A new business incubator designed to support early-stage companies opened in Frostburg this month. The Acceleration Trail, developed by Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD), will provide startups with targeted resources to grow their businesses and contribute to the region’s innovation economy. Members of the public and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about The Acceleration Trail are invited to attend the Entrepreneurial Open House: Connect, Explore & Grow on Thursday, April 24 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
Located on Main Street in the heart of Frostburg, The Acceleration Trail offers flexible office space, onsite business support services, and proximity to retail, dining, and recreational amenities. Entrepreneurs accepted into the incubator will have access to mentorship, training, and professional development resources provided in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Western Region.
“We want to give young companies the best chances for success,” stated Adam Strott, ACECD’s Economic Development Specialist. “Offering dedicated incubation support and a growth plan for two to three years lays the foundation for companies to prosper.”
Already home to top firms that are pioneering new technologies within the circular economy, Allegany County has become a hub for innovation, making the incubator a natural fit. In Frostburg, Clym Environmental Services, a leader in medical waste management, is completing construction on its state-of-the-art facility. In Cumberland, Geocycle offers an environmentally sound waste removal solution to local and regional manufacturing businesses. Partnerships with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory, the Allegany College of Maryland Makerspace, and Frostburg State University offer additional collaboration opportunities for resident companies.
While creating a business incubator was a longtime aspiration for Allegany County, funding the project became a reality three years ago. Funding for the incubator was made possible by the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund, which was announced by former Governor Larry Hogan in 2022. Of the $50 million designated for the state’s five rural regional councils, Tri-County Council for Western Maryland received $10 million and allocated $100,000 to ACECD to establish the incubator in Allegany County.
“We are thrilled to be onsite as a resource for companies coming into the incubator space”- Jodi Broadwater, Director of the SBDC for the Western Region of Maryland
The incubator’s diverse companies will include Aquatic Circle, Biohacking Fitness, and Seniors Fix. Among other benefits, resident companies may participate in the SBDC’s complimentary business workshops. Exclusively designed for companies within The Acceleration Trail, the SBDC’s Accelerator Training Series will help entrepreneurs learn the nuances of business planning, legal considerations, marketing, and more.
“We are thrilled to be onsite as a resource for companies coming into the incubator space,” said Jodi Broadwater, Director of the SBDC for the Western Region of Maryland, which serves Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. “We can point companies in the right direction out of the gate and help them succeed.”
“That’s the power of collaboration between services,” said Tracey Engle, Small Business Consultant for the SBDC for the Western Region. “We have strong local partners working together to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, and it’s fantastic.”
As an added incentive, the SBDC for the Western Region will cover the first three months of rent for companies that complete the series. From there, ACECD will offer participating companies an additional three months rent-free.
“Renting space can be a financial hurdle for businesses, especially during the initial stages of growth,” noted Strott. “Six months rent-free is an incredible incentive, as it helps entrepreneurs get on their feet and manage costs effectively.”
Getting businesses on their feet and invested in a region that supports their success benefits Allegany County’s residents, economy, and quality of life.
“We want businesses moving to our community to love where they work and work where they love. That’s the ultimate goal,” shared Broadwater.
To learn how The Acceleration Trail can benefit new and growing businesses, please visit the website and plan to attend the Open House on April 24. The latest economic development news and events in Allegany County are featured on our blog.
