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Small Business Saturday
Nov. 26, 2022 is Small Business Saturday, a nationally-celebrated holiday supporting small and local community businesses. As defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses have no more than 500 employees or $7.5 million in average annual receipts. This includes many Calvert County businesses we know and love.
Here are the top five reasons to shop and support small businesses:
It supports your local economy
When you shop small, your money goes straight into your village, helping it prosper. Did you know that if you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy? If you pay the same at a large company, only $43 stays in the local economy.
Source: Civics Economics Study in Grand Rapids, Michigan
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It creates local jobs
According to the SBA, small businesses are the largest employers nationally and create two out of every three new jobs. When you shop small, the employment levels are more likely to be stable, creating more opportunities for residents to work in the community.
It’s more personal
Your friends, family, neighbors and even strangers who haven’t become your friends yet own businesses. What better way to support them than to shop in their small business? Head to your sister’s boutique for a cute shirt. Follow up with your neighbor’s restaurant for happy hour. Treat yourself to a good workout class at your future friend’s gym. It is not only fulfilling to you, but to them as well.
You get great customer service
Your shopping experience is better when you get personal customer service. Did you know 89% of consumers are more likely to make another purchase after a positive customer service experience? Be sure to thank Calvert’s small businesses for their customer service efforts when you’re shopping small.
Source: Salesforce
It helps create the identity of your community
Calvert County is known for its small-town feel and charm. Have you ever asked someone in Calvert for directions and they explain it to you by using different shops or businesses as landmarks? That’s because Calvert has that small and charming identity to it. Keep it thriving by shopping locally!
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Shop Small Business Saturday in Calvert County
Follow along with our “Shop Small Business Saturday” campaign where we will share all the promotions our local businesses have.
To share what deals your business will have, please visit the link above and fill out the required form.
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Meet Our New Deputy Director
Please help us welcome our new deputy director, Sheebah Smith.
Smith comes to the Calvert County Department of Economic Development Department with over 15 years of experience establishing marketing foundations that have expanded organization, lead generation, and growth efforts. She has held multiple marketing business development positions for small to midsize businesses nationwide, most recently serving as the Marketing Director for eTrepid's managed security services global team. Smith is a motivated, mission-oriented professional with a wide array of specialties, including brand management, promotion, strategy development and forging strategic alliances.
Smith remains devoted to community enhancement and social improvement by sharing her expertise with organizations that enhance the economic stability of the Southern Maryland community. She is currently a member of the American Marketing Association and presides as the President of the Zonta Club of Charles County.
In addition, she is a member and past President of the Charles County Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and has held board positions for the Charles County Chamber of Commerce.
Smith holds a Master of Business Administration, a master’s in management specializing in marketing from the University of Maryland, University College, and a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Electronic Media/Film from Towson University.
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Department Retreat
The Calvert County Economic Development team joined together for a one-day retreat at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, dedicating time to reflect on the department's mission and goals, reflect on past initiatives, as well as create a path for progression.
With a healthy mix of new and seasoned members on board, the retreat allowed time for department staff to participate in team-building activities while engaging in a meeting of the minds to generate promotion and program expansion ideas.
The meeting included a strategic brainstorming session centered around business development and retention, agriculture and tourism. Staff also acquired new communication techniques and strategies during activities presented by small business owner Nikki Phillips of Professional Communication Training and gained insight into one of Calvert County's attractions, the Calvert Marine Museum.
DID YOU KNOW:
Dr. Stephen Godfrey, Calvert Marine Museum Curator of Paleontology, is a long-time Research Associate in the Department of Paleobiology at the National Museum of Natural History, The Smithsonian Institution. Through his sponsor, fossil marine mammal expert Dr. Nick Pyenson, he can access an extensive collection of both fossils and the skeletons of modern animals, furthering research projects on the amazing diversity of fossils (over 600 different species) that come from Calvert Cliffs.
Visit the Calvert Marine Museum to learn more.
As the team works to achieve goals over the next year, staff look forward to continued outreach opportunities by establishing local business visits to gain first-hand insight into their needs and developments.
Please reach out to the department at 410-535-4583 or info@choosecalvert.com if you need business assistance, or have suggestions on how the department can better serve Calvert County businesses and residents.
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Grants, Grants, Grants!
Economic Development Grant:
The Calvert County Department of Economic Development will launch a Calvert County Small Business Assistance Grant Fund to provide financial assistance that will help local small business owners grow and strengthen their existing businesses.
Competitive grants of up to $50,000 each will be available for existing for-profit small businesses that meet grant criteria. The grant may be used for expenses that increase the visibility and sustainability of the business, including but not limited to:
- Expanded or new inventory offerings
- Workforce training and development
- Capital improvement projects
- Hiring new employees
- Website development and improvements
- Business expansion costs
- Other costs associated with investing in the growth of the business.
The grant application will open from Jan. 4, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2023. Grant awards are expected to be announced in mid-February.
Business owners interested in receiving a grant are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and application requirements online at www.ChooseCalvert.com/Grant. For questions or assistance with applying, email grant@calvertcountymd.gov or call 410-535-1600, ext. 2881.
Maryland Grant:
Governor Hogan recently announced a new $15 million Jobs That Build Initiative to assist the construction industry. The program aims to eliminate real-world barriers to careers in infrastructure and help keep pace with the demand for capital projects generated by unprecedented federal and state investments. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 per worker to enhance recruitment efforts, facilitate smarter training, and support enduring employee retention.
Visit the Jobs That Build website to learn more.
Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Grant:
MEA is offering the CI&A 2023 Grant Program to Maryland commercial, industrial, nonprofits, farms and other agricultural entities for the implementation of energy efficiency improvement projects in their facilities.
New this year, data centers have now been incorporated into the CI&A program streamlining the programs and reflecting the common technologies.
To learn more, visit the CI&A 2023 Grant Program website.
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Commercial Property in Calvert County
Are you looking for commercial property in Calvert County?
Economic Development is excited to partner with LoopNet to help you search listings and find the best possible space for your business. LoopNet is the most comprehensive online resource available for commercial real estate, generating more than 5 million average monthly visitors.
Explore the site and contact us at info@choosecalvert.com to help you understand your options and select the best property to suit your specific requirements.
Visit our website to learn more.
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Retirement Information
Maryland launched the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program. MarylandSaves requires Maryland employers (and employers elsewhere with Maryland employees) to sign up for the program and offer its eligible employees the opportunity to establish MarylandSaves retirement accounts and fund them via payroll deductions.
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Upcoming Events:
Scaling from $1 to $1 Million, The 4-Hour Crash Course!
Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.
The College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus
Called "Scaling from $1 to $1 Million, The 4-Hour Crash Course!", this event will focus on:
- How to Use Cash Flow for Planning Sales Goals, Hiring and Operational Expenses
- How to Build a Sustainable Organization and Choose the Right Customer
- How to Prepare to Access Capital to Support Business Growth
The session will end with a brief Q&A with Facilitator Will Holmes of WHC - Will Holmes Consulting.
E Maryland Marketplace Training
Please see various eMMA training resources, including upcoming virtual instructor-led training sessions, the latest edition of the eMMA Vendor User Guide, access to the MDPA’s Vendor Web Channel, links to the eMMA Video Help Desk, Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) and more.
Check out our calendar to see what winter events Economic Development, Agriculture and Tourism have happening near you.
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Stay connected with us! Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the most recent news, events and announcements from the Department of Economic Development. | |
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Calvert County Department of Economic Development | 410-535-4583 | info@choosecalvert.com | eCalvert.com
Produced by the Department of Communications & Media Relations
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