The ability to effectively tell your story is no longer optional. Strategic marketing is fundamental to business development, workforce recruitment, tourism, and long-term economic stability. Yet for many organizations in Western Maryland, the tools, training, and infrastructure needed to compete have remained out of reach, until now.Recognizing this gap, Frostburg State University launched the 3 State Community Media Center with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The investment was designed with a clear purpose: strengthen economic growth in Western Maryland by expanding access to the skills and infrastructure organizations need to compete.

Allegany County continues to invest in long-term economic growth by strengthening the systems that support entrepreneurs at every stage. Administered locally by Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD), in partnership with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), a new Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program is launching to expand entrepreneurial opportunities, align existing business support resources, and help retain talent in Western Maryland.

For the Allegany County Economic & Community Development (ACECD) team, 2025 was about strengthening community fundamentals—including housing, infrastructure, businesses, and destinations—while continuing to connect the dots between economic development, tourism, and residents.Jeffery Barclay, ACECD Director, says, “We’re building the foundation of Allegany County.” In 2025, that foundation looked a lot like patient, behind-the-scenes progress that makes big “wins” possible, even if they aren’t fully finished yet.

What began as a hobby in the kitchen has transformed into a multi-faceted business and a growing downtown presence for Cumberland native Micheal Harris. Harris is the owner of Pepper on a Plate, a gourmet hot sauce company that found its roots in handcrafted gifts for friends. After years of developing recipes and refining flavors, Harris officially launched the brand in Cumberland, Maryland, and later expanded into a full-service eatery known as Sabroso Tacos. “I was doing hot sauces—gourmet, small-batch hot sauces—and one day we had an outdoor special and I did tacos,” Harris noted. “Someone said, ‘What a good combination.’”

When the McCagh family opened 1812 Brewery—Allegany County’s first farm brewery—they did so with a commitment to craft quality beer while supporting the local community. In 2023, 1812 Brewery was already growing fast. Now, two years later, the McCagh family’s vision has become a reality. With support from state and local funding partners, 1812 Brewery has completed a purpose-built production facility, expanded its reach across Western Maryland, and added jobs to meet growing demand for its locally crafted beer.In June 2025, 1812 Brewery celebrated its eighth anniversary and the ribbon-cutting of a new 4,000-square-foot production space, which is now fully operational with state-of-the-art brewing systems. The facility marks a major milestone for the business, which had previously operated out of a historic 1812-era barn on the family’s farm just outside Cumberland.

With nearly 21% of Allegany County residents now age 65 and older, the need for services that support aging in place continues to grow. In response, Seniors Fix, a home healthcare provider based in Allegany County, helps local seniors maintain their independence while remaining in their homes.Drawing on years of experience as a general contractor and a home healthcare professional, Lisa Claus created Seniors Fix in 2023 to fill gaps in the senior healthcare system and help area seniors live independently. Seniors Fix provides seniors with nursing support and home modifications that enable independent living and offers a cost-effective alternative to assisted living and nursing home care. The company’s monthly home maintenance program, skilled nursing support, companion care, transportation, and ongoing medication management help aging adults maintain their quality of life and achieve their goals.

A new business incubator designed to support early-stage companies opened in Frostburg this month. The Acceleration Trail, developed by Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD), will provide startups with targeted resources to grow their businesses and contribute to the region’s innovation economy. Members of the public and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about The Acceleration Trail are invited to attend the Entrepreneurial Open House: Connect, Explore & Grow on Thursday, April 24 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Located on Main Street in the heart of Frostburg, The Acceleration Trail offers flexible office space, onsite business support services, and proximity to retail, dining, and recreational amenities. Entrepreneurs accepted into the incubator will have access to mentorship, training, and professional development resources provided in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Western Region.“We want to give young companies the best chances for success,” stated Adam Strott, ACECD’s Economic Development Specialist. “Offering dedicated incubation support and a growth plan for two to three years lays the foundation for companies to prosper.”Already home to top firms that are pioneering new technologies within the circular economy, Allegany County has become a hub for innovation, making the incubator a natural fit. In Frostburg, Clym Environmental Services, a leader in medical waste management, is completing construction on its state-of-the-art facility. In Cumberland, Geocycle offers an environmentally sound waste removal solution to local and regional manufacturing businesses. Partnerships with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory, the Allegany College of Maryland Makerspace, and Frostburg State University offer additional collaboration opportunities for resident companies. While creating a business incubator was a longtime aspiration for Allegany County, funding the project became a reality three years ago. Funding for the incubator was made possible by the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund, which was announced by former Governor Larry Hogan in 2022. Of the $50 million designated for the state’s five rural regional councils, Tri-County Council for Western Maryland received $10 million and allocated $100,000 to ACECD to establish the incubator in Allegany County.

Thanks to the entrepreneurial vision of small business owners like Abby Lindner, The Rosenbaum is revitalizing Downtown Cumberland in a powerful way. This Women’s History Month, Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) is spotlighting Madison Paige Boutique—a women-owned business contributing to that momentum. As the owner of Frostburg-based Madison Paige Boutique, Lindner was not initially seeking a new commercial space, but after stepping into The Rosenbaum building, she saw an opportunity to grow her business and reach new customers.“Once I set foot in the building,” Lindner recalls, “I knew this was where I was meant to be.”

Local pride meets holiday cheer in Allegany County's Shop Small, Win Big campaign! Now in its fifth year, this popular initiative has become a county-wide holiday tradition, inspiring residents to shop locally and rewarding them with exciting prizes—all while increasing foot traffic and visibility for Allegany County’s local businesses.Created by Allegany County Tourism in 2020, the Shop Small, Win Big campaign was initially intended as a creative pivot in response to COVID-19 limitations.Ashli Workman, Director of Allegany County Tourism, explains, “We couldn’t advertise to our traditional markets in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and elsewhere because of the travel restrictions,” Workman said. “We turned inward and focused on encouraging our community to support local businesses, which had also struggled during the pandemic. What started as a temporary initiative grew into an annual highlight for residents and businesses alike.”

Grant funding can be a linchpin for growth and innovation in the community. The Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) office is announcing three new funding programs that strategically address community needs to bolster businesses and fuel expansion. Adam Strott, ACECD’s Economic Development Specialist, highlights the importance of these grants, “The ACECD wants to see these opportunities utilized so businesses can realize their full potential, and to leverage all of the resources available in Allegany County.”