As a city proud of its thriving business community — Frederick is brimming with resources for the perspective entrepreneur interested in joining the local economy.
Here we break down just 10 of the many local resources that can be invaluable in turning a great idea into a great business:
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SBDC provides free & low cost assistance to small business and aspiring entrepreneurs — in areas such as business plan writing, financing, accounting, marketing, and more.
Explore classroom offerings - OR - schedule a one-on-one counseling session.
Free Commercial Property Reports
Trying to find the perfect location for your new business? Our Economic Development team offers free real estate reports on available commercial properties within the City upon request. Reports can be customized to meet size or business-specific requirements.
Request a report.
Reference Solutions
Reference Solutions, free through Frederick County Public Libraries, offers detailed records on approximately 12 million U.S. businesses to help guide your market research.
Grab your library card and search for business data here.
Business Pitch Room
Offered through the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, the start-of-the-art video pitch room allows Frederick residents and businesses to have their business pitch videotaped by professionals at no charge.
Contact the County’s OED for more information.
SCORE Mentors
Score Mentors is a local business mentor group made up of volunteer experts across a range of industries, offering real-life experience and business advice.
Find a mentor here.
PR Frederick
PR Frederick is a no charge press release service, provided collaboratively between the City of Frederick and Frederick County Office of Economic Development. The distribution service helps place newsworthy write-ups from our local business community in front of an audience of over 30,000 journalists and bloggers.
Spread your good news — (openings, new products/services, expansions, etc.) here.
Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc. (FITCI)
The local incubator provides flexible work space, start-up assistance, and community support to emerging science & technology-based businesses & other start-ups with high growth potential.
Learn about the incubator and accelerator programs here.
Frederick County Workforce Services
A partner in the American Job Center network, Frederick County Workforce Services links businesses in need of qualified employees with individuals seeking employment opportunities. Services available to businesses include: placement assistance, job listing opportunities, customized employee training, access to funding for training, outplacement services, use of onsite facilities, and on-the-job training programs for new hires.
Connect with Workforce Services here.
City of Frederick Business Incentives
The Department of Economic Development’s helpful guide-sheet gathers the basic information on City-sponsored incentive programs intended to encourage business investment —- as well as highlights special designated State/Federal incentive zones within the City.
Explore local business incentives here. Contact the Department of Economic Development with questions or assistance in application.
Start-Up Grind
The local chapter of a global networking organization, Start-Up Grind Frederick hosts monthly startup events to teach, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs.
Find the next event here.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Visit Frederick