FY 2025 Small Business Marketing Grant Funds Still Available

Funding is still available for Garrett County's FY 2025 Small Business Marketing Grant. and applications are still being accepted. This year's program comes with NEW restrictions and requirements, including restrictions on eligible purchases and deadlines for submission of receipts and proof of payment. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds are subject to availability of funds. Learn more.

FY 2025 Agriculture Marketing Grant Funds Still Available

Funding is still available for Garrett County's FY 2025 Agriculture Marketing Grant, and applications are still being accepted. This year's program comes with NEW restrictions and requirements, including restrictions on eligible purchases and deadlines for submission of receipts and proof of payment. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds are subject to availability of funds. Learn more.

TCC's Summit Financing Solutions - Low Interest Financing

The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland is offering low interest (5% for the first 5 years) financing through its Summit Financing Solutions Revolving Loan Fund Program to qualified businesses in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Learn more.

2025 Maryland Manufacturing Workforce Summit Set for March 26th

The Maryland MEP’s Manufacturing Workforce Summit 2025, presented in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor, is an event designed to equip manufacturing leaders and HR professionals with valuable insights, best practices, and emerging trends in addressing workforce challenges. The focus is on preparing businesses for both present and future labor needs in the manufacturing industry. The event will be held March 26, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, 10209 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044. Cost is $150 for manufacturers and $250 for non-manufacturers. Registration is limited to 250 attendees. Learn more.

Garrett Regional Medical Center to Launch Patient Care Tech Trainee Program

Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) will be offering a new trainee extern program for patient care technicians this summer. The 8-week program will run from June 2025 through August 2025. The patient care tech program is designed to prepare individuals for a future, full-time or part-time, patient care technician at GRMC. The program will allow participants to gain clinical experience to jump start a career in healthcare through hands-on learning opportunities. Application Deadline: April 7, 2025. Learn more.

Grantsville Attainable Housing Project Still Accepting Applications

The Garrett County Development Corporation is continues to accept applications from interested homeowners for Garrett County’s first attainable housing project. The development, located in Grantsville, will be a mix of townhomes and single-family homes, and will offer 63 units available to purchase. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. A refundable deposit will be required when submitting an application. Townhome applications will require a $200 deposit, while single-family home applications will require a $500 deposit. Learn more.

Garrett College Had $49 Million Economic Impact in FY 2023

Garrett College has launched a hands-on marine technology program to support the county's local tourism and workforce industry. The program – which starts with a 98-hour introductory course – is based at the Beitzel Career Technology Training Center and is funded by a grant awarded to Garrett College, via Frostburg State University, from the Economic Development Administration and the Maryland Department of Commerce's Office of Tourism. Hook described the three-month program as "definitely hands-on and intensive." Read more.

Garrett College Launches Marine Technology Program

The Data Entry Company (TDEC), a leading provider of business process services located in Garrett County, is celebrating a year of continued success, including 25 percent year-over-year growth and multiple new awards. TDEC provides cost-effective professional services support, helping state and federal government organizations stay on budget and achieve their mission. “For over 65 years, TDEC has provided cost-effective solutions for business processes and helped extract insights from data stores and systems,” said Dennis DuFour, President of TDEC. “We pride ourselves in providing efficient, mission-critical support and administrative services to deliver solutions specifically tailored to meet the complex needs of federal customers." Learn more.

Make it. In the Mountains Campaign Receives 2025 MEDA Marketing Award

Garrett County Business Development in partnership with Allegany County Economic and Community Development and the Maryland Department of Commerce was awarded the 2025 Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) in the small community category for our Make It. In the Mountains Campaign, a collaboration between Allegany and Garrett Counties and the Maryland Department of Commerce received recognition for its focused campaign to attract and retain businesses in sectors such as apparel, outdoor vehicles, timber, and specialty foods. The campaign, which reached over 54,800 unique digital interactions, aims to enhance the region’s economic profile and foster sustainable growth by targeting businesses with the highest potential for success, minimizing risks, and maximizing resources. Read more.

Upcoming Job Fair

The Maryland Department of Labor, in collaboration with the Western Maryland Consorium and American Job Centers, is hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 12 - 2 PM at City Place, 14 South Water Street, Frostburg, Maryland. Participating employers include UPMC Western Maryland, Frostburg State University, Forever Media, FedEx, Iron Workers Local 568, Beitzel Corporation, Pillar Innovations, American Woodmark, Bill Miller Equipment Sales, and more. For details, please call the American Job Center at (301) 777-1221.

Maryland SBDC Offers 50 Hours of Free Virtual Training

For a limited time, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering free virtual access to its Accelerator Virtual Training Library. Limited seats are available. Registration Deadline: March 31, 2025. Learn more.

SBA and Western MD SBDC to Host SBA Resource Day and Speed Lending for Western MD

Join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Western Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for Western Maryland's SBA Resource Day and Speed Lending event on Thursday, April 18, 2025, at Hagerstown Community College. Meet local, state, and federal resources who can help you start and grow your business. Local lenders will be present and available to discuss your funding needs. Advance registration required. Learn more.

Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Set for March 13th

Brewery and the Beast, 418 South Main Street in Accident, will host the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's March Business After Hours event on March 13th from 5 to 7 PM. Brewery and The Beast has an inviting atmosphere where guests can savor the robust flavors of locally brewed beer alongside gourmet BBQ-inspired dishes with a focus on quality, fresh from scratch items featuring smoked meats. Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking events. Don't forget your business card to enter to win prizes. Click here to register.

Tri-County Council for Western Maryland Seeking Finance Director

Tri-County Council for Western Maryland is seeking a motivated critical thinker to serve as Finance Director. The salary range is $70,000 to $90,000 based on experience, with an excellent benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance and participation in the Maryland State Retirement System and an optional 457/401a with an employer match. This is an on-site position. The candidate must have a proven understanding of GAAP and be competent in the fiduciary duties to the organization. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with the financial management of grants and work collaboratively as a member of a small team. The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in accounting/finance. Master’s degree or CPA is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel is required. Tri County Council uses CommunityBrands MIP software, which is specialized for the non-profit/government industry. The candidate will be subject to a credit check before being hired. Application Deadline: April 5, 2025. Learn more.

Meet Garrett County's Dedicated SBDC Consultant

Pat offers individualized consultation and can assist you with business and marketing plans, locating traditional financing, free training courses, and more. Pat's services are free to existing and prospective Garrett County businesses, and he will meet with you virtually, via telephone, or in-person. Pat can be reached at 1-888-237-9007, ext. 6 or kpmccormick@frostburg.edu. Learn more.

Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers Set for March

The Maryland Department of Labor and American Job Centers are offering free online job seeker workshops to the public in March. Advance registration is required. Learn more and view the schedule.

Garrett County Business Development - 301.334.1921 - business@garrettcountymd.gov

March 2025