Top Economic Development News
Things are hot at FCOED, and we are continuing the momentum! Our leadership team has strategically transitioned into new roles that align with the Growth Opportunity Strategy, and our staff are embracing new positions on boards and committees. This is an amazing team, and we have the right people to get the job done!

Nominations have opened for our annual Top 50 publication. We will be highlighting the 50 most innovative businesses in Frederick County. These businesses are making the biggest impact on their industries, workplace, and community — thriving in today’s ever-changing environment. Applications are now open for the 2022 EmPOWER Mentorship Program. We want to encourage underrepresented businesses that are in the growth stage to apply.

We are also preparing for Business Appreciation Week where our team and team of ambassadors will visit over 100 businesses. There is no place like Frederick County, and we will be recognizing the brain, heart and courage in our business community.

Be sure to check out our events page to stay up to date on all upcoming networking events such as the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee & Contacts, MWBC’s Coffee & Connects and our EmPOWER networking event.
Top 50 Innovative Businesses Nominations Open!
Has your business:
  • Developed new and innovative products (digital or physical)
  • Adopted tech solutions to improve business
  • Implemented new methods of production
  • Expanded into new markets
  • Pivoted to meet needs of customers/clients
  • Developed creative solutions to solve problems
  • Introduced new ideas within your business

EmPOWER Mentorship Program Now Accepting Applications
Underrepresented businesses in the growth stage will take an 8-week journey that covers topics ranging from access to capital, small business operations, marketing & social media, building your network, strategic planning, commercial real estate, legal matters & taxes, and human resources/workforce development.
Best Places to Work
A huge congratulations to the winners from last night's Frederick County Best Places to Work Awards!
  • Small Employer: New North
  • Small-Medium Employer: Jay Day and the Day Home Team
  • Medium-Large Employer: Frederick Air
  • Large Employer: A2LA
  • Major Employer: Legal & General America
Frederick County Craft Beverage Festival
The Libertytown event will feature live music and activities, and of course, plenty of locally-made beverages from breweries, wineries and distilleries in Frederick County!
Frederick Restaurant Week
Happening August 8-14, this year's Frederick Restaurant Week features unique and fine dining options available in Downtown Frederick and the surrounding area.

Food Business Entrepreneurship
If you have a food-based businesses, don't miss out on this awesome (FREE) opportunity! Program topics include financial management, front & back of house operations, marketing & sales, regulatory requirements, kitchen skills, and more.
Maryland Child Care Stabilization Grants
Provides Additional $50 Million in State Funding for Eligible Child Care Providers
Quantum Loophole Breaks Ground on Massive QLoop Fiber Network
Quanturm Loophole broke ground on the company’s massive QLoop network, a 43-mile hyperscale fiber ring connecting the company’s 2,100+ acre Quantum Frederick data center development site in Maryland to the Ashburn, Virginia ecosystem.
FCOED & DED Partner to Support Underrepresented Businesses
The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is this year’s EmPOWER Program Signature Sponsor.
Young Entrepreneurial Spirit Front and Center
If you're looking for inspiration and they bywords of the young entrepreneurial spirit, look no further.
S.H.E. Week 2022
This inspiring week includes a diverse range of in-person activities from expert speakers and hands-on workshops, to the S.H.E. Pitch competition, SHERO Awards and more!
Stuff the Bus
The Stuff the Bus campaign from United Way of Frederick County, Maryland is an incredible effort that helps thousands of Frederick County students receive the supplies they need for a successful school year.

For more information and to find school supply pickup locations, visit https://www.unitedwayfrederick.org/stuffthebus.
Top 50 Under 40 Featured Profiles