We Hear You!

During BAW, we had the opportunity to meet with over 20 business owners, familiar and new faces, and hear how we could better serve the professional community. Here are some of the topics we discussed:

• Let Your Voice be Heard - We are still seeking feedback to better understand the needs of our businesses through the online survey above.

• Business Grant Opportunities - This was a big topic of discussion, and we are proud to announce the launch of a new resource on our website! We know that finding grant opportunities for your business is hard and time-consuming, so we have gathered a listing of various business grants including opportunities from corporations and federal and state agencies. To view the list, visit our website at https://www.choosecalvert.com/grant.

* Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of grant opportunities and it is up to the business owner to do additional research to see if they qualify.

• A Guide on How to Start a Business - Check out our Start-Up Checklist to get you started on your business journey. We also have a Resource Guide that walks you through different scenarios with contacts and proper resources. If you still have questions on how to proceed, please reach out to us at info@choosecalvert.com. We are here to help you through the process.

• A Guide on the Permit Process - The Department of Planning & Zoning has recently launched an online portal called “Do I Need a Permit”? The portal walks you through the permitting process step by step. It enables you to find property information by address, discover applicable permitting details, access forms and conveniently submit your permit applications online. These tools will help customers get a jump start on the permitting process. If you have specific permitting questions or need assistance, please contact Inspections & Permits. 

• Marketing/Campaign Opportunities - We have many campaign opportunities throughout the year. Some of which include Business Anniversary Recognition, Business Appreciation Week, New Businesses, Major Employers List, Salute to Business, newsletter spotlights, training workshops and other opportunities. If you are interested in participating or being spotlighted, in any of these events please reach out to info@choosecalvert.com. Utilize the free resources with Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/marketing-sales. 

• Events in the Community - Our website has a calendar to show you all of the upcoming business, agriculture and tourism events! Examples include Laser Tag Night, Farmers Markets, Festivals and more. If you want to subscribe or even submit an event, go to https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/Calendar.aspx.

• More Involvement with Students - We have been joining forces with Career and Technology Academy and Future Business Leaders of America to show students the opportunities available in Calvert County. However, it is only possible with the involvement from our local business owners. If you would like to be more involved with leading our future business generation, reach out to us at 410-535-4583. 

• Updates on Local Legislation - We will now have an “In the News” section in our newsletter to keep you updated on the news and local announcements. Check it out below. 

• What Businesses are Coming to Calvert? - Explore commercial projects happening in Calvert County or view a list of projects completed recently on our What’s Going Where? Map. Be sure to visit our webpage to see the businesses that have opened up or expanded this year.

• Tracking the Economic Health of our Community - Check out the snapshots of unemployment rates, commercial vacancy rates, wages and more by visiting Calvert’s Data Center.

Ribbon Cuttings



On Monday, May 8, Commissioner Todd Ireland and the Calvert County Department of Economic Development held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Edward Jones at Harrow Lane in Prince Frederick. Located at 100 Harrow Lane, Suite 103 in Prince Frederick, Edward Jones specializes in serving the financial needs of individual investors of all ages and financial means.

In the News

Governor Moore Announces $15 Million Available for Small Business Relief

Governor Wes Moore announced a $15 million commitment to minority-led small business lender, Lendistry, to provide relief to Maryland small businesses. The commitment is the latest investment through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, through which Maryland is deploying up to $198 million in federal relief. To learn more, go to https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/SSBCI.aspx

Governor Moore Signs Economic Development Legislation Promoting Commitment to Creating a More Competitive Maryland

The governor signed nearly 200 pieces of legislation into law focused on economic development, state and local taxes, Maryland’s natural resources, transportation and agriculture. Included among Governor Moore’s champion pieces of legislation recently signed are:

• H.B. 522, The Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023
• H.B. 548, The Access to Banking Act
• S.B. 452, The Film Production Activity Income Tax Credit
• S.B. 34, Department of Agriculture – State Specialist for Value-Added Agriculture. 

To view the complete list of bills signed into law, visit: https://governor.maryland.gov/Pages/bill-signings.aspx?page=1 

Health Care Transportation Roundtable Report

For the past year, the Rural Maryland Council and the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland planned for and conducted a series of roundtable meetings to identity existing gaps in non-emergency healthcare transportation. Today, there is an enclosed report and the legislative recommendations. https://tccsmd.org/health-care-transportation-report/.

Business Spotlight

Chesapeake Windsail Cruises

4160 Mears Ave, Dock A, Slip 15, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732

Sailing on the bay is a beautiful way to enjoy all the splendors of the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the Cliffs of Calvert or the beautiful environment of the region, all during a wonderful two and a half hour cruise on the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Windsail Cruises sails out of the beautiful Rod 'N' Reel Resort located in the bay-side town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. They offer sunset cruises, private cruises, mother nature cruises, Chesapeake Beach walking tours and North Beach walking tours. Invite your friends and family to this unique and fun business.

If you would like your business to be spotlighted, please reach out to info@choosecalvert.com. 

Keep an Eye Out

Calvert County has a 30-second commercial running on the WMAR station on television, OTT (streaming on all devices) and on YouTube. It has been extremely successful with over 404,000 completed views on various tv channels and streams with Fox Sports, Lifetime. 

Upcoming Events

Energy and Environment for Maryland Manufacturers

When: June 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport 1739 W Nursery Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

What: The E2M2 Summit will focus on manufacturing sustainability best practices, provide case studies in green energy, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

SCORE Small Business Essentials June Series

When: June 8, 9, 14, 15 and 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Online

What: SCORE’s Small Business Essentials Webinar Series was developed to prepare anyone who is considering starting a business to make the decisions and plans you need to successfully launch your business. Classes include: Creating a Business Plan, Setting up a New Business Entity, Marketing Part 1, Marketing Part 2 and Developing Financial Projections.

Should You Buy a Franchise or Start Your Own Business?

When: June 8 at 1 p.m.

Where: Online

What: In this webinar, our expert presenter will explain the key factors to consider when investing in a franchise and how that compares to starting your own independent business. By the end of this webinar, you will have the confidence and knowledge to make an informed decision.

Cannabis and the Workplace Symposium

When: June 13 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law 500 W. Baltimore St Baltimore MD 21201

What: Join the discussion on the implications of the decriminalization of cannabis and the impact on employment.

Farmers Markets All Summer Long!

Calvert County Farmers Market - CalvertHealth, Prince Frederick

When: Tuesdays 2:30-6:30 p.m. from April 25 to Nov. 21, 2023

Where: CalvertHealth Medical Center 130 Hospital Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Calvert County Farmers Market - Lusby

When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 13 to Sept. 23, 2023

Where: Sneade's Ace Home Center 11861 HG Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657 

Calvert County Farmers Market - Dunkirk

When: Thursdays 3:30-6:30 p.m. from May 11 to Sept. 7, 2023

Where: Dunkirk District Park 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, MD 20754

North Beach Farmers Market

When: Saturdays 8-11 a.m. from May 6 to Oct. 7, 2023

Where: Senior Center Parking Lot 9010 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714

For more business training and events, visit our events calendar at: https://www.choosecalvert.com/calendar.aspx?CID=69.

Browse Community Events and Activities!

With lighthouses, trails, museums, festivals, wineries, breweries, shops and galleries, there's always something going on in Calvert County. 

Explore VisitCalvert.com or view our events calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.