett County business owner or decision-maker? The Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey is now open. Partnering with the Comptroller of Maryland, this 12-minute confidential survey ensures local economic needs—from Deep Creek to Oakland—are represented in federal and state funding, policy, and lending programs. Survey closes November 13, 2026. Learn more and access the survey.

Energy Incentives Available for Businesses

Maryland businesses may be eligible for grants, rebates, loans, and other incentives to help offset the cost of energy efficiency improvements, electrification, renewable energy, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The Maryland Energy Administration offers programs for a variety of commercial and industrial projects. Businesses are encouraged to review the current incentives and eligibility requirements to see what opportunities may be available. Learn more.

Gov. Moore Announced Temporary Diesel Fuel Relief for Agriculture and Forestry

Governor Wes Moore declared a 30-day State of Emergency on October 9, 2026, in response to high diesel fuel prices, issuing an executive order that provides temporary fuel and hauling relief for qualifying agricultural and forestry operations. The measures are intended to help eligible businesses manage transportation costs during a period when fuel expenses can affect harvesting, timber operations and the movement of agricultural products and supplies. The order also waives fees for 30-day Exceptional Hauling Permits, providing additional relief for eligible hauling operations. Existing safety requirements, bridge restrictions and weight limits remain in effect. The hauling provisions apply only to loaded vehicles and exclude interstate highways, local roads and Maryland Transportation Authority roads. Read the full story.

Jade Meadow III Project Receives Maryland Energy Storage Award

A proposed 40-megawatt battery energy storage project at a reclaimed coal mine property in Barton has taken an important step forward. The Jade Meadow III project was selected by the Maryland Public Service Commission for an Energy Storage Capacity Credit award, making it one of only two projects selected in the state’s first energy storage procurement round. The project, being developed alongside a previously approved 300-megawatt solar project, highlights the potential to repurpose former industrial properties for new investment and support Garrett County’s growing role in Maryland’s energy economy. Read the full story.

Garrett County to Launch Medicaid Housing Support Program

Garrett County will soon launch the Assistance in Community Integration Services (ACIS) program, a Medicaid initiative that helps eligible residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness achieve greater housing stability while addressing their health care needs. The Garrett County Health Department will serve as the lead local entity for the program, with Maryland Wellness serving as the Housing Case Management Partner Entity. The Health Department has also begun working with Garrett Regional Medical Center and will coordinate with Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc., as well as other state and local partners, to establish eligibility and referral procedures. Read the full story.

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.

November 6: Coffee with Connor - Friendsville

Local entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in learning more about about the resources available to support businesses in Garrett County are invited to join Business Development Specialist Connor Norman for an informal “Coffee with Connor” event on Friday, November 6th, from 9 AM - 12 PM at The Root Cafe in Friendsville. No pre-registration is required. Learn more.

November 6: Western MD Entrepreneurial Roadshow - Garrett County

Western Maryland business owners and entrepreneurs—your voice matters! Join us November 6, 2026 in Garrett County for the Western Maryland Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Regional Roadshow. Share your experiences, explore new resources, and help shape the future of entrepreneurship across Western Maryland. The event is free. Pre-registration required. Date/Time: November 6 | 9–11 A

Location: Garrett College, GEIC Room 111

Come help us “Build What’s Next.” Learn more and register.

November 9, 10 & 11: Understanding AI and Avoiding Scams

Garrett County’s Department of Technology and Communications (DoTCom), in partnership with Garrett College and the Maryland Broadband Cooperative, will offer a free Understanding AI and Avoiding Scams course to help residents better understand artificial intelligence, recognize potential scams, and stay safe online. The course will be held at Garrett College’s McHenry Campus from 6 to 8 PM on three consecutive evenings. Pre-registration is required. Learn more and register.

November 10: Planning Your Business Legacy: Free Succession Workshop

What happens to your business when you’re ready for your next chapter? Garrett County Business Development invites local business owners to a free regional workshop—Planning Your Business Legacy: Succession, ESOPs, Valuations & More—on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland. Whether you are considering an ownership transfer, business valuation, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), this session will help you make thoughtful decisions before a transition becomes urgent. Free lunch and networking follow at noon. Space is limited; register today! Learn more and register.

An event poster for a complimentary estate planning seminar titled 'Lunch, Learn & Leave a Legacy', hosted by Garrett College Foundation, Inc. The background features a group of diverse students sitting and laughing on a grassy hill with a modern college building in the distance. All relevant event details, date, time, and registration contact are presented clearly.

November 10: Free Estate Planning Lunch and Learn

Estate planning is relevant to individuals and families at every stage of life, whether they are preparing to transfer property, protect accumulated assets, or establish a plan for their loved ones. For farm families and long-time landowners, these decisions may carry additional significance. Farms and family properties often represent generations of hard work, family history, and a lasting connection to the land. Garrett College and First United will host a free estate planning Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, offering the public an opportunity to learn about strategies for protecting assets, understanding tax considerations, and preparing for the future. The seminar will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 805 of the PAC Conference Center at Garrett College. Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost or obligation to attend. 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

November: 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 November 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 .

November: SBDC Webinars for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a series of webinars this November 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.

November: SCORE Workshops for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Garrett County entrepreneurs and small business owners can take advantage of SCORE’s November workshops covering topics such as marketing, business planning, financial management, artificial intelligence, and starting a business. Many workshops are offered virtually and are available at no or low cost. Learn more and view the schedule .

February 25, 2027: Precision Agriculture Technology Conference

New technologies are creating opportunities for farmers to improve efficiency, manage resources and make more informed business decisions. The University of Maryland Extension’s 2027 Precision Agriculture Technology Conference will explore how these tools can be applied in real-world farming operations, including those in Garrett County. Titled “Plowing Through the Hype: What Happens When AgTech Meets the Field?”, the conference will take place Thursday, February 25, 2027, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will include breakfast and lunch. Hosted through the University of Maryland Extension’s Agriculture and Food Systems program in partnership with its Digital and Precision Agriculture Lab (D-PAL), the conference will examine emerging technologies and their practical applications in agriculture. Learn more and register.