Top Economic Development News
As April showers bring May flowers, it brings with it fresh perspective and opportunities for growth. We’re excited to announce new business growth here in Frederick County. We welcome Ellume, an Australian-based company that develops diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases, who recently announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Frederick County. The facility, Ellume’s first in the United States, will produce tests for infectious diseases, including at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 to support ongoing U.S. pandemic preparation and response. They plan to open 4th quarter 2021 and expect to employ 1,500 by the end of 2022.
 
Frederick County farms are growing through new innovations. We congratulate 14 of our agriculture businesses who are expanding their businesses though our first ever agriculture innovation grants. Find out what farms are diversifying their products with the assistance of these grants totally over $300,000. 
 
Opportunities for our small business community to grow are available through class offerings by our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other partners. They can be found on our website and through links below. Be sure to continue to check discoverfrederickmd.com to stay on top of resources for you and your business. These resources also include two grant opportunities. Restaurant grants are open now and County funded Small Business grants applications will be available on June 17th.
 
And as we safely celebrated Mother’s Day, we’ve highlighted some of our mother and child businesses as well as other businesses in Frederick County through our blog posts.
 
The Office of Economic Development is proud to announce the Town of Middletown was selected to receive special recognition by the Maryland Economic Development Association’s (MEDA) recognition program. Recognized for transforming Middletown's Main Street, where multiple historic buildings have created excellent redevelopment projects to provide new business, tourism and housing opportunities in the Middletown community. 
 
May your business continue to grow.
Helen Propheter, Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
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Ellume to Open Diagnostics Manufacturing Facility in Frederick County
An international company is building its first U.S. facility right here in Frederick County, creating about 1,500 jobs by the end of 2022. Frederick County is a great place to do business!
A Celebration of Mother-Daughter and Mother-Son Local Businesses

Did you catch our business blog dedicated to Mom? In honor of Mother's Day, we introduced you to some mother-child business teams who are doing big things in Frederick County.
Middletown's Main Street Receives Special Recognition
Main Street Middletown is being recognized by the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) for their recent projects to transform their main street. Congratulations to our local municipality on their hard work and the well-deserved statewide recognition!
First-Ever Agriculture Innovation Grant Recipients Announced
Frederick County has awarded $306,000 in Agriculture Innovation Grants to 14 farming operations throughout the area.
Farmers Grow in Frederick County
Valley-Homemade and Homegrown

We love seeing how local businesses are using their Frederick County Ag Innovation Grants to make their dream projects a reality. Valley-Homemade and Homegrown added a pavilion, so they could offer flower arrangement classes in addition to their cut your own flower events.
County Looks to Develop Shared Kitchen, Processing Space for Local Farmers

Thanks to the Frederick News Post for highlighting the Agriculture Innovation Center we hope can one day be an asset to Frederick County Farmers.
Food and Beverage Provider Grants
Applications for Frederick County's Food and Beverage Provider Grants will be accepted between May 20 and May 26.
Pandemic Trends: What's Sticking Around
Hosted by Downtown Frederick Partnership, Cailey Locklair, President of the Maryland Retailers Association will present this virtual class for Frederick County Businesses May 27th.
A man about town: John Fieseler leaves 23-year legacy at Visit Frederick
We love this article on John Fieseler and his incredible contributions to Frederick County.
Frederick County Sustainability Commission Seeks Applications for Sustainability Awards
You can now nominate for the Sustainability Awards. This is a great chance to recognize the individuals and organizations in Frederick County that have made a contribution in helping the county advance sustainability efforts.
S.H.E. Pitch
There is still time to register for S.H.E. Pitch! It's a pitch competition for female CEOs (and aspiring CEOs) designed to give Frederick County businesses the opportunity to win cash, get publicity and network.
REALShare with
Chris Kline Jr.
In our REALShare blog series, we get to know members of the local commercial real estate industry. Our latest interview is with Chris Kline Jr. at Frederick Commercial Real Estate.
Want to stay updated with the latest from our EmPOWER Diversity & Inclusion Program? It's as easy as sending a text!
You won't want to miss today's (4:00 pm) virtual EmPOWER Networking Event. Sue Hough, Owner and Creative Director of Octavo Designs, will present "Branding for Small Businesses."