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Small Business, Big Impact

Small businesses are the economic backbone of Frederick County. 98% of Frederick County companies employ 100 or fewer employees, advancing a set of businesses as diverse as biotech start-ups, professional services and boutiques.

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) has partnered with several organizations to implement strategies to boost growth in and sustain business in Frederick County, including the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Mid-Marylad and the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County. 

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in Maryland are committed to assisting entrepreneurs with all of their business needs, whether they are looking for start-up assistance, financing or seeking to expand. SBDC assists existing and prospective business with training, counseling and maximization of resources.

Counseling is available at no cost in the following areas, and more, at Frederick County's SBDC:

  • Business Plan Development
  • Business Structuring
  • Market Planning and Research
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Financial Projections
  • Debt and Equity Financing
  • Management Techniques
  • International Trade
  • Cashflow Management
  • Government Procurement
  • Contact information for starting a small business
  • Licensing Information for Home-Based Businesses

Prospective SBDC clients should register with Maryland's central SBDC office before attending a training program or meeting with an SBDC counselor.


 

 Diane McFarland

 SBDC Training and Marketing
 Lead Center Region
 Email | Phone 301.600.1058

 Bryan Laing

 Frederick County SBDC Counselor
 Email | Phone 443.819.5638

Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC)

The Maryland Women’s Business Center encourages women (and men) to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. Through workshops, individual counseling, facilitated peer group support, special resources, and access to capital, MWBC helps clients gain the skills, connections, and confidence necessary to navigate entrepreneurship.

In addition to the group’s training sessions and one-on-one counseling, the MWBC hosts Coffee and Connections, a monthly networking event. Coffee and Connections is a community for women entrepreneurs in Frederick County who wish to connect with other like-minded business owners. 

 Karen Kalantzis

 WBC Business Counselor/Trainer
 Email | Phone 301.355.2208


Small Business Resources

FCOED’s EmPOWER (DEIB) Program

Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc (FITCI)