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.”

Due to high loan interest rates, the Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) has launched the Business Expansion Deferred Loan Program to provide local businesses with essential growth capital on more favorable terms, driving business success and investment into the county.The first of its kind in Allegany County, the Business Expansion Deferred Loan Program offers loans ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 with interest rates around 3%—roughly half the rate offered by conventional lenders, making growth more attainable for local enterprises. Businesses that meet their annual goals can have up to 50% of their loan forgiven and have a six-month payment deferral, which further accelerates growth. On September 5, 2024, during the Allegany County Board of Commissioners Public Meeting, three businesses were approved as the first recipients of the loan program—Locust Post Brewery, Queen City Scoop Shop, and Chew On This - Jerky.Nathan Price, Senior Project Manager for ACECD, notes, “We chose these first three recipients because of their tremendous potential for success,” said Price. “Each recipient has become a community staple in Allegany County, and this loan program will help them take the next step in enhancing their offerings while driving investment into the county and recognition for artistry in the region.”Read more about the program’s first three recipients below. 

For over thirty years, Allegany County's farmers markets have been a hallmark of summer for the community. From May to October, regional markets in Cumberland and Frostburg offer residents and visitors access to nutritious, locally grown produce, and artisan products while creating a meaningful space for community connection, education, and health.“Just as shopping at local businesses is crucial for our economy, supporting our local farmers and makers is equally important,” emphasizes Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission. “When we invest in our community’s farmers and artisans, we not only keep our money local, but we also foster a sense of pride and connection in Allegany, our natural resources, and the health of our residents.”

107 Polk Street, an architectural landmark in Downtown Cumberland, is stepping into a new era. Using the Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) Invest Allegany grant, the former Junior Masonic Lodge has undergone a transformative refurbishment, creating five modern, market-rate apartments. This construction is part of a strategic effort to revitalize vacant and underused properties in Allegany County. Hunter Abell is a third-generation contractor and President of his family’s construction business, Jack Abell, Inc. The firm has a long history in Cumberland, Maryland, where it was established in 1978. Originally purchased as a personal property, Abell bought the building in 2005 and saved funds to renovate it to its former glory.

Ristorante Ottaviani believes that family and community are the same. As it approaches its 17th year in business, the classic Italian restaurant continues to serve authentic recipes, employ family members across the generations, and welcome all visitors to Cumberland as if they are a part of the Ottaviani family. “Family is at the center of everything we do,” shares founder Adrienne Ottaviani. “Whether that is with our staff or those who come in to eat—everyone becomes family with us.” Now under her son Tony’s ownership, the restaurant has branched into new ventures with the Ottaviani’s Tasting Room and Lounge, next door to the original restaurant. 

Cumberland is emerging as a thriving artistic community in Western Maryland. Thomas and Rebecca Ferleman, owners of the Ferleman Art Gallery located on Centre Street, are spearheading an initiative to cement Cumberland's reputation as a vibrant creative hub. Their plans include relocating to a larger venue, which will double as a communal center and an incubator for artists, aficionados, and collectors alike.“We looked all over the East Coast for somewhere to put the gallery and fell in love with Cumberland’s vibrant arts community,” said Thomas. “There are nationally recognized artists located right in Allegany County. They’ve created a creative home for many, including Western Maryland’s significant collector community."

In its seventh year, the Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-Tech) program has empowered high school students to attain cybersecurity degrees alongside real-life work experience. With eleven alumni and another twelve students set to graduate this May, the program is forging a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity workers in Allegany County. This initiative aims to bolster Western Maryland as an up-and-coming technology-centered region.Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) and the Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence (IT Center) established the program in 2017. It is one of the seven P-Tech programs currently established in Maryland.