Welcome to Our Newest Members

PhotoCraft is your go-to for professional photography, dedicated to capturing joyful moments.

Owner: Lauren Veloz

King Kreations specialize in muffins, cookies, and brownies — all baked from scratch with high-quality ingredients. 

Owners: Kathleen and Shae King

Paradise Delites offers premium handcrafted Caribbean-inspired beverages made with carefully selected fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients.

Owner: Pamela Chin

Your Network Is a Business Asset: Building Social Capital as an Entrepreneur

When people talk about what it takes to launch or grow a business, the conversation usually turns to money. But there is another resource that matters just as much, and it doesn’t show up on a balance sheet: your social capital.

Social capital is the web of relationships and connections you can draw on to grow your business. It’s the person who introduces you to your first big customer, the mentor who tells you what they wish they’d known, and the peer who gives honest feedback on your plan before you invest in it. A strong network can open doors to funding, help you build your team, and connect you with partners and experienced advisors. Entrepreneurs with those connections can often move faster, test ideas sooner and compete more effectively.

The harder truth is that not everyone starts with a built-in network. Money alone doesn’t replace the trust and relationships that come with one. The good news is that social capital can be built on purpose. A few ways to start:

• Get out and network. Seek out the people and groups in your industry and community, and keep showing up.
• Find a mentor. Learning from someone who has been where you are is one of the fastest ways to grow.
• Build trusted partnerships. Relationships across your industry, and beyond it, can lead to resources and ideas you wouldn’t find on your own.
• Give as well as take. The strongest networks run both ways. Share what you know and help others where you can.

Want to learn more? Read the full article here.

How the Incubator Can Help You Build Your Social Capital

You don’t have to build your network alone. Incubators + Labs at Hagerstown Community College is designed to put you in the room with the people who can help your business grow. As a member, you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, experienced mentors and business coaches, and take part in events and trainings throughout the year. Our team can also make introductions to the right people in our local and regional business community.

Interested in learning more about our programs? Reach out to Maureen Kolb at incubator@hagerstowncc.edu, 240-500-2728 or visit www.incubatorhcc.com.

November Chamber Events

Coffee & Connections

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Featured Speaker: Angie Detrick, Business Retention & Expansion Specialist, Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development.

Featured Incubator Chefs: King Kreations Bakery

24th Annual Economic Summit

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 (5:00 PM- 8:30 PM)

Where: Fountain Head Country Club

Topic: Renowned Economist, Dr. Anirban Basu is returning to Washington County to share his insights on the state of the Economy

Women Empowered

When: Friday, November 13, 2026 (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Topic: Protecting Your Peace: Mindfulness for the Holiday Hustle with Heather Hughes

Your Next Customer

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Topic: An inspiring interview with a fellow Chamber member led by Eddie Peters.

Maximize Your Membership

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Where: Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Topic: Learn How to Maximize your Investment in the Chamber

November B.A.S.H

When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Where: Achieving True Self 16619 Hunters Green Pkwy, Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Pricing: $5 for Members; November's Cash Prize: $2,000

Chamber Chapters * New

When: Tuesday, November 24, 2026 (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM)

Where: Next Chapter Cafe & Book Shop

Topic: "Necessary Endings" by Dr. Henry Cloud. Hear from Melissa Noel

*Reminder- Incubator Members must attend at least one Chamber event per month as part of their membership obligations.