Garrett County Government - Department of Business Development

March 2021

2021 Power of Possibilities Conference to be Held Virtually on April 8th
Keynote speakers will include Michael Pellet and Michael Tumbarello. There is no charge to attend the conference.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Deadline Extended Through May 31st
The legislation gives small businesses and nonprofits in need an additional sixty (60) days in which to apply for the PPP.
Webinar: Celebrating Women in International Trade
Hear from women-owned businesses that have achieved global market success during this free virtual event.
Guidance on COVID-19 EIDL Identity Theft and Fraud
SBA has created an EIDL identity theft letter which provides step-by-step instructions on how to report an identity theft case to the SBA, including how to file an SBA Declaration of Identity Theft.
SBA Raising Maximum Loan Limit for EIDL Program
The