Frederick receives state FY 26 Revitalization & Economic Development Grants

Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently announced $69.5 Million in FY 26 awards for statewide Community Revitalization and Economic Development, and several Frederick projects and initiatives will be the beneficiary of these grant awards.

These revitalization programs administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provide local government and community development organizations tools to support revitalization initiatives.

Awards offered through these programs will bolster a wide range of revitalization and redevelopment efforts, such as expanding and retaining local businesses, enhancing façades and streetscapes, encouraging homeownership and home rehabilitation, strengthening commercial improvement initiatives, upgrading community facilities, advancing mixed‑use development, and supporting necessary demolition work.

The City of Frederick’s Economic Development team provides comprehensive support for these state-funded grant initiatives, including grant writing and required documentation, organizational coordination, compliance management, and ongoing reporting to ensure successful execution and stewardship of public resources.

Community Legacy awarded more than $8 million to 38 projects in designated Sustainable Communities throughout Maryland. FY 26 Frederick projects include:

• City of Frederick Historic Building Improvement Program: Mission Interior and Fire Suppression. Continuation of the City of Frederick's Fire Suppression Incentive Program and Mission Interior Program. Grant Award: $100,000.00

• City of Frederick National Museum of Civil War Medicine: Building Improvements. Support critical capital improvements to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine that include both exterior restoration, facade renovation, and interior system upgrades. Grant Award: $150,000.00

• Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, Inc.. West All Saints Condominium Work Force Home Ownership Construction. Rehabilitating three abandoned properties with new construction of four structures to create a 12-unit condominium to be sold to Habitat qualified homeowners. Grant Award: $150,000.00

The Maryland Façade Improvement Program awarded $5 million to 47 communities. Funds will be used to enhance the character and attractiveness of local business districts by improving the exterior façades of buildings and facilities. In Frederick, this includes:

City of Frederick Facade Grants available via:

Downtown Frederick Partnership

East Frederick Rising

Golden Mile Alliance

• City of Frederick Façade Improvement Program. Continue to operate three commercial façade improvement programs across The City of Frederick's Historic Downtown, East Frederick, and "Golden Mile" commercial corridor. Grant Award: $200,000.00

The Strategic Demolition Fund supports activities that accelerates economic development in existing Maryland communities, awarded $10 million to 25 projects. Frederick projects include:

DHCD Secretary Jake Day, Braeden Bumpers, Owner of McClintock Distilling, Mayor O’Connor

• City of Frederick Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center. Support ongoing predevelopment and architectural and engineering designs for the development of the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center. Grant Award: $500,000.00

• Frederick Food Hall. Rehabilitation of historic building to host a small-scale food hall in downtown Frederick. Grant Award: $200,000.00

Demolition of Bierly Building as part of the site preparation for the future Downtown Hotel and Conference Center.

For a full list of Fiscal Year 2026 awards, visit FY26 State Revitalization Program Awards.

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For more information about programs and resources at the city, county and state, contact our Economic Development team at 301.600.6360 or schedule a meeting here.

Strengthening Small Businesses: Final Outcomes of the ACCESS GRANTED Program

Building on the findings outlined in the ACCESS GRANTED Interim Report, this final report captures the full scope and impact of the City of Frederick’s $400,000 investment in 55 small businesses citywide. Since the release of the interim update, the City has completed final reporting and gathered direct feedback from grant recipients, revealing measurable outcomes ranging from reduced operating costs and facility improvements to business expansions and new market launches. Collectively, these results highlight the program’s role in strengthening local enterprises, particularly women- and minority-owned businesses, while highlighting the diverse ways ACCESS GRANTED supported long-term business sustainability.

“The grant funding has been instrumental in closing our operational gaps, allowing us to compete at a higher level while maintaining the personal attention our clients expect.”

— A&S Construction

Serious About Science

The impact of this grant on my business has been substantial: The help towards funding a computer for video editing allowed me to complete my video curriculum, selling 5 kits this year. Last year I only sold 1 kit. With upcoming conferences this year, I will sell more kits to statewide students across 9 states. The computer also allowed me to serve 78 students with virtual journal clubs. Going forward, this equipment will be used among the local community, increasing my visibility in the area, and increase sales coming in 2026.

Head Rush Studio

The ACCESS GRANTED award had a significant impact on our organization. The funded plumbing installation made it possible for us to open and operate in our new salon location. Because of this, Head Rush Studio has been able to expand services, increase client capacity, and create new employment opportunities. The award directly supported our growth and stability over the past year.

Swirls of Frederick

The current impact of the grant award for Swirls is our growing customer base. We have the 5 Stars rewards program on our POS system whereby customers sign up as rewards members. Most of our local customers have signed up this year which allows us to communicate promotions and events as well as to obtain data to gauge our customer growth. Over 2025, we have obtained 2518 rewards member customers. Many of these customers learned about our business through our four grant sponsored events and Valpac direct mailings. This grant has helped us go from an unknown dessert shop to a brand with a local emotional connection.

“The grant award has been instrumental in helping our business grow over the past few months. We were able to invest in medical equipment that was not only needed at the clinic but also brought in more patients. We couldn’t be more thankful to Frederick for making this grant available to small businesses in the area. ”

— Advanced Functional Health and Wellness, LLC

Asian Supermarket

The grant has had a significant impact on the overall performance of Asian Supermarket. The upgrades have led to a 15% increase in monthly revenue, driven by enhanced inventory management, faster checkout times, and the introduction of online sales. The new inventory management system has decreased stockouts by 20% and reduced overstocking by 10% directly improving product availability and cash flow management. These upgrades have strengthened our financial performance and improved customer satisfaction, helping to solidify our role as a key resource for the Frederick community. We are committed to building on this momentum and expanding our services to support long-term success.

Market St Investments LLC

It has made a drastic impact in our utility bills during the summer months (June, July & August), and the winter months (November, December, January & February) have shown the most benefit. Repairs to the HVAC system, re-sealing walls, ceilings and doors has enhanced the comfort to our guest in extreme weather conditions. Replacing the damaged areas on the roof has afforded us the opportunity to do cosmetic improvements to the interior of the property. These improvements have restored pride of ownership as a property owner in the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District.

Squadstyle

The ACCESS GRANTED grant has had a transformative impact on Squadstyle, enabling us to significantly enhance both the functionality and appeal of our space. In addition to improving member experiences, these upgrades are also generating new revenue streams. With the expanded Wellness Patio, we’re now able to rent out this space for events and wellness retreats, which is diversifying our income sources and contributing to the financial growth of our business.

“The grant has had a significant positive impact on Glam by Shaddy business. With the upgraded equipment, the business has been able to serve 40% more clients, leading to a 25% increase in monthly revenue. The marketing efforts helped Glam by Shaddy gain over 1,000 new followers on social media platforms and secure 20 new repeat clients within a few months.”

— Glam by Shaddy

Across the program, similar outcomes were reflected in final reports from recipients who used funds for equipment purchases, facility upgrades, inventory expansion, and technology improvements. Together these examples demonstrate how ACCESS GRANTED’s flexible funding model allowed businesses to address their most critical needs — whether reducing overhead, expanding capacity, or preparing for their next phase of growth — while reinforcing the City of Frederick’s commitment to supporting small businesses through targeted, accountable investment.

View the full list of awardees here.

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To learn about more DED resources, programs and incentives, visit our website www.businessinfrederick.com.

Making Waves: The Road to Entrepreneurship with Serenity Swimming

Launching a business is a lot like learning to swim—you start by dipping your toes in the water, then you practice, tread through challenges, and finally make a splash when you reach your goals. For Serenity Swimming, the dream of providing private swim lessons in Frederick has been years in the making. This summer, the company dove into a new chapter with the opening of its state-of-the-art swim facility—a place where anyone can safely float, splash, and grow in confidence. We recently had a chance to catch up with owner Jenni Hoover to gather insight about Serenity Swimming’s path to entrepreneurship:

From Idea to First Splash: A Timeline of Milestones

Every stroke in the journey mattered. Here’s how Serenity Swimming navigated the waters of entrepreneurship:

• Fall 2022 – First idea of an indoor swim school in Frederick, focused on private lessons.

• Spring 2023 – Developed a business plan, conducted research, and entered She Pitch.

• August 2023 – Presented the idea at She Pitch and won the Idea Stage. A huge splash in the community!

• Fall 2023 – The journey felt like treading water—loan approvals came and went, creating waves of uncertainty. Support from the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development kept the vision afloat.

• December 2023 – Secured an SBA loan through M&T Bank and PW, just in time for the holiday season.

• February 2024 – Lease signed — represented by commercial broker, VCRE

• March 2024 – Architect drawings completed; SBA loan signed.

• April 2024 – Lease executed, though unexpected construction costs rippled through the budget.

• November 2024 – Awarded the Frederick ACCESS GRANTED; construction permit approved.

• January–March 2025 – Construction began, including moving sewer lines and digging the pool.

• June 6, 2025 – Certificate of Occupancy received at 6:35 a.m.; first swim lesson at 10 a.m.—the first big splash in their new home.

Resources That Kept the Vision Afloat

Navigating the financial currents of entrepreneurship takes creativity. Serenity Swimming tapped into multiple streams of support:

• Frederick ACCESS Granted (a one time grant program utilizing ARPA funding)

• The City of Frederick’s GROW Grant

• Maryland BOOST Grant

• SBA 7(a) Loan from M&T Bank

• Latino Economic Development Council Loan

• EmPOWER Loan (Frederick County Office of Economic Development)

• Kickstarter campaign

Together, these resources created a current that carried the dream forward.

Overcoming the Undertow

Like swimming across open water, Serenity faced strong currents along the way.

1. Financial waves – Detailed planning, grant applications, and trusted banking partners kept the dream afloat.

2. Finding the right pool (location) – A space that worked for both construction and families was essential, and a skilled local commercial Realtor from VCRE helped chart the course.

3. Uncertain opening dates – Like waiting to surface for air, the unknown timeline made staffing and scheduling difficult. Flexibility and determination kept things moving forward.

Lessons for First-Time Entrepreneurs

For those just diving in, Serenity Swimming offers this advice:

• Expect to make waves of decisions—everything from faucets to flooring.

• Rely on your lifeguards (family, friends, mentors)—you can’t swim this race alone.

• Trust your team to keep things afloat—you hired them for a reason.

• Remember: the effort is worth it. Building your own facility means the freedom to design programs that flow with your values.

The Next Lap for Serenity Swimming

Now that Serenity Swimming has officially made a splash, new programs are already rippling outward. Families can enjoy:

• Private swim lessons

• Baby and Me classes (expanding due to high demand)

• Pre-swim team training

• Themed summer camps (like Water Sports Week)

• Coming soon: Parent’s Night Out, water exercise classes, homeschool swim programming, and school-out day programs

Learn more or sign up at SerenitySwimming.com.

💦 Serenity Swimming’s story is proof that with resilience, community support, and the courage to tread water through tough times, entrepreneurs can make big waves. For assistance with kickstarting your business idea, reach out to our economic development team at the City of Frederick today! 301.600.6360 / businessinfrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov.

Interim Report: ACCESS GRANTED Small Business Impact -

Last year, the City of Frederick awarded $400,000 in competitive grants to 55 small businesses through its ACCESS GRANTED program. Recipients represented a broad mix of industries and neighborhoods across the city—including health and wellness providers, personal care services, retail shops, food and beverage ventures, tech startups, fitness studios, and creative enterprises.

As part of the grant process, awardees were required to submit interim reports detailing the impact of the ACCESS GRANTED funding on their businesses, with final reports due by December 31, 2025.

Here’s a look at some of their inspiring stories so far.

The diversity of the selected businesses—from industries to ownership backgrounds—not only reflects the vibrancy of Frederick’s entrepreneurial ecosystem but also aligns with the ACCESS GRANTED program’s mission to support inclusive economic growth. This strong demand and broad representation underscore the ongoing need for targeted support for small businesses.

ACCESS GRANTED was launched with a clear mission: to empower small, for-profit businesses with 25 or fewer employees—located within the City of Frederick. While this interim report highlights early outcomes and success stories, the city remains committed to evaluating the program's long-term impact and identifying additional ways to support small business growth and resilience.

We can’t wait for the final report from the remainder of the businesses!

Grant awardee impact - 88Visual: This Emmy-award winning video agency used the grant to upgrade to high-end video equipment, further solidifying its status as a leading creative media business in Frederick. With this investment, 88 Visual continues to produce high-quality content as it grows its reputation and client base across the region.

Unlocking Opportunity. Empowering Businesses.

If you'd like to learn more about economic development opportunities in Frederick, schedule a meeting with our DED team today at www.businessinfrederick.com.

To learn more about grant programs and other resources, visit the Department of Economic Development at www.businessinfrederick.com.

2024 Business Grand Openings, Expansions and Anniversaries

2024 was VERY busy in terms of the number of new businesses that opened here in the City of Frederick, expanded their existing businesses, or celebrated a milestone anniversary. Let’s take a look at that impressive list!

Business Grand Openings

Akwaaba International Market – 177-B Thomas Johnson Drive, 21702
Andrea’s House - 1380 Fox Run Court, 21703
Aspen Dental – Frederick - 1003 West Patrick Street, 21702
Ayoka African Cuisine - 1100 W Patrick St, Ste M , 21703
Bentztown - 6 S Bentz St, 21701
Beyond Shelter Frederick - 27 DeGrange Street, 21701
Blink EV stations - various locations throughout the City of Frederick
Blue Ridge Bicycles of Frederick - 1170 W Patrick St., 21703
C&A Financial Services - 1209 N. East Street, Suite A101, 21701
The Center for Power and Resilience — 1 West Chruch Street, 21701
Dahlia Noir - 820 Motter Ave, Unit 4, 21701
Doris Bannegas Insurance -1446 West Patrick Street, Suite 18, 21702
Dorman Home Remodeling (remodel) - 8415 Progress Drive, Ste. D, 21701
Dream Free Art - 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 111, 21701
Ecoplantia - 1781A N. Market Street, 21701
Everything Frederick & More - 401 N. Market Street, 21701
Expressions at Idiom Brewery - 340 East Patrick Street, 21701
Flying Cows - 601 Blazer Trail, 21701
Frederick Community College Bakery Pastry Lab – 7932 Opossumtown Pike, 21702
Frederick County Association of Realtors (relocation) - 490 Monocacy Blvd, 21701
FITCI Edge - 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125, 21703
Gladstone Psychiatry & Wellness - 50 Carroll Creek Way, Suite 320, 21701
Glam By Shaddy - 45 Waverly Drive, Suite P, 21702
Gogi Go Korean BBQ -1003 West Patrick Street, 21702
GTM Architects - 8 E 2nd St, Ste 200, 21701
Healing Storm Holistic Wellness - 801 Toll House Avenue, 21701
Helping Hands Caring Hearts - 22 S. Market Street, Suites 210 & 212, 21701
High Gear (relocation) - 340 E. Patrick Street, Unit 201, 21701
Hinzi’s Kitchen - 503 N. East Street, 21701
Jerk It Smoke It - 2060 Yellow Springs Road, Suite 104, 21702
Jo Na’s Outdoor Furniture - 217 West Patrick Street, 21701
Justice Jobs (Relocation) - 22 S. Market Street, 21701
Ladies & Gents Downtown Hair Company (re-opening) - 23 E. Patrick Street, 21701
L’Arche Frederick - PO Box 1636, 21702
Leading Edge Academy of Dance - 1306 West Patrick Street, 21703
Le’Bijoux Day Spa - 205 Broadway Street, Suite 110, 21701
Level Up VR - 922 N. East Street, 21701
Lightbridge Academy - 313 Ballenger Center Drive, 21703
The Lodge at Homewood - 7407 Willow Rd, 21702
Maryland Double Deckers - 21701
Maryland Medical Clinic -1003 W. 7th St. Ste. 301, 21701
McBee Moore and Vanik (New location) - 10 S. Market St., 2nd Floor, 21701
Metrie - 9051 Gas House Pike, Suite B, 21701
Mustard Seed Health Care (relocation); Mustard Seed Boutique (new); Hail Mary Full of Grace Charity - 5 Hillcrest Drive, Suite B100, 21703
Norberg Wealth Management - 420 West Patrick Street, 21701
Offices at Bentz - 605 N. Bentz Street, 21701
The Ordinary Hen - 228 N Market Street, Suite 200, 21701
Perennial Clay & Garden - 5 W 2nd Street, 21701
Pho 52 - 701 Motter Ave, 21701
Playa Bowls -7820 Wormans Mill Road, 21701
Promo Circus -1124 Futurity Street, 21702
Pronav Clinical - 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125, 21703
RAK Brewing - 400 Sagner Ave, Suite 100, 21701
Riverwalk Disc Course - 821 Schifferstadt Boulevard, 21701
Roggenart - 1305 West 7th, Street, 21702
Roy Rogers  (Golden Mile) Remodel - 1240 W. Patrick Street, 21703
The Simple Theory - 37 N Market Street Suite 200, 21701
The Simplicity Secret – Frederick, 21703
Safe Ride Foundation - 122 East Patrick Street, 21701
Shepherd’s Staff In Home Care (re-opening) - 205 Broadway St #210, 21701
Soul Aura Crystals & Herbs - 405 N Market St, 21701
Square Corner a Design Collaborative - 2 N. Market St, Suite 300, 21701
The Station Market and Café  - 629 N. Bentz Street, 21701
Sunrise Senior Living (remodel) 990 Waterford Drive, 21702
Swirls of Frederick - 1305 West 7th Street, Suite 10, 21702
Terra Moda - 218 N. Market Street, 21701
The Toned Studios - 14 N. East St., 21701
Tropix Pots & Cuisine - 490 Prospect Boulevard, 21701
Trauma Specialists of Maryland - 5216 Chairmans Court, Unit 102, 21703
Victory Mortgage Solutions - 11 West Patrick Street, Suite 1, 21701
Visitation Hotel Frederick - 211 East Church Street, 21701
Visionary Solutions - 122 East Patrick Street, 21701
WLR Insurance - 1317 Orchard Way, 21703
Wye Oak Tavern - 211 East Church Street, 21701

Major Business Expansions

BioFactura - 8435 Progress Dr., Ste. Z, 21701
Precision For Medicine - 8425 Precision Way, Suite M, 21701
Showtime Sound - 8421 Broadband Drive, Suite D, 21701
Engage USA - 880 N East St Suite 205, 21701
Stulz USA - 1572 Tilco Drive, 21704
Black Hog - 118 South Market St, 21701
Frederick Book Arts  - 127 South Carroll Street, 21701
On Our Own - 331 West Patrick Street, 21701
Rice Tire - 1524 Tilco Drive, 21704
International Market - 1450 West Patrick Street, Suite 8, 21702
FoodPro -321 E. 5th Street, 21701

Business Anniversaries

Art Collective Frederick – 5 years, 41 A N. Market Street, 21701
ATI Physical Therapy – 5 years, 7820 Wormans Mill Rd, Suite C, 21701
A L’il Irish Too  - 5 years, 29 East Patrick Street, 21701
Colorful Canvas 10 years, 308 Delaware Rd, 21701
Pistarro’s – 10 years - 221 N. East Street, 21701
SHIP – 10 years - 203 Broadway Street Suite 310, 21701
Ec’ cletibles – 20 years - 13 East Patrick Street, 21701
FITCI – 20 years - 321 Ballenger Street, Suite 125, 21703
MK Battles Photography – 20 years - 50 Citizens Way, Suite 202-6, 21701
Goddard School – Frederick – 25 years - 2080 Yellow Springs Road, 21702
Woodsboro Bank – Downtown Frederick – 25 years, 8 East 2nd Street, 21701
Woodsboro Bank – Rt. 40 – 25 years - 1420 West Patrick Street, 21703
Bill Hall Family Dentistry – 30 years - 1090 West Patrick Street, Suite B, 21703
Computer Enhancement Systems – 30 years - 1530 Tilco Drive, Unit C, 21704
Structures Salon – 30 years - 38 South Market Street, Suite 5, 21701
Way Off Broadway – 30 year, 5 Willowdale Drive, 21702
Classic Beauty Supply – 35 years, 1090 West Patrick Street, 21703
J L Green & Associates – 35 years - 41 South Market Street, 21701
Antietam World Travel Service – 40 years - 2190 Old Farm Road, 21702
Frederick Children’s Chorus – 40 years - 7040 Bowers Road, 21702
Thomas Scott Salon – 40 years - 1305 West 7th Street, 21702
Trail House- 40 years - 17 South Market Street, 21701
Laboratory Inventory Systems – 45 years - 900 E. Patrick Street, 21701
New ERA Custom Design – 45 years - 270 Interstate Circle, Suite 100, 21704
Les Salon – 55 years - 4 Locust Street, 21703
Rescue Mission – 60 years - 419 W. South Street, 21701
Frederick County Building Industry Association – 65 years - 203 West Patrick Street, 21701
Lough Memorials – 150 years - 500 S. Market Street, 21701

Planning a grand opening for your new business? Celebrating a milestone anniversary? Contact the Department of Economic Development to be featured on our social media and online newsletter! Call 301.600.6360 or email BusinessinFrederick@cityoffrederickmd.gov !

Groundbreaking Held in Downtown Frederick for Future Downtown Hotel and Conference Center

Governor Wes Moore recently joined City officials and staff to celebrate a significant milestone, the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center project!
This transformative development will bring new opportunities for tourism, business, and economic growth, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of our City. The new full-service hotel will be an anchor on world-class Carroll Creek Park in the heart of Downtown.

Project Scope:
• 208 Room -Marriott Branded Full-Service/Upper Upscale Hotel
• 21,210 SF Conference Center (ballrooms, pre-function, and breakout space)
• 253 On Site Parking Spaces (227 Garage/26 Surface)
• 4 Food & Beverage Outlets (rooftop, terrace, coffee, grab-n-go)
• 2,678 SF Retail Space
• Renovated historic Trolley Building and adjacent Eagles Building

December 19th groundbreaking of Frederick Downtown Hotel & Conference Center including demolition of former Frederick News Post press room.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 with completion date anticipated of 2027.