Connecting Commerce and Community | August 2024

From the Director

I’m excited to share a few of the initiatives underway at the Department of Economic Development.

The Chesapeake Passenger Ferry Feasibility Study results were recently unveiled at the Maryland Association of Counties annual conference. The study, conducted by Cambridge Systematics, Inc., explores how a new passenger ferry service could stimulate economic growth, improve equitable access to the Bay, provide new water transportation options and enhance tourism throughout the region. Calvert County was one of five counties that commissioned the study. Read the executive summary or full report at www.ChesapeakeBayFerry.com.

August marks National Black Business Month, and we’re proud to celebrate the rich contributions of Black-owned businesses through our Black Business Month Campaign with a variety of videos and spotlights that showcase their economic impact and encourage our community to support and uplift these entrepreneurial leaders.

We continue our work on the beautification of Main Street in Prince Frederick. We are now featuring a rotation of flags to help create a sense of place and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the pride and resilience of our community.

I’d also like to personally invite you to be a part of our Calvert Love Local campaign, which spotlights Calvert’s movers, shakers and makers – our local business owners and residents who enjoy living and working in Calvert, and make it a great place to visit.

Together, these projects reflect our commitment to supporting local businesses and revitalizing our cherished community spaces. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work to make Calvert County an even better place to live and work.

Sincerely,

Julie Oberg, Director

Department of Economic Development

Calvert County, Maryland

Upcoming Events

Elevate Your Marketing with Canva - Creating Marketing Graphics Like a Pro

Sept. 12 | 1-2:30 p.m.

Online

Join us for an exciting webinar where our expert presenter will demonstrate how Canva can elevate your marketing graphics with stunning images, captivating fonts, animated elements, and cutting-edge effects. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, this class will help you take your skills to the next level.

How to Improve Revenue and Profit in Your Business

Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Online

This workshop will cover the five big challenges facing 90% of all small businesses, why profit is more important than sales and why cash is more important than profit. It will also cover four key steps to go from feeling overwhelmed or stressed about cash, to feeling confident by knowing the numbers driving effective decision making.

Experience Calvert Festival at the Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay

Sept. 14 | Noon to 5 p.m.

North Beach

Join the Chamber of Commerce and Cove Point LNG for this FREE family fun event in beautiful North Beach Maryland for an opportunity to increase your sales and generate interest in your business! A limited number of vendor spaces are available.

SCORE's 60th Anniversary Virtual Pitch Event

Sept. 17 | 4:30-7 p.m.

Online

Join as an observer for this virtual event, where small business finalists will pitch their products to a panel of expert judges and receive valuable insights and guidance. This is the perfect opportunity for those looking to improve their own presentation skills and gain inspiration from the pitches of others.

Visit our calendar to learn more about upcoming events.

News Flash

Project Restore 2.0 Grant

Economic Development was awarded $150,000 in Project Restore 2.0 Grant funds through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. These funds will be used toward the Main Street Prince Fredrick beautification initiative.

Says Economic Development Director Julie Oberg, “This funding represents an investment in our community and underscores the state's ongoing commitment to boosting economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life in Calvert County. We are optimistic about the impactful projects we can undertake with this award and look forward to the ways DHCD’s continued support will benefit our residents and businesses.”

Project Restore 2.0 aims to activate vacant street-level buildings, support small businesses, and boost local economic activity. Stay tuned to learn how the funds are used.

Calvert County Celebrates New Businesses

Calvert County proudly recognizes new and growing businesses within the region as a sign of economic vitality. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Economic Development extend congratulations to the businesses that have opened, expanded, or relocated in June and July 2024:

• Coast 2 Coast – Solomons

• College Hunks Hauling Junk – Prince Frederick

• Elise’s Market and Patisserie – North Beach

• Forthcare Psychiatry and Medical Services – Dunkirk

• Juice Buzz – Solomons

• MD Strength and Human Performance – Dunkirk

• Nicholson Endodontics – Prince Frederick

• Peri Peri Original – Dunkirk

• Power Plant Smoothie – Prince Frederick

• R&R Fabricators – Prince Frederick

• Thai 99 – Lusby

• Thaizapp Grocery – Dunkirk

• The Gym 24/7 – Prince Frederick

• What a Boba Shop – Lusby

To follow along year-round for new businesses, visit our New Business Webpage.

Halloween Drive-thru Seeking Businesses!

Calvert County Parks & Recreation is seeking sponsors for its annual Halloween Drive-Thru event. Last year's event hosted more than 500 vehicles and over 1,000 attendees. We invite local businesses and organizations to share in the fun by supporting this free community event! Learn more at www.calvertcountymd.gov/SpecialEvents.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email specialevents@calvertcountymd.gov.

Keeping Up with Economic Development

Black Business Month

According to the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, black business owners own 3.5 million businesses and employ more than 1.2 million people.

To celebrate and show appreciation to Calvert black-owned businesses, the Board of County Commissions and Economic Development presented a proclamation Tuesday, July 30.

Economic Development is spotlighting the following black-owned businesses by promoting videos on social media and our website:

5W Solutions
Beach Beauty Supply
Carrington Formal Wear
EdenRX Pharmacy
Elon Roshell Day Spa
Eminence Maintenance and Building Services
Imani Mone’t Enterprise
Lets Play Indoor Playground
Shield of Faith Security
Windy Willow Farm Services

Thank you to the following businesses who participated in our campaign! To view the videos, visit www.choosecalvert.com/bbm.

Ribbon Cutting

On Friday, June 7, Commissioner Vice President Catherine Grasso and Economic Development held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the recent relocation of High Voltage Dance Company!

Located at 2480 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick, High Voltage Dance Company offers recreational and competitive dance instruction, classes, camps and more for all ages.

Economic Development Commissions are Seeking Members

Economic Development oversees two appointed Commissions to encourage community economic involvement.

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) undertakes and supports economic development activities countywide and was created for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, developing, improving, operating, and managing economic properties in the county.

The Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) promotes, encourages and improves economic well-being, assists in the county’s 5-year strategic plan, feedback to the Board of County Commissioner on policies regarding economic development, ambassadors in recruitment & promotes prospects If you are interested in applying, please fill out an application.

Pictured: EDAC members held their July meeting at Mrs. Moo's Corner at Spider Hall Farm in Prince Frederick.

Resource Center

Project Opportunity: Free Entrepreneur Training for Veterans

Project Opportunity is an intensive, curriculum-based, 10-week cohort program that includes training on assessing your business idea, marketing analysis, financial management, business structure and more.

Through grants and community business support, this program is free to all veterans. The curriculum and material are facilitated by small business professionals and subject matter experts. The program concludes with a formal business pitch and graduation ceremony. Learn more on the Project Opportunity website.

What's Going Where Map

The What’s Going Where Map has been revamped! To help the community learn about what’s coming next, this user-friendly map explores new commercial projects coming to Calvert County.

410-535-4583 ChooseCalvert.com

Created by the Calvert County Department of Communications & Media Relations