Western Maryland is taking the next step in building a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region.
Following an initial regional convening in February, organizers have been listening closely to local business owners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and the organizations that support them to better understand what it truly takes to start and grow a business in Western Maryland.
Now, those conversations are moving into communities across the region through the Western Maryland Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Regional Roadshow, featuring three county sessions in November.
“Building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem starts with listening to the people who are actually starting and growing businesses in our communities,” said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development for the Garrett County Department of Business Development. “This roadshow gives us an opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs, better understand the challenges they face, and work together across county lines to identify practical ways we can strengthen the support available to businesses throughout Western Maryland.”
The roadshow, hosted by the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland in partnership with the Bridging Innovation Institute, is designed to bring the regional conversation directly to founders, small business owners, and resource providers. Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences, explore new tools, and help shape priorities for the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Three Ways to Get Involved
Share Your Voice
Tell us directly about the challenges entrepreneurs and small businesses face in your community, as well as the opportunities you see for business growth.
Test New Tools
Get an early look at regional resources and feedback platforms designed to help connect small businesses with the information, organizations, and support they need. Participants will also have an opportunity to try EcoMap and provide feedback.
Shape the Regional Action Plan
Help identify and align priorities across Western Maryland's entrepreneurial support network. Input gathered during the three county sessions will help inform a broader regional action plan and a spring regional convening.
Three Regional Conversations
The Regional Roadshow will visit all three counties in Western Maryland:
Garrett County
Friday, November 6 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Garrett College, GEIC Room 111
687 Mosser Rd., McHenry
Allegany County
Thursday, November 5 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Allegany College of Maryland, Thomas Welcome Center
12401 Willowbrook Rd. SE, Cumberland
Washington County
Thursday, November 5 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Public Safety Training Center
18350 Public Safety Pl., Hagerstown
The sessions are free, and light refreshments will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. Registration is available at bit.ly/WMD_Roadshow.
By bringing local perspectives together across county lines, the initiative aims to move from listening and learning to coordinated action that strengthens the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“The Regional Roadshow is an opportunity for the people who are building businesses, and the organizations working to support them, to help define what comes next for entrepreneurship in Western Maryland,” Durst said. “Come out to one of these sessions and help us ‘Build What’s Next.’”
VIEW THE EVENT FLYER: Document WESTERN MD ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM ROADSHOW (741.54 KB)
