Business News From The City of Frederick, Maryland
March 2022
You're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in City of Frederick DED. Don't forget to add dgoff@cityoffrederickmd.gov to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!
Hello

It has often been said that “Food is our common ground, a universal experience” and Frederick embodies that truism. From tacos to tabbouleh and spaghetti to sushi, Frederick residents from many backgrounds and cultures dine and shop together at great restaurants, food trucks, and grocery stores.  

This issue of Business eNews explores some of the economic impact, trends, and opportunities for entrepreneurs in commercial culinary careers. The resources for starting a new restaurant, bakery, catering business or food truck are better than ever -- from commercial kitchens to small business assistance through the City and County economic development offices (DED/OED) and Small Business Administration (SBA). Interested? Give us a ring and we’ll connect you.

Frederick residents love eating outside and the City is working diligently to launch a new Pop Up Dining program to allow limited al fresco opportunities downtown and across the city. Check out the recommendations from the Pop Up Dining Committee made up of a broad cross section of residents and business owners. Please don’t forget to shop and eat local. Support your local merchants and restaurants. 


Best,
Richard G. Griffin, AICP, CEcD
Director, Economic Development
Restaurants play a major role in the United States’ economy. Last year, despite the pandemic, restaurant industry sales generated $799 billion in our nation and employed 14.5 million Americans. As a renowned "foodie" haven, the economic impact of food & beverage businesses is particularly strong in Frederick.

Read on as we explore the critical role this industry plays in our local economy.
Throughout the month of February, the Pop Up Dining Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss and provide feedback on various future al fresco dining options for the City. Watch or read minutes from the committee's discussions here.

City staff is currently drafting proposed legislation based on the committee's recommendations. The draft will be brought to the Board of Alderman for discussion & review at a public workshop in April.
Offering lower start-up costs, flexibility, and convenient access to new customers, food trucks can serve as incubators for future restaurant concepts. In recent years, we’ve seen this pattern of business growth trending in Frederick.

We caught up with two local owners who have made the transition to discuss the unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities of both business models.
Shared kitchens are licensed commercial spaces that provide access to the infrastructure and equipment needed to produce food in compliance with regulatory requirements, without the risk & cost of ownership.

The City of Frederick is home to three shared kitchen businesses -- which collectively host nearly 50 budding food entrepreneurs! Learn more about the industrious facilities & their clients here.
Frederick's Biotech Bootcamp Program recently completed its inaugural session. The free 4-week training program was designed to teach participants the basic skills needed for entry-level positions in the biotech industry. Following the first session, the program is being applauded by students & local biotech companies alike!

Check out this video for an inside look at the student's experience and what's next for program.
techfrederick is dedicated to promoting and growing the technology industry in Frederick County. The non-profit is currently looking for a passionate full-time Executive Director to lead the growing organization to its next level of impact and reach.

Learn more about the opportunity here.
Calling all local female entrepreneurs: Application is now open to Frederick's annual pitch competition: SHE Pitch.

The shark-tank style program features publicity & networking opportunities, as well as cash prizes!

Learn more & apply here.
The Frederick County Agricultural Society (FCAS) held elections for their board managers and shared the many successes of the 2021 Great Frederick Fair. Read on to learn about those elections and successes.

Warehouse Cinemas has been busy! Not only do they have their own Underdog Vodka, created in partnership with McClintock Distillery, which premeiered on the first night airing of The Batman, they've opened a third location in Baltimore! Can we say "busy"??!

Atlantic Biomass, LLC , based in Frederick, has released a study that shows very low-value biomass left over from hemp flower and bud harvests could be economically converted into biofuels by using the Atlantic Biomass process. Interested? Follow the story!

Sandy Spring Bank recently moved into a newly renovated space in the Patrick Center, Downtown. The build-out was completed by Morgan Keller Construction. Stop by and give them a look.

Does your business have news to share? Send us a press release and we'll help share that great news locally and regionally. Find out how!
Congratulations to the following anniversaries and grand openings:


If you have a business that has opened, relocated, expanded or celebrated
a milestone anniversary in the last 3 months, please tell us!
Frederick County Chamber: Live County Executive Candidate Forum
April 7, 2022
Downtown Frederick Partnership: Competitive Edge: ADA Guidance for your Business
April 19, 2022
May 16, 2022
Techfrederick: Hackathon 2022
May 21, 2022
STAY CONNECTED
City of Frederick | Economic Development | 301-600-6360 | www.businessinfrederick.com