Business Spotlight

Frederick's 2022 ‘Best Places to Work’ Honored

Frederick's 2022 ‘Best Places to Work’ Honored

The 2022 Annual Best Places to Work award winners were recognized at a reception at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center. Nearly 100 nominations were submitted, and 5 Frederick businesses proved that during challenging times, they adapted in ways that create a strong work environment for the companies and their employees.

Reimagining the Office: 4 Unique Coworking Models in Frederick

Reimagining the Office: 4 Unique Coworking Models in Frederick

Coworking is an arrangement in which workers of different companies share an office space, allowing cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures. Though fundamentally focused on addressing flexibility and affordability needs of each individual worker, cowork business models are widening their scope to tackle other challenges of the traditional workplace. Below we explore four unique shared workspace models that are reimagining the office right here in Frederick.

Shared Kitchens in Frederick

Shared Kitchens in Frederick

Shared kitchens are licensed commercial spaces that provide access to the infrastructure and equipment needed to produce food in compliance with regulatory requirements, without the risk & cost of ownership. The City of Frederick is home to three shared kitchen businesses -- which collectively host nearly 50 budding food entrepreneurs! Learn more about the industrious facilities here.

GROW in Frederick: A Look at the City's Small Business Microgrant Program

GROW in Frederick: A Look at the City's Small Business Microgrant Program

Last July, the City’s GROW Grant program guidelines were updated to provide opportunities to a wider range of businesses for the coming fiscal year. Since the program’s refresh, two businesses — ODIN Crossfit and Gravel & Grind — have been able to take advantage of the program, and a third project in process. Read more about these recent grant awards here.

Female Entrepreneurs Showcased in S.H.E. Pitch Competition

Female Entrepreneurs Showcased in S.H.E. Pitch Competition

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce recently wrapped up S.H.E. Week 2021 — a week-long program focused on empowering and developing women through education, networking, mentoring and partnerships. New this year, the line-up of events included a SHE Pitch competition designed for women-owned businesses in both the “idea” and “growth” stages, and complete with cash prizes. Hear from some of the competition’s finalists as they reflect on the rewarding experience.

An Alternative Path to Business Ownership: Franchise Opportunities

An Alternative Path to Business Ownership: Franchise Opportunities

The franchise business model offers aspiring entrepreneurs an alternative path to traditional ownership. By providing a tested, proven model upfront, a franchise can mitigate some of the risks of a start-up. While not a fit for everyone’s goals, the franchise concept offers an ideal solution for many prospective owners.

Below Frederick-based franchising consultants, franchisees, and franchisors share their experience and insight to the model.

This Year at the Keys -- What You Want to Know

This Year at the Keys -- What You Want to Know

Get ready to Shake Your Key’s – Frederick’s team is back! Opening Day is next week and The City is excited to see the baseball team return to play this season. Due to the restructuring decisions made by Major League Baseball last year, the 2021 Keys will play in a newly created MLB Draft League. Learn more about what to expect here.

Good News from Frederick's Arts and Entertainment Scene

Good News from Frederick's Arts and Entertainment Scene

Despite the challenging year, things are starting to look up in our local arts community. We caught up with some of these local businesses & organizations and asked them to ‘tell us something good’ — ranging from accomplishments despite COVID, to returning services & exciting new initiatives, to encouraging trends they are seeing in their industry.