September Newsletter

20% Off Branded Promotional Products

Exclusively for Incubator Members!

As an Incubator member, you now get an exclusive 20% discount on branded promotional products through Anything Printed — including apparel, business forms, signage, giveaways, and more.

Best part? Setup and shipping are included, so you get professional, ready-to-use products without the extra hassle or cost.

Whether you need branded t-shirts, tote bags, business cards, or promotional swag for your next event, Anything Printed has you covered.

🎙️New Podcast Alert:

Family Farm Direct on

Tri-State Update

We're excited to share a great conversation from Tri-State Update, a media project by Andrew Keller (owner of Learnicity) created to bring a more connected media experience to entrepreneurs and residents across our region.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Ben Barnett of Family Farm Direct— one of our incubator members to talk about the agricultural climate in Washington County and what he's doing to help farmers reach new markets.

Ben's story captures exactly why local entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our community — their drive and dedication are evident. Take a few minutes to check it out, and drop some support for him and Andrew!

▶️ Watch the episode on YouTube

Learn more about Tri-State Update: tristatesupdate.com

Welcome to Our Newest Members

Potomac Fur Mama is a Maryland-based pet treat company creating premium, single-ingredient freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats.

Owner: Amanda Sun

Future Spore is an education platform that teaches practical ecological skills — foraging, herbalism, regenerative gardening, and plant medicine — while exploring how technology and nature can work together.

Owner: Emii Svilich

Become a Sponsor: Spark! Tank 2026

Spark! Tank is back for year two, and we're inviting local businesses to help fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs! Sponsorship packages are available at every level, offering great visibility for your business while supporting our community's up-and-coming founders.

Every tier includes benefits like social media recognition, logo placement, and advertising in the Spark! Tank program — with higher tiers unlocking speaking opportunities, naming rights, and the chance to award winners directly.

📩 Interested in sponsoring? Contact Maureen

Independent Business Circle

This members-only experience is designed for business owners who are ready to grow with intention, clarity, and support.

This is not your typical networking group. It’s a professionally facilitated, monthly advisory circle where you’ll engage in real conversations, work through challenges, and gain valuable perspective from fellow business owners.

Each session is designed to help you:

Work through real business challenges
Gain insight from experienced peers
Strengthen your decision-making and strategy
Stay accountable to your goals

The Circle meets the third Tuesday of every month in a focused, supportive environment built around thoughtful leadership and sustainable growth—because running a business shouldn’t feel like something you have to figure out alone. Next session is September 15.

Principles of Entrepreneurship Class

Starting Next Week!

Thinking about starting a business, or want to strengthen the one you've already got? HCC's Principles of Entrepreneurship class covers the fundamentals you need to turn your idea into a real, sustainable business.

When: September 9 – December 16

Days: Monday & Wednesday, 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Scholarships are available, so don't let cost hold you back from investing in your business.

For more information or to enroll, reach out to Rebecca Powers at rkpowers@hagerstowncc.edu.

👉 Learn more and register here

Why Customer Communication Should Be a Top Priority in 2026

In a year where trust in business is declining, how you communicate with your customers matters more than ever. According to Business News Daily, businesses with a positive reputation benefit from repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising — and strong communication is at the heart of building that trust.

Whether it's keeping customers in the loop, following up after a purchase, or simply responding promptly to questions, small, consistent efforts go a long way toward building loyalty and a strong reputation in your community.

A few ways to strengthen your customer communication: