Forward to a Friend. Contact Us: (301) 334-1921 | | |
Garrett County
Business Development
| | |
Starting, Relocating,
Growing
RESOURCES FOR GARRETT COUNTY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
| | |
Application Deadline for FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant Approaching
Applications for Garrett County's FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant Program are are still being accepted. 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. Application Deadline: May 15, 2026. Learn more and access the application.
| |
Application Deadline for FY 2026 Agriculture Marketing Grant Approaching
Applications for Garrett County's FY 2026 Agriculture Marketing Grant Program are still being accepted. 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. Application Deadline: May 15, 2026. Learn more and access the application.
| |
Survey: Western Maryland Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland (TCC) is committed to strengthening our regional economy by better supporting the entrepreneurs and organizations that make it thrive. To do this effectively, TCC needs to hear directly from you. TCC has partnered with an independent nonprofit organization, Bridging Innovation Institute, to conduct a comprehensive survey of our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Your feedback is essential to helping us understand current challenges and inform a broader strategy to ensure our community has access to accurate, actionable information. Whether you are an active business owner or a support organization, your voice is a critical foundation for our future strategy. Survey Completion Deadline: May 15, 2026. Learn more.
| |
Milestone Proclamation Presented to CLS Ventures & Lakefront Magazine
During its public meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland, presented a Milestone Proclamation to Linda Carr of CLS Ventures, Inc. and Sarah Myers of Sarah Myers Marketing, recognizing the 35th anniversary of CLS Ventures, Inc. and The Lakefront Magazine. Founded in 1991 by Skip and Linda Carr, CLS Ventures has grown into a multifaceted business offering a wide range of branded merchandise for promotional products and corporate gifts, in addition to publishing The Lakefront Magazine. Today, the publication continues its longstanding legacy under the ownership of Sarah Myers of Sarah Myers Marketing. Read more.
| |
Milestone Proclamation Presented to Iron Horse Associates
During its public meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County, Maryland presented a milestone proclamation to Iron Horse Associates, recognizing the company’s 25 years of service and its lasting contributions to the local economy and community. As a family-owned and operated business, Iron Horse Associates has grown through years of hands-on experience, strong values, and a commitment to excellence. Today, the company provides a wide array of services, including excavating, site development, and recycling, supporting a diverse range of projects across the region. Read more.
| | |
Pillar Innovations Empowers the Future of Advanced Industry
Want a glimpse into the future of advanced industry? Take a look at Pillar Innovations in Garrett County. Headquartered in a cutting-edge facility in the Northern Garrett Industrial Park, Pillar has grown from a specialized division of services and engineering of Beitzel Corporation to become a global leader in industrial technology and automation. Together, Pillar and Beitzel occupy more than 260,000 square-feet of space in Grantsville and employ roughly 500 people in Maryland with a heavy focus on engineers, technicians, programmers, project managers and skilled trades—making them one of the region’s largest and most stable private employers and also a 100% employee-owned company In a world where old industry borders are falling, Pillar is at the forefront. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Commerce. Read more.
| |
$15M 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, with 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.
| |
|
New Analysis Explores Costs/Benefits of Woody Biomass in Rural MD
A new analysis prepared for the Maryland Clean Energy Center and the Tri-State Growth and Commerce Coalition could provide a practical, locally sourced solution to rising heating costs, economic challenges, and sustainable energy transition in rural Maryland. By replacing fossil fuels with biomass, communities can boost local economies, support jobs, and promote sustainable forestry, while modern systems meet state air quality standards and offer long-term carbon-neutral benefits. Read more.
| |
|
University of Maryland Extension Offers Entrepreneurial Coaching for Agriculture and Food-Related Businesses
Thinking about starting or expanding an agricultural or food-related business but not sure where to start? The University of Maryland Extension has trained business coaches that know the ins and outs of agriculture and food-related businesses. An entrepreneurial Coaching session is free of charge, and all individuals interested in growing their businesses are invited to participate. Learn more.
| |
Tri-County Council Unveils New Brand Identity
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland has unveiled a refreshed brand identity that reflects its evolving work, renewed vision, and growing portfolio of initiatives heading into 2026. The updated logo symbolizes the unity of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties working together, while also incorporating the Appalachian Mountains to highlight the region’s natural heritage and connections within Appalachia. The design also honors the organization’s founding year, 1972, recognizing decades of service to Western Maryland. Read more.
| | |
Ag Innovation Challenged Opens: $100K for Top Entrepreneur
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is currentlly accepting online applications from entrepreneurs for the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 13th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000. Application Deadline: June 5, 2026. Learn more.
| | |
Applications Open: Rural Maryland Council's Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program
The Rural Maryland Council is launching a new grant opportunity through the Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program—with $4.6M available to strengthen access to healthy, locally sourced food in rural communities. Funding supports food aggregation systems connecting farmers to larger buyers and institutional purchasing strategies for local, healthy foods. Open to nonprofits, local governments, higher ed, and food system partners. Application Deadline: May 15, 2026. Learn more:
| | |
Applications Open: MWCC Virtual Lean 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.
| | |
May: 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 May 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.
| | |
May: Free SBDC Webinars for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a series of webinars this May 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 May schedule and reserve a spot in advance. Learn more and view the schedule.
| | |
May 27th: Garrett Chamber's Business Before Hours - Legislative Update
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will host its next Business Before Hours event on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 8 to 9:30 AM, at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. The Chamber will welcome back Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Jim Hinebaugh for an informational presentation on the 448th session of the Maryland General Assembly. Attendees will hear directly from our elected officials on which bills passed, which did not, how these legislative decisions will impact the county, region, and state, and how the election is impacting policy-making. This event is sponsored by Byco Enterprises, Inc. and Garrett Regional Medical Center. Click here to register.
| | |
May 28th: MD Tech Council Lunch N' Learn Opportunity
The Maryland Tech Council will host its next in-person "Subject Matter Expert Lunch and Learn" sponsored by CloudOffix, at the Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia, Maryland, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The event will explore why AI struggles in real organizations and what needs to change for it to truly work. Gökhan Erdoğdu, Founder and CEO of CloudOffix, will also walk through real scenarios that show what becomes possible once the right foundation is in place. Click here to learn more and register.
| | View additional available commercial properties in Garrett County: https://shorturl.at/ZVeRE | | | | |
