The Next Chapter: Business Closings & Retirements Lead to New Beginnings

46 years, 1M margaritas, thousands of employees and countless celebrations and memories!

The City of Frederick is home to 4,000 businesses, some that are on the early stages of their business journey and many which have been staples for decades. In 2024, we said goodbye to a few longtime companies that significantly impacted the business landscape in the city. While we are sad to see them go, we know their next chapter is just around the corner for these locations. Join us as we take a look at these legacy businesses and explore what’s next for these city business sites.

LaPaz Mexican Restaurant

After 46 years of serving over a million margaritas and their infamous chips and salsa, as well as being a Downtown Frederick staple, owner Graham Baker sold the restaurant and building. New owner Thomas Zipellii will be bringing an Italian themed restaurant concept to this location on Carroll Creek with renovations to begin this year. Chef/Owner Zipelli owns Salt & Vine Trattoria and Wine Bar in Olney, Maryland.

La Paz shared on social media, “We’ve been a part of celebrations and gatherings of all kinds, and so many of you have become family.” The post continued, “We’ve have had over one thousand employees throughout the years. We are so thankful and proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of your lives for so long.” With gratitude for La Paz’s contribution to the food and beverage scene, we wish Graham and team a happy retirement and look forward to the building’s next chapter.

Former LaPaz staff from throughout the years say goodbye!

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Firestone’s

Firestone’s has been a staple in Downtown Frederick for decades. When restaurateur Kimball “Kim” Firestone passed away late last year, the family successor group, the Wasley Family, that operated Firestone's Culinary Tavern for many years alongside Firestone, was determined to see that the legacy of the restaurant and buildings would be carried on by the next operators.

The family has placed the buildings on the market for sale this month. Located at 105-115 N. Market Street, the portfolio includes separate two- and four-story buildings containing approximately 15,000 square feet of which also housed Sidecar Bar and Market on Market, respectively a cocktail bar and a boutique market and wine shop. A specialized Food & Beverage team within MacKenzie Retail has been tapped to handle the disposition with Henry Deford, Tim Harrington, and Corey Caputo are handling the sale.

Marketing Brochure for the property sale of former Firestone’s assemblage of properties: click here.

Photo Credit: Mackenzie Commercial

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Wag’s Restaurant & Bar

As former owner of Wag’s, John Wagner, moves into the next phase of his story, we give him thanks and celebrate the future of the best burgers in town, “8 steps below the competition.”

New co-owners Carlo Serio and Dave Schmidt share, “We really couldn't imagine Frederick without Wag's. Everyone we know has a Wag's story. Lunch with grandparents, burgers after school, or making a bunch of new friends during happy hour. We are so honored to be trusted to keep Wag's a part of the City for another 43 years. Preserving everything that makes Wag's so special was the entire goal of the transition. There was a team in place that had been through it all, some with decades of time working at Wag's. Most important to us was that everyone kept their job and we didn't close down at all for the team. It hasn't all been easy, but we are so excited to see what the future holds for Wag's. Come down and share a meal with us, you might see what we're cooking up. Portobello philly, a smash burger or two, and maybe even bringing that famous happy hour to Sundays. We'll see you at Wag's!”

We are so happy that Frederick’s tastebuds will still be able to enjoy those yummy Wag’s burgers & fries, and we look forward to witnessing the creation of some new Frederick menu traditions.

“We are so honored to be trusted to keep Wag’s a part of the City for another 43 years. Preserving everything that makes Wag’s so special was the entire goal of the transition.”

— Carlo Serio & Dave Schmidt

The next chapter for Wag’s Restaurant in Downtown Frederick

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Sir Speedy

Coming to the end of a wonderful journey, our neighbors and friends over at Sir Speedy have turned out the lights. What a fantastic run they have had serving Frederick ! Congrats to Rick Simon and the team for nearly 38 years serving the printing and copying needs of Frederick!

Click here to learn about business locations at Everyredy Square & Shab Row.

Located in Eveready Square, Sir Speedy closed at the end of 2024 after nearly 38 years in business.

