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Garrett County
Business Development
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Starting, Relocating,
Growing
RESOURCES FOR GARRETT COUNTY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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Applications Open: FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant
Applications for Garrett County's FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant Program are now available online. Please note that this year's program includes new restrictions on eligible purchases, as well as a firm deadline for submitting receipts and proofs of payment. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, contingent upon the availability of funds. Prior recipients of the FY 2025 Small Business Marketing Grant are not eligible to apply in FY 2026. Learn more and access the application.
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Applications Open: FY 2026 Agriculture Marketing Grant
Applications for Garrett County's FY 2026 Agriculture Marketing Grant Program are now available online. Please note that this year's program includes new restrictions on eligible purchases, as well as a firm deadline for submitting receipts and proofs of payment. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, contingent upon the availability of funds. Prior recipients of the FY 2025 Agriculture Marketing Grant are not eligible to apply in FY 2026. Learn more and access the application.
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Norman Selected for Prestigious Appalachian Leadership Institute
Garrett County Government is proud to announce that Connor Norman, Business Development Specialist with the Garrett County Department of Business Development, has been selected for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) 2025–2026 Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI). This distinguished program brings together 40 fellows from across all 13 Appalachian states to strengthen leadership capacity and foster economic growth throughout the region. Read more.
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2026 Mountain Maryland PACE Registration Now Open
January is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to announce that registration for the 2026 Annual Mountain Maryland PACE event is officially open! The event will be held January 22-23, 2026 at The Westin Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis. For decades, PACE has been the signature event showcasing the people, projects, and pride of Allegany and Garrett Counties. Your continued support helps us shine a bright light on Western Maryland’s opportunities and achievements. We can’t wait to see you in Annapolis! Learn more.
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Job Opening: Western MD Long-Term Recovery Committee
The Western Maryland Long-Term Recovery Committee, Inc., a coalition of faith-based, nonprofit, governmental, and community organizations dedicated to coordinating long-term recovery services for individuals and families impacted by the 2025 Western Maryland floods, is seeking a Manager of Disaster Construction Operations to lead all management activities related to construction operations supporting the 2025 Western Maryland flood recovery efforts. The Manager of Disaster Construction Operations will coordinate, supervise, and manage all construction-related activities to ensure that volunteer teams, contractors, and material resources, necessary tracking, and reporting are organized and deployed efficiently to repair and rebuild homes for flood survivors. Learn more.
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Western MD Regional Fall Job Fair Set for November 5th
Job-seekers throughout the region are invited to attend the Western Maryland Regional Fall Job Fair on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the Country Club Mall in LaVale, Maryland. This event brings together local employers from the Tri-County Western Maryland region to connect with job-seekers in a wide variety of industries. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, looking to change careers, or seeking part-time or full-time employment, this job fair offers an excellent opportunity. Learn more.
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ARC 2026 Summer Learning Opportunities for Students and Teachers
Students and teachers from Appalachia are invited to apply for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) summer learning opportunities! The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy, hosted by Appalachian State University, cultivates business and economic development skills in high school students. At the Appalachian STEM Academy, middle and high school students and teachers expand their applied science and STEM education with instruction from scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Each academy will take place in July 2026, subject to available funding. Application Deadline: December 3, 2025. Learn more.
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New Business: Lake&Lure Country Store
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Lake&Lure Country Store, a new destination offering a diverse and thoughtfully curated selection of products to meet everyday needs and enhance the lakeside lifestyle. Shoppers will find daily essentials and groceries, beer and wine, bait and tackle, as well as a wide selection of lake-inspired apparel and gifts. The business is located at 2205 Glendale Road, Swanton. Photo credit: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Read more.
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New Business: Mountain Peak Soap Company
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, October 27, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Mountain Peak Soap Company, a new business offering handcrafted goat milk soaps, lotions, bath bombs, and other bath and body products. Each item is made using fresh ingredients from Mountain Manor Farm, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and quality craftsmanship. The business is located at 254 Maple Street in Friendsville. Read more.
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New Business: Ally Fox State Farm
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, October 3, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Ally Fox State Farm Garrett County's newest State Farm insurance agent. The new office offers the Garrett County community a welcoming, local option for personalized insurance and financial services. With 24/7 availability by phone or text and a strong focus on building personal relationships, Ally and her team are committed to helping local residents protect what matters most—while delivering the neighborly service for which State Farm is known. Photo credit: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Read more.
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New Business: Joyful Journeys Wellness
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, October 13, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Joyful Journeys Wellness, a holistic mental health practice founded by licensed social worker Jessica Moran. The practice blends traditional therapy with expressive arts, mindfulness, and wellness-centered support to help individuals reconnect with their inner strength and rediscover joy. The business is located at 220 South Third Street, Suite 2, Oakland. Photo credit: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Read more.
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New Business: HighPoint TV & Appliance
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of HighPoint TV & Appliance's new showroom in Garrett County. HighPoint offers a full line of major home appliances, along with parts, installation, and factory authorized warranty service for Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, GE, HotPoint, Crosley, and GE. The business is located at 13223 Garrett Highway, Suite 1, Oakland. Photo credit: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Read more.
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New Business: The Mountain Grape Tavern
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, October 31, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of The Mountain Grape Tavern, an new restaurant that blends the warmth of Appalachian hospitality with the bold, timeless flavors of the Mediterranean. nder the culinary direction of Executive Chef Martin Galloway, The Mountain Grape Tavern offers a menu that celebrates both regional and international traditions — from locally sourced ingredients and rustic pastas to handcrafted desserts and a thoughtfully curated wine list. The business is located at 146 Casselman Road in Grantsville. Photo credit: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Read more.
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FOREI to Host Outdoor Entrepreneur Workshops
The Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute (FOREI), in partnership with Sarah Myers Marketing, and the Frostburg State University Recreation & Parks Management Program, will host a 4-hour workshop designed to give striving entrepreneurs and existing business owners real-world tools to launch, grow, or diversify their business in the outdoor industry. Choose from one of two workshop sessions: November 7th (Frostburg State University) and November 14th (Garrett College). Learn more.
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SBDC Resource Page for Manufacturers
The Maryland Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) new dedicated resource page is focused on providing federal and state resources for manufacturing support. You will find a curated a list of valuable tools, programs, and funding opportunities to help you grow ND strengthen your operations. Learn more.
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2025 Maryland Rural Summit: November 19-20, 2025
Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Maryland Rural Summit, which will be held November 19-20, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Annapolis. Join the Rural Maryland Council for in-depth conversations and collaboration around key rural priorities. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. Learn more.
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Garrett Chamber Business After Hours Set for November 6th
The Mountain State Brewing Company will host the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce's November Business After Hours event on November 6, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at its restaurant located at 6690 Sang Run Road, McHenry. The Mountain State Brewing Company offers a top-rated brew pub experience with handcrafted beers and delicious artisanal flatbread pizzas. Click here to register.
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Garrett Chamber to Present Marketing Strategies Lunch N' Learn
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites you to join WJAC TV and AMP Sales and Marketing Solutions on November 5, 2025, from noon to 1 PM as they share innovative marketing strategies that can help your business reach more customers, grow stronger, and stand out in today's market. This event is open to both Chamber members and non-members. Lunch is included. Fees apply. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register.
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