We may only be a few weeks into the new calendar year, but our team is working diligently to continue to bring you opportunities, resources and support throughout 2021.
We’re excited to share this year’s Top 50 Frederick. In partnership with Frederick Magazine, the 4th edition of Top 50 Frederick has been published, renamed this year as Top 50x2 Frederick and recognizes 100 of the County’s top legacy businesses. Read about businesses who have called Frederick County home for more than 20 years – many for more than 100 years. (We’re also highlighting each of them in our blogs over the coming months.) Our 2020 Annual report, covering our economic development successes and a preview of what we have in store for 2021, can also be found in the Top 50x2 Frederick.
We are proud of all our local businesses; however, we’d like to congratulate some of our businesses recently in the spotlight: McClintock Distilling has been named Maryland's “Distillery of the Year” from the International Spirits Competition; Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery and Scenic View Orchards were both featured on Tuesday's episode of Maryland Farm and Harvest; and Crowley Company has been honored with four 2021 Platinum Modern Library awards.
While how and where many of us are working may have changed over the past year, our commitment to the Frederick business community remains unchanged. I am pleased to say that we have many opportunities on the horizon to meet our business community needs. Our monthly minority networking events are back in 2021 with a new name, a new logo, but the continued focus on networking and education. (Check out the Empower link in this newsletter). Join Frederick County's Women’s Business Center Counselor Karen Kalantzis and other local females in business for Coffee & Connections as they kick off this monthly event on January 28. SMART PROC GOVCON 2021 will be held virtually on January 22, 2021 and provides small businesses with vital information necessary to better understand the federal procurement process, mission requirements and forecast opportunities. To register for these and other events visit our website at discoverfrederickmd.com/events or use the links below.
Finally, grant opportunities continue for our business community. Applications are now being accepted for the Agricultural Innovation Grant; a second round of grants for restaurants are now being distributed; and the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) reopened on January 13. In early February applications will open for hotel and hospitality grants. Our webpage and social media are the best resources for keeping current about new programs as we post updates there regularly.
This New Year is already full of changes and there is much upcoming in 2021. One thing that will not change is our commitment to support your business as we collectively navigate this brand new 2021.
Sincerely,
