'Tis the Season to Support Local Business

November's Small Business Saturday was a smashing success! Nearly 30 local businesses participated in Economic Development's "Shop Local" small business campaign, many of which reported an increase in foot traffic and website visits from the "Shop Local" webpage. Thank you and congratulations to the following businesses that participated:

Shop Local All Year Long!

Shopping local isn’t limited to Small Business Saturday! Many local businesses still have great deals this holiday season and appreciate your support throughout the year.

Perhaps you still need to get your aunt a gift card from a local restaurant. Maybe you need to get your dad some beer from a local brewery. Whatever is left on your holiday shopping list, a local business can help you cross off those items.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to us at info@choosecalvert.com for some pointers on where to go!

If you are done with your holiday shopping, consider other ways you can support small local businesses:

1. Write a review.

When was the last time you wrote a kind review about one of your favorite businesses? Many of us rely on reviews to make decisions. Help your favorite small businesses by leaving a review on public sites like Yelp, Google and Facebook.

2. Tell your friends and family about the business.

You may be done Christmas shopping, but are your friends? Tell them where to go! Spread the good news about an awesome new restaurant you tried or a cute boutique that you love.

3. Follow the business on social media.

What better way to stay up to date and support different businesses than to follow them on social media? It's just a "like" away!

4. Engage with the business on social media.

Is your favorite winery asking what your holiday drink pairing is? Answer it! Engaging with local businesses expands their online audience and boosts algorithm data to reach more people. Your likes, comments and tags go a lot further than you think.

5. Share your interaction at the business with others.

Be a hometown influencer! Share pictures of your food, your newly purchased sweater or of a Calvert County tourism attraction. Don’t forget to mention where you got everything and where you are; be sure to tag the business’ name in the text or photo.

6. Use the business’ hashtag when sharing about them.

Using thier branded hashtag helps your social media followers experience more related content. It’s free advertising for them and they most definitely appreciate it.

7. Let a business know how much you love them.

You know that feeling when someone compliments your new earrings? Keep that energy going and send kind messages to the businesses you love.

8. Sign up for their email list.

Receive updates, deals and exclusive offers directly to your inbox. It’s a small ask that brings big results.

There are many ways to support local businesses. If you did any of the tips listed or would like more ideas, send us an email at info@choosecalvert.com. We’d love to hear about the support you gave this holiday season.

Experience Christmas on Main Street

Take a stroll down Main Street in Prince Frederick and visit your favorite businesses for some last-minute holiday shopping.

Don't forget to stop at the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse (175 Main St., Prince Frederick) and take a photo with the 20-foot Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn!

#ChristmasOnMainStreet #CalvertChristmas

Looking for a Fun Holiday Adventure?

Check out Economic Development's Winter Event Calendar. There are over 90 activities to participate in this December! From sightseeing Christmas lights to wreath making, Calvert has you covered this winter for fun-filled activities.

Gift Idea: Instead of a material gift, share your time and give a memory-making experience like going to a local activity, historical event or instructional class.

Small Business Assistance Grant Coming Soon

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development will launch a Calvert County Small Business Assistance Grant Fund that will provide financial assistance to help local small business owners grow and strengthen their existing businesses, starting Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

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
Or other costs associated with investing in the growth of the business

The grant application opens Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, and will remain open through Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Grant award announcements are scheduled for 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.

Do I Need a Permit?

The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning recently launched a “Do I Need a Permit?” webpage to help businesses and residents of what permits they may or may not need for a project. Besides permit information, find forms, fees, and other miscellaneous approvals that are required. Visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Permit to get started.

Calling All Major Employers!

Does your company employ over 100 people in Calvert County? If so, email us at info@choosecalvert.com to be included in our Major Employers List for 2023. Visit our website to learn more about the major employers in Calvert County.

Upcoming Events

PitchMasters Workshop

Dec. 21 at 11 a.m.

Virtual

Since PitchMasters was created, over 100 companies have presented their businesses to CEOs, advisors, business attorneys and investors to gain valuable feedback. At this workshop-style event, companies seeking to become “pitch-perfect” will present their investor decks to the group and receive feedback to help refine their pitch before they go in front of investors. Founders receive 6 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of feedback. This is a great opportunity for companies to get ready to make that “ask.”

PitchMasters is a free workshop, produced as a partnership between NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers, SEED SPOT, and Maryland Tech Council. These organizations recognize the vast, innovative talent throughout the East Coast.

PitchMasters workshops are held virtually over Zoom from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Check out our calendar to learn about the Economic Development, Agriculture and Tourism winter events happening near you.

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.

Calvert County Department of Economic Development | 410-535-4583 | info@choosecalvert.com eCalvert.com

Produced by the Department of Communications & Media Relations