Pasta Pallette

After nearly 10 years of selling pasta to Frederick's foodies, it's time for the owners to start the next chapter of life. With retirement on the horizon, they are slowing the daily pace, traveling the open road, and visiting new places. From their social media, “We have loved getting to know you and sharing amazing pastas with you. Over the years this little ten-foot-wide shop has filled our lives with excitement and anticipation for the future. Now the future is here and it's time to move on…”

Thank you for being part of the Downtown Frederick scene for so many years!

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Are you looking to open a new business in the City of Frederick? Reach out today to learn more about opportunities to create Frederick’s next legacy businesses. Call the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at 301.600.6360 or email businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov to begin your business journey.

Multiple Frederick City Projects Receive Grant Awards from State of Maryland

The City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development, was awarded multiple grant awards for fiscal year 2025, by the State of Maryland, Department of Housing & Community Development. Three of the awards will help the continuation of successful facade improvement programs, fire suppression and mission interior programs across the City of Frederick's Historic Downtown, East Frederick, and "Golden Mile" commercial corridor.

Other awards will assist with the rehabilitation of a historic building to host a small-scale food hall providing entrepreneurs with an accessible entry point into Downtown’s competitive commercial real estate market and the construction of a 208 Room Upper Upscale Full Service Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center.

The list of awards are as follows:

Community Legacy - The City of Frederick, Facade Improvements at the Historic, Mountain City Elks Lodge Building. Restoration of exterior of historic, African American community building at 173 All Saints Street - $150,000.00

Community Legacy - The City of Frederick, Historic Building Improvement Program Continuation of two successful programs supporting historic building improvements through fire suppression installation and interior renovations at downtown retail stores - $100,000.00

Maryland Facade Improvement Program - The City of Frederick, continue to operate three commercial facade improvement programs across The City of Frederick's Historic Downtown, East Frederick, and "Golden Mile" commercial corridor - $300,000.00

Strategic Demolition Fund - The City of Frederick, Downtown Frederick Food Hall, Rehabilitation of historic building to host a small-scale food hall - $200,000.00

Strategic Demolition Fund - The City of Frederick, Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center. Provide architectural and engineering designs for the development of the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center - $1,000,000.0

Examples of previous projects assisted by grant awards

Grants such as these assist property owners in making improvements to older, historic properties, which help the businesses within these properties to be more visually appealing and safer in certain instances.

As well, three non-profit organizations in the City of Frederick applied and were awarded Technical Assistance Grants from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Those awardees are:

Interfaith Housing Alliance, Inc. - $30,000
Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, Inc. - $25,000
Heart of the Civil War Area, Inc. - $20,000

To learn more about the state of Maryland’s revitalization programs and available grants, visit the Department of Housing and Community Development website or reach out to the City’s Economic Development team to learn how other businesses in Frederick are taking advantage of these programs and initiatives. 301-600-6360 / businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov .

2024 Business Grand Openings, Expansions and Anniversaries

2024 was VERY busy in terms of the number of new businesses that opened here in the City of Frederick, expanded their existing businesses, or celebrated a milestone anniversary. Let’s take a look at that impressive list!

Business Grand Openings

Akwaaba International Market – 1450 West Patrick Street, Suite A8, 21702
Andrea’s House - 1380 Fox Run Court, 21703
Aspen Dental – Frederick - 1003 West Patrick Street, 21702
Ayoka African Cuisine - 1100 W Patrick St, Ste M , 21703
Bentztown - 6 S Bentz St, 21701
Beyond Shelter Frederick - 27 DeGrange Street, 21701
Blink EV stations - various locations throughout the City of Frederick
Blue Ridge Bicycles of Frederick - 1170 W Patrick St., 21703
C&A Financial Services - 1209 N. East Street, Suite A101, 21701
The Center for Power and Resilience — 1 West Chruch Street, 21701
Dahlia Noir - 820 Motter Ave, Unit 4, 21701
Doris Bannegas Insurance -1446 West Patrick Street, Suite 18, 21702
Dorman Home Remodeling (remodel) - 8415 Progress Drive, Ste. D, 21701
Dream Free Art - 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 111, 21701
Ecoplantia - 1781A N. Market Street, 21701
Everything Frederick & More - 401 N. Market Street, 21701
Expressions at Idiom Brewery - 340 East Patrick Street, 21701
Flying Cows - 601 Blazer Trail, 21701
Frederick Community College Bakery Pastry Lab – 7932 Opossumtown Pike, 21702
Frederick County Association of Realtors (relocation) - 490 Monocacy Blvd, 21701
FITCI Edge - 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125, 21703
Gladstone Psychiatry & Wellness - 50 Carroll Creek Way, Suite 320, 21701
Glam By Shaddy - 45 Waverly Drive, Suite P, 21702
Gogi Go Korean BBQ -1003 West Patrick Street, 21702
GTM Architects - 8 E 2nd St, Ste 200, 21701
Healing Storm Holistic Wellness - 801 Toll House Avenue, 21701
Helping Hands Caring Hearts - 22 S. Market Street, Suites 210 & 212, 21701
High Gear (relocation) - 340 E. Patrick Street, Unit 201, 21701
Hinzi’s Kitchen - 503 N. East Street, 21701
Jerk It Smoke It - 2060 Yellow Springs Road, Suite 104, 21702
Jo Na’s Outdoor Furniture - 217 West Patrick Street, 21701
Justice Jobs (Relocation) - 22 S. Market Street, 21701
Ladies & Gents Downtown Hair Company (re-opening) - 23 E. Patrick Street, 21701
L’Arche Frederick - PO Box 1636, 21702
Leading Edge Academy of Dance - 1306 West Patrick Street, 21703
Le’Bijoux Day Spa - 205 Broadway Street, Suite 110, 21701
Level Up VR - 922 N. East Street, 21701
Lightbridge Academy - 313 Ballenger Center Drive, 21703
The Lodge at Homewood - 7407 Willow Rd, 21702
Maryland Double Deckers - 21701
Maryland Medical Clinic -1003 W. 7th St. Ste. 301, 21701
McBee Moore and Vanik (New location) - 10 S. Market St., 2nd Floor, 21701
Metrie - 9051 Gas House Pike, Suite B, 21701
Mustard Seed Health Care (relocation); Mustard Seed Boutique (new); Hail Mary Full of Grance Charity - 5 Hillcrest Drive, Suite B100, 21703
Norberg Wealth Management - 420 West Patrick Street, 21701
Offices at Bentz - 605 N. Bentz Street, 21701
The Ordinary Hen - 228 N Market Street, Suite 200, 21701
Perennial Clay & Garden - 5 W 2nd Street, 21701
Pho 52 - 701 Motter Ave, 21701
Playa Bowls -7820 Wormans Mill Road, 21701
Promo Circus -1124 Futurity Street, 21702
Pronav Clinical - 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125, 21703
RAK Brewing - 400 Sagner Ave, Suite 100, 21701
Riverwalk Disc Course - 821 Schifferstadt Boulevard, 21701
Roggenart - 1305 West 7th, Street, 21702
Roy Rogers  (Golden Mile) Remodel - 1240 W. Patrick Street, 21703
The Simple Theory - 37 N Market Street Suite 200, 21701
The Simplicity Secret – Frederick, 21703
Safe Ride Foundation - 122 East Patrick Street, 21701
Shepherd’s Staff In Home Care (re-opening) - 205 Broadway St #210, 21701
Soul Aura Crystals & Herbs - 405 N Market St, 21701
Square Corner a Design Collaborative - 2 N. Market St, Suite 300, 21701
The Station Market and Café  - 629 N. Bentz Street, 21701
Sunrise Senior Living (remodel) 990 Waterford Drive, 21702
Swirls of Frederick - 1305 West 7th Street, Suite 10, 21702
Terra Moda - 218 N. Market Street, 21701
The Toned Studios - 14 N. East St., 21701
Tropix Pots & Cuisine - 490 Prospect Boulevard, 21701
Trauma Specialists of Maryland - 5216 Chairmans Court, Unit 102, 21703
Victory Mortgage Solutions - 11 West Patrick Street, Suite 1, 21701
Visitation Hotel Frederick - 211 East Church Street, 21701
Visionary Solutions - 122 East Patrick Street, 21701
WLR Insurance - 1317 Orchard Way, 21703
Wye Oak Tavern - 211 East Church Street, 21701

Major Business Expansions

BioFactura - 8435 Progress Dr., Ste. Z, 21701
Precision For Medicine - 8425 Precision Way, Suite M, 21701
Showtime Sound - 8421 Broadband Drive, Suite D, 21701
Engage USA - 880 N East St Suite 205, 21701
Stulz USA - 1572 Tilco Drive, 21704
Black Hog - 118 South Market St, 21701
Frederick Book Arts  - 127 South Carroll Street, 21701
On Our Own - 331 West Patrick Street, 21701
Rice Tire - 1524 Tilco Drive, 21704
International Market - 1450 West Patrick Street, Suite 8, 21702
FoodPro -321 E. 5th Street, 21701

Business Anniversaries

Art Collective Frederick – 5 years, 41 A N. Market Street, 21701
ATI Physical Therapy – 5 years, 7820 Wormans Mill Rd, Suite C, 21701
A L’il Irish Too  - 5 years, 29 East Patrick Street, 21701
Colorful Canvas 10 years, 308 Delaware Rd, 21701
Pistarro’s – 10 years - 221 N. East Street, 21701
SHIP – 10 years - 203 Broadway Street Suite 310, 21701
Ec’ cletibles – 20 years - 13 East Patrick Street, 21701
FITCI – 20 years - 321 Ballenger Street, Suite 125, 21703
MK Battles Photography – 20 years - 50 Citizens Way, Suite 202-6, 21701
Goddard School – Frederick – 25 years - 2080 Yellow Springs Road, 21702
Woodsboro Bank – Downtown Frederick – 25 years, 8 East 2nd Street, 21701
Woodsboro Bank – Rt. 40 – 25 years - 1420 West Patrick Street, 21703
Bill Hall Family Dentistry – 30 years - 1090 West Patrick Street, Suite B, 21703
Computer Enhancement Systems – 30 years - 1530 Tilco Drive, Unit C, 21704
Structures Salon – 30 years - 38 South Market Street, Suite 5, 21701
Way Off Broadway – 30 year, 5 Willowdale Drive, 21702
Classic Beauty Supply – 35 years, 1090 West Patrick Street, 21703
J L Green & Associates – 35 years - 41 South Market Street, 21701
Antietam World Travel Service – 40 years - 2190 Old Farm Road, 21702
Frederick Children’s Chorus – 40 years - 7040 Bowers Road, 21702
Thomas Scott Salon – 40 years - 1305 West 7th Street, 21702
Trail House- 40 years - 17 South Market Street, 21701
Laboratory Inventory Systems – 45 years - 900 E. Patrick Street, 21701
New ERA Custom Design – 45 years - 270 Interstate Circle, Suite 100, 21704
Les Salon – 55 years - 4 Locust Street, 21703
Rescue Mission – 60 years - 419 W. South Street, 21701
Frederick County Building Industry Association – 65 years - 203 West Patrick Street, 21701
Lough Memorials – 150 years - 500 S. Market Street, 21701

Planning a grand opening for your new business? Celebrating a milestone anniversary? Contact the Department of Economic Development to be featured on our social media and online newsletter! Call 301.600.6360 or email BusinessinFrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov !

Groundbreaking Held in Downtown Frederick for Future Downtown Hotel and Conference Center

Governor Wes Moore recently joined City officials and staff to celebrate a significant milestone, the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center project!
This transformative development will bring new opportunities for tourism, business, and economic growth, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of our City. The new full-service hotel will be an anchor on world-class Carroll Creek Park in the heart of Downtown.

Project Scope:
• 208 Room -Marriott Branded Full-Service/Upper Upscale Hotel
• 21,210 SF Conference Center (ballrooms, pre-function, and breakout space)
• 253 On Site Parking Spaces (227 Garage/26 Surface)
• 4 Food & Beverage Outlets (rooftop, terrace, coffee, grab-n-go)
• 2,678 SF Retail Space
• Renovated historic Trolley Building and adjacent Eagles Building

December 19th groundbreaking of Frederick Downtown Hotel & Conference Center including demolition of former Frederick News Post press room.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 with completion date anticipated of 2027.

2024 Fort Detrick Alliance & FITCI Technology Showcase - 15 Years of Partnerships

Celebrating 15 years of collaboration, the Fort Detrick Alliance and Frederick Innovative Technology Center recently hosted a Technology Showcase in Frederick.  The Technology Showcase brought together representatives from Fort Detrick, educational institutions, the business community, elected officials, and technology incubator founders to highlight technology transfer opportunities. The Showcase featured numerous start-up companies in various stages of development at FITCI’s EDGE. Additionally, attendees could learn about partnership development and technology transfer opportunities at Fort Detrick. The showcase included representatives from Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, Mount St. Mary’s University, Frederick Community College, and the Bovine Intervention Robotics Team 686.

With over 140 in attendance, this annual event featured many opportunities for networking and establishing community connections. Jen Staiger, Alliance President and Associate Provost of Mount St. Mary's Division of Continuing Studies, shared at the event, “We are here tonight to gather and explore groundbreaking ideas, foster new connections, and celebrate the success of Frederick’s strong culture of partnership and collaboration, highlighting the value of Fort Detrick as an enduring local resource. "

At the event, Kathie Callahan Brady, FITCI's CEO unveiled an exciting new initiative, announcing a forthcoming magazine, Innovate Frederick, created in partnership with Frederick Magazine. Brady shared, “Slated for release next year, the publication will spotlight short stories of FITCI companies, offering a deeper look into the entrepreneurs driving innovation in the region.”

Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, delivered a compelling history of the event’s evolution over the last 15 years. His reflections highlighted the event's growing significance in showcasing the vibrancy of Frederick's entrepreneurial ecosystem. “With valued major employers such as the Frederick National Laboratory and Fort Detrick, we are thrilled to have this level of commercialization and tech transfer opportunities right here in Frederick.”

Reach out to the City of Frederick’s economic development team to learn about opportunities to partner in Frederick. Stay in touch with FITCI and Fort Detrick Alliance to learn about future networking opportunities and events.

Leadership Frederick County Enjoys Economic Development Day

Leadership Frederick County Class of 2024-25 spent a full day learning about Economic Development that included site tours, presentations and panel discussions. LFC is a nine-month leadership program that introduces participants to Frederick County’s history, agriculture, economic development, public safety, education, government, and health and human services. The program also includes graduate-level leadership master classes taught by experts from Hood College.

LFC Economic Development Day Agenda:

LFC Class of 2025 began the day at Hood College with a case study presented that illustrated the collaborative nature of economic development and how the community benefits from these joint initiatives. Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development for the City of Frederick and Jodie Bollinger, Director, Frederick County Office of Economic Development provided an overview of the city and county including insight about key industry sectors in Frederick. They highlighted how the local economic development teams work together to provide site selection assistance, start-up business services, resources and incentive programs, workforce training programs and community connections.

Economic Development is a deliberate set of programs, policies or activities intended to improve the economic well-being and quality of life by creating and/or retaining jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base over time. In Maryland, for every dollar invested in Economic Development, the return on investment is $9.17 (Source: Maryland Economic Development Association.) Economic developers seek to create/retain permanent high wage jobs, stimulate, private sector investment, grow the non-residential tax base and help governments plan for the future. This occurs through business attraction, business retention & expansion, small business development & entrepreneurial support, neighborhood development and workforce development.

The packed agenda included discussions about two key hotel projects in Frederick – both of which will have significant economic impact in the community. The class was treated to a site tour of Visitation Hotel Frederick – an amazing example of adaptive reuse converting a former all girls school and convent into a hip and historic hotel, restaurant and ballroom. Developer James O’Hare, CEO, O2 Holdings, shared insights about the project, including how the hotel overcame a fire that caused significant project delays. The hotel is slated to open for its first guests in December and several weddings are already booked for next year. Celebrity Chef Bryan Voltaggio will soon open Wye Tavern Restaurant in the repurposed former chapel which will be open to guests and the public. Peter Plamondon Jr., co-President, Plamondon Hospitality Partners, provided an overview of the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center that will be coming soon to Carroll Creek. The hotel will include approximately 200 rooms, a 21,000 square foot conference center, rooftop bar and three restaurants. Groundbreaking will be happening soon! Stay tuned!

Next stop, LFC learned about Kroger’s Fulfillment Center and how economic development partners and government were able to work collaboratively to win the project for Frederick. Kroger partnered with the Ocado Group, the world’s largest online grocery retailer using high tech, digital and robotic equipment taking home delivery to a new level for grocers such as Harris Teeter & Kroger. With 700,000 square feet and 400 employees, this Kroger facility is one of the largest warehouse distribution facilities in the county.

Speaking of economic drivers, the class stopped at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) to learn about this important asset for the region from Airport Manager Andrew Moore. This full-service general aviation airport will see the expansion of additional hangar space coming soon. Don’t forget to check out family, fun events at the airport such as Santa’s visit on December 8th and the Festival of Flight next September.

The class then toured Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.’s new incubator/accelerator program with presentations by CEO Kathie Callahan Brady and two current FITCI clients, CarrTech and NanoBioFAB. FITCI provides entrepreneurs, particularly in life sciences and technology, with the tools necessary to create a solid business foundation. FITCI provides advisory members to provide mentorship and guidance as well as insight about raising capital for ventures. Many FITCI program graduates have been able to effectively scale their organizations and its product offerings for a national/international market.

Steinhardt Brewing, a craft beverage company was the final stop of the day. The LFC class learned about the collaborative and supportive nature of the craft beverage industry in Frederick. While on-site, LFC class participants were treated to an informative panel discussion highlighting key initiatives in workforce development from both a corporate and non-profit vantage. The panel included participants from Frederick County Workforce Services, Justice Jobs, Canam Steel and Phoenix Mecano.

Leadership training and development is important for organizations and for an individual’s career development. Learn more about Leadership Frederick County here.

Need economic development resources for your company? Reach out to our economic development team by calling 301.600.6360 or scheduling a meeting today.

First-ever Junior Entrepreneur Pitch Competition hosted by city

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, The City of Frederick hosted its first-ever Junior Entrepreneur Pitch Competition. This competition aimed to foster creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among youth, providing them with a platform to showcase their ideas, practice public speaking, and receive valuable feedback from experienced judges.

 The pitch competition, open to Frederick County students grades K-12, had 9 Businesses present their innovative ideas for a chance to win a share of a $5000 prize pool to help grow or start their businesses. The entrepreneurs were divided into two categories: Idea Stage and Start-Up Stage.

There were five judges represented from organizations such as The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development, The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, The City of Frederick's Board of Alderman, The Maryland Women's Business Center, and the Acton Children's Business Fair.

Four Juniors walked away with cash prizes for their business:

Idea Stage:

Runner Up - $500
Business: Underwater Safari
Taotao Yang
Banner School
Remotely operated underwater drones, called "Waterbots," that efficiently collect trash while engaging users with live underwater footage.

Ideal Stage Runner-up - Taotao Yang, Underwater Safari

First Place - $1,000
Business: Rebound
Anushka Tyagi
Yashita Thalla
Druthee Vangapalli
Urbana High School
Accessible and user-friendly rehabilitative technology for individuals with post-stroke impairments.

Ideal Stage First Place - Anushka Tyagi, Yashita Thalla, Druthee Vangapalli - Rebound

Start-Up Stage

Runner Up - $1,500
Business: 3Dimension Prints
Jayden Jackson
Adonai Tzuri Home School Academy 
3D-printed products such as promotional items and business QR codes, allowing you to show that your business is keeping up with times.

Start -Up Stage Runner-Up Jayden Jackson -3Dimension Prints

First Place - $2,000
Business: Black Bolt AI
Aarman Jamiluddin
Urbana High School
A platform that allows teachers to create AI Tutors/Chatbots for their students to enhance their learning.

Start-Up Stage First Place - Aarman Jamiluddin - Black Bolt AI

For more information about the Junior Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, visit Junior Entrepreneur Pitch Competition | The City of Frederick, MD - Official Website.

New Professional Development Series for Artists & Arts Nonprofits

The creative economy significantly enhances the quality of life in Frederick and supports its vibrant business community. This fall, the Weinberg Center for the Arts launched a series of Professional Development Workshops for artists and arts nonprofits. These workshops provide essential tools, resources, and networking opportunities. The series was developed in partnership with several organizations, including the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, the Frederick Arts Council, the Frederick County Art Association, and Give Rise Studio. Local and regional experts also contributed their insights on starting and growing creative businesses.

Workshop Topics

The Professional Development Series covered various important topics, including:

• Grant writing and fundraising essentials

• Best practices for nonprofit and for-profit organizations

• Advertising, marketing, and social media strategies

• Disaster preparedness and insurance

• Partnerships, collaborations, and networking

Stephanie Chaiken, Executive Theater Manager at the Weinberg Center, explained the motivation behind the series: “We wanted to provide visual, performing, and literary artists and organizations with opportunities to improve their business skills and connect for future collaborations. Many artists were unaware of local and national resources, so we created a program to give them a taste of various topics.”

The series was shaped by feedback from a summer town hall meeting, where artists shared their needs in the creative economy.

Participants learned from organizations like the Maryland State Arts Council and LAA Community Engagement & Equity in Research at Americans for the Arts. Local experts also offered best practices to enhance business plans and marketing efforts.

“We’re excited to support collaborative efforts that strengthen Frederick’s creative economy.”

— Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development for The City of Frederick

The City of Frederick oversees both the Weinberg Center for the Arts and New Spire Arts. Earlier this year, the city hired Laila Jadallah as the Manager of Arts and Culture to lead cultural activities. As part of this series, the city launched a Cultural Asset Mapping Survey to better understand the creative businesses in the area. This survey will remain open through 2024.

To participate in the survey visit: Cultural Asset Mapping.

If you need help with your creative business, contact the Department of Economic Development at 301.600.6360 or email business@cityoffrederickmd.gov for resources and support.

FCC Food Entrepreneurship Program Wraps Up Another Successful Year

The latest cohort of Frederick Community College's Food Business Entrepreneurship program recently finished up and class participants were provided an opportunity to pitch to judges about their future food business ventures! The City of Frederick: Department of Economic Development and Frederick County Office of Agriculture co-sponsored the Food Business Entrepreneurship program again this year. Our team meets with food entrepreneurs, participated in a panel discussion with class members and have even assisted with the pitch competitions.

The Food Business Entrepreneurship Program allows class participants to hone their skills and experience while increasing credentials in partnership with the Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute. Delivering foundation-level concepts and knowledge in entrepreneurship and food service management, topics included financial management, front & back of house operations, marketing & sales, regulatory requirements, kitchen skills, and more. Expert-led instruction also develops skills to plan for, start, and operate a food service business.

Culminating in an exciting pitch competition, participants showcased their new business concepts to local industry and financial community partners with opportunities to win monetary awards and/or customized mentorships with working professionals in the field.

Congratulations to the following winners:

🥇 1st Place – Fat Sassy's Take and Bake, Nicole Scott: Awarded a six-month subscription to Maryland Bakes!

🥈 2nd Place – Punk 'n Peasant Pierogi, Brandy Gurbal: Awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Frederick Community College Foundation Culinary Competition Scholarship Fund!

🥉 3rd Place – Aunt Jean's Cuisine, Jamie Brown: Awarded a $500 cash prize, sponsored by FoodPro!

🏅 4th Place – Bol Apetit, Onella St. Hilaire: Awarded a $500 cash prize, sponsored by Wegmans!

To learn more about FCC's Food Business Entrepreneurship Program, visit: Food Business Entrepreneurship - Frederick Community College

If you are interested in starting or growing your food related business, reach out to our team at the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development to schedule a meeting, call 301.600.6360 or email business@cityoffrederickmd.gov .