For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2022 is all about “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship.”
According to the SBA, Frederick County has 6,223 small businesses. Many of these businesses are located in our municipalities. In recognition of National Small Business Week, we are taking a closer look at our six Main Streets. Did you know Frederick County has more designated Main Streets than any other County in Maryland? Receiving a Main Street designation comes with requirements: a minimum population of 1,000 people, a commitment to hire a program manager, and a defined central business district, among other criteria. This week be sure to shop local and celebrate all that our Main Streets add to our community.
Brunswick - Known for its railroad history, the town of Brunswick was named a Main Street Maryland community in 2004, thanks to a dedicated group of business people and local officials who felt it was time to ramp up the town’s downtown business district. Brunswick has seen a number of new businesses that have opened up in recent years, including a new event space from the owners of Smoketown Brewing Station called Cannon’s Events.
Emmitsburg – Located at the northern end of Frederick County, Emmitsburg is the County’s most recent Main Street community. The town is home to Mount St. Mary’s University, as well as the National Emergency Training Center. Emmitsburg is a great place to go antique shopping and thrifting.
Frederick – The County Seat, Frederick City has been a Main Street community since 2001. The City’s Main Street organization, the Downtown Frederick Partnership, is often recognized for its efforts to boost the thriving downtown. The City is known for its skyline dotted with clustered spires, and beautiful Carroll Creek, which is lined with businesses and often serves as home to community events.
Middletown – Middletown is where charm and history meet. Located in a valley between the Catoctin Mountains and South Mountain, George Washington once remarked that the Middletown Valley was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. When the Main Street Middletown program began in 2009, it was focused on improving the appearance of downtown, promoting Middletown as a destination, and strengthening the town’s economy while recruiting new businesses. Visit one of their restaurants, prepare for summer fun by stopping in the sports shop or get your hair done.
New Market - New Market, founded when George Washington was president, is rich in history and is the perfect place to bring the family for a stroll down Main Street. Visitors will find fascinating shops, from jewelry to antiques to crystals, gems, and hand-crafted pottery to pique their curiosity as well as restaurants to satisfy their appetites and a farm winery with historic roots. New Market offers a year’s worth of events that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Thurmont - Perched on the outskirts of the Catoctin Mountains in the northern part of the county, is Thurmont. The town received its Main Street designation in 2005. Thurmont is regularly named to lists like “Best Small Towns to Visit in Maryland.” Outside of the Main Street, Thurmont is known as the Gateway to the Mountains and is even home to presidential retreat Camp David. Thurmont is a wonderful place to spend a day hiking, eating and shopping!
To learn about the resources available to small businesses in Frederick County or to connect with the SBA, please visit our website: https://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/small-business.