Garrett County Business Development, a key division of the Garrett County Department of Community Development, has proudly released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025, illustrating significant projects, prospects, and community enhancements across Garrett County.
The report details the department’s role as a resource hub and catalyst for economic expansion in Garrett County. By providing extensive support to existing and prospective businesses through strategic initiatives, the department has stimulated job creation, promoted innovation, and enhanced the competitiveness of the local businesses.
Key highlights from the report include:
- Garrett Property Tax Incentive Program: 30 Businesses enrolled in a County Business Property Tax Incentive Program for new and expanding businesses.
- Garrett County Grant Awards: The County offers discretionary incentives to new and expanding businesses that in 2025, totaled $17,500.00. Also, the total Small Business Marketing Grant awarded was $81,581.26 and the total Agriculture Marketing Grant awarded was $13,289.77.
- Major Projects and Infrastructure Developments: Keysers Ridge Business Park saw the construction of a 100,000 sf spec building, construction of an access road to the middle of the park, and an Amazon distribution center is nearing completion and now hiring.
- Agriculture Impact: The new Nourishing Neighbors Project and Together We Eat programs served 1,871 households, 4,584 individuals and saw an economic impact of over $61,00. Approximately 15,300 lbs produce and over 500 lbs of deer meat were distributed.
Garrett Growers facilitated a $50,000 Healthy Soils Grant for equipment and a $100,000 MARBIDCO Enterprise Grant for coolers & productivity.
The report underscores the county’s appeal as a great place to do business because of the work/life balance, safe environment, room to grow, robust recreation economy and the regional proximity to both rural and urban markets.
"The staff here at Business Development is committed to our local businesses. We work hard to foster a vibrant business environment and provide comprehensive support to both existing enterprises and prospective entrepreneurs," said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development.
The complete Annual Report is available on the “About” page of https://business.garrettcountymd.gov and directly at https://bit.ly/4iXEhGe.
For more information, contact Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development at 301-334-1992 or kdurst@garrettcountymd.gov.
