The EmPOWER Mentorship Program is a key initiative of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED), with the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development serving as a Signature Sponsor. By investing both financial resources and staff support, the City helps ensure that aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs have access to the guidance, training, and connections they need to grow successful businesses.
EmPOWER Mentorship Program Graduates
The EmPOWER Mentorship Program recently concluded another successful six-week cohort, equipping aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with practical skills to grow and strengthen their businesses. The program is a collaborative effort led by local partners committed to supporting Frederick’s small business community, providing participants with hands-on guidance, mentorship, and tools they can immediately apply to their ventures.
Throughout the six-week program, participants attended workshops led by the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the program’s state partner, who delivered instruction on key business fundamentals such as planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and operations. These sessions were designed to give entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate common business challenges while building a strong foundation for long-term success.
Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development, City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and Janel Spencer, Business Development Specialist, Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Friday, January 30, 2026 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Friday, February 6, 2026 -
Planning for Your Business
Friday, February 13, 2026 -
Managing Your Business
Friday, February 20, 2026 - Marketing Your Business
Friday, February 27, 2026 -
Growing Your Business
Friday, March 6, 2026 -
Doing Business in Frederick County
The program concluded with a graduation celebration that featured presentations and support from community partners including the Golden Mile Alliance, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and Frederick County Division of Permits and Planning along with insights from the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity and the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development on business resources and tools available to local entrepreneurs. Building on the momentum of this cohort, Centro Hispano de Frederick will offer a similar iteration of the program beginning in May, continuing the mission of expanding access to entrepreneurship education and support across the community.
SBDC Instructor teaching class.
EmPOWER Mentorship participant with her products.
The City of Frederick supports programs like EmPOWER that strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. To learn more about the EmPOWER Program and other initiatives that help entrepreneurs grow and succeed, visit the Department of Economic Development’s website.