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.