Garrett County, MD Business News

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Garrett County to Host Once-In-A-Generation Community Celebration

Garrett County will mark America's 250th birthday milestone with the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash: Celebrating America Together celebration. The event, by donation only, is for all ages and runs on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from noon to 10:00 PM at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Come for the afternoon, stay for the evening, or make a day of it. The Birthday Bash is designed as a true countywide celebration. Every town in Garrett County has been invited to share its own chapter of America's 250-year story, and those chapters will come alive through exhibits, live music, family activities, a patriotic concert, veteran tributes, and a finale drone show over the Fairgrounds. The day honors not only the Revolutionary era but the full sweep of American history including the diverse people, places, and stories that have shaped the past two and a half centuries specifically in Garret County. Read more.

Photo of winners of the Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition in Western Maryland.

Local Business Owner Wins First Place in Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition

A Garrett County business owner is bringing national attention to the region’s growing agricultural innovation sector after taking first place in a new statewide Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition. GAP Trail Foods co-owners Cory Heyman and Justin Tippen captured the top prize during the inaugural AI pitch competition held May 14, 2026 at Western Maryland Works in LaVale, Maryland. Heyman and Tippen earned the grand prize package valued at $50,000 in AWS and PREDICTif AI services for their vision of integrating artificial intelligence into small-scale indoor mushroom farming operations. Learn more.

Photo of Cosmic Studios owner and staff being presented a 5-year milestone proclamation by the Garrett County Commissioners.

Milestone Proclamation Presented to Cosmic Studios

The Garrett County Commissioners, alongside the Department of Business Development, presented Cosmic Studios with a milestone proclamation in recognition of the business’s 5th anniversary. Founded with a passion for inspiring and empowering young girls through cheer, dance, and choreographed movement clinics, Cosmic Studios has become a positive and encouraging presence within the Garrett County community. Read more.

$15 Million Expansion Coming to Garrett Regional Medical Center

A newly approved round of capital investments by WVU Health System includes more than $350 million in projects across the region. The projects include a key local initiative at Garrett Regional Medical Center. The plan allocates $15 million to construct a three-story, 21,000-square-foot addition that will house a new radiation oncology center, including advanced imaging (PET CT) and expanded clinical space to enhance cancer care services. Half of the new facility will also be reserved for future growth, including a well-patient program and space for the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the project is part of WVU Medicine’s broader effort to expand access to specialized care, improve regional health outcomes, and support local economic development. Read more.

GRMC Subacute Unit Earns AHA Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification

Garrett Regional Medical Center’s (GRMC) subacute unit is proud to announce it has achieved the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification—an esteemed recognition that highlights the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with heart failure. This prestigious certification reflects GRMC’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients transitioning to skilled nursing care following hospitalization for heart failure. By meeting the American Heart Association’s rigorous standards, the facility has demonstrated its ability to provide coordinated, patient-centered care that supports recovery, reduces readmissions, and enhances overall quality of life. Learn more.

EmPOWER Maryland: Saving Energy is Smart Business

Reach your energy efficiency goals with support from Potomac Edison's Energy Solutions for Business Progr am. The program offers incentives and services for commercial and industrial customers who implement energy-saving improvements. Whether you're a small business or a large facility, this program offers incentives to support smarter energy use and long-term savings. Learn more.

The letters SBA in dark blue text surrounded by a red and blue line, all on a white background.

SBA Announces Enhanced Grocery Guaranty Loan Program for Food Supply Chain

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that small businesses across America’s food supply chain are now eligible for an enhanced “Grocery Guarantee” through the SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) Program. The loans, which come with a 90% federal guarantee, will be available to a broad range of producers in the agriculture and logistics industries, to expand food production and supply – with the aim of reducing grocery costs for consumers. The new Grocery Guarantee will drive even more investment in our nation’s food supply chain – infusing farmers, ranchers, and logistics providers with expanded access to capital that will increase production, processing, and distribution. Learn more.

SBA in blue text on a white background. Test blocked with a red and dark blue border.

SBA Announces New "Made in America" Loan Guarantee Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced expanded access to its International Trade Loan (ITL) Program, providing small manufacturers and businesses throughout the food supply chain with enhanced financing opportunities to support growth and competitiveness. The program offers long-term, affordable loans backed by a 90% federal guarantee—significantly higher than the standard 75% guarantee available through the SBA’s 7(a) Loan Program—giving lenders greater confidence to invest in small businesses. The funding can be used to expand facilities, purchase equipment, increase production capacity, and hire workers, supporting broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, agriculture, production, and logistics industries across the United States. Learn more.

Maryland World Class Consortia - MWCC, with a rendering of a world. Colors: black and gold.

Applications Remain Open: MWCC Virtual Peer Group

Ready to move beyond Lean tools and build a culture that lasts? The Maryland World Class Consortia is now accepting participants for its Virtual Lean Peer Group, a 12-month program designed for leaders and teams at any stage of their Lean journey. Unlike traditional training programs, this structured peer group emphasizes real-world application and shared learning. Participants engage in a collaborative environment where organizations learn from each other’s experiences, challenges, and successes. Program starts June 16, 2026. Learn more.

University of Maryland Extension Offering Free Online Cottage Food & On-Farm Home Processors Course

If you are starting a value-added food business in Maryland sign up today for the Maryland Food Ventures interactive self-paced online Cottage Food and On-Farm Processors course. The course will cover information about processing regulations on most approved cottage foods such as jams, breads, herbs and honey, including product development, food safety and licensing, and financing. This course will expire on August 31, 2026 and access to the course will be removed on that date. Learn more.

Job search workshops: magnifying glass on a yellow background

June: Free 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 June 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.

June: Free SBDC Webinars for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a series of webinars this June 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 June schedule and reserve a spot in advance. Learn more and view the schedule.

June 18th: Garrett Chamber's Business After Hours - McHenry

The Lodges at Sunset Village will host the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's June Business After Hours event on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM. Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at this monthly networking event. Don't forget your business card to enter to win prizes. Click here to register.

Bridging Communities Conference. Tuesday, June 30th, 2026. 8AM - 1PM. Comptroller of Maryland. Maryland Nonprofits.

June 30th: Bridging Communities Conference for Nonprofits

The 2026 Bridging Communities Conference will be held June 30, 2026, from 8 AM to 1 PM, at the Coppin State University in Baltimore. The conference will be hosted by the Maryland Comptroller's Office in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits and the Coppin State University Nonprofit Leadership Program. This unique event brings together nonprofit organizations and state government leaders to explore existing and new opportunities for partnership that can improve quality of life and advance equity in communities across Maryland. The conference will include a keynote address from Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman and a series of breakout sessions tailored to the needs of nonprofit professionals. Learn more and register.