Move Outside the Predictable

The ability to effectively tell your story is no longer optional. Strategic marketing is fundamental to business development, workforce recruitment, tourism, and long-term economic stability. Yet for many organizations in Western Maryland, the tools, training, and infrastructure needed to compete have remained out of reach, until now.

Recognizing this gap, Frostburg State University launched the 3 State Community Media Center with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The investment was designed with a clear purpose: strengthen economic growth in Western Maryland by expanding access to the skills and infrastructure organizations need to compete.

Allegany County continues to invest in long-term economic growth by strengthening the systems that support entrepreneurs at every stage. Administered locally by Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD), in partnership with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), a new Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program is launching to expand entrepreneurial opportunities, align existing business support resources, and help retain talent in Western Maryland.

Western Maryland Works (WMW) at Allegany College of Maryland is helping local residents build in-demand skills, prototype products, and pursue new career pathways through a facility designed to strengthen the region’s workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem. This kind of on-the-ground work is an economic development asset for the region. It expands access to training and tools that help Allegany County residents build skills and help small businesses grow.

Operating through Allegany College of Maryland, WMW brings together training, equipment access, and technical support. This resource was created to address regional workforce needs (particularly in the trades), while also supporting residents who want to prototype products and grow a local business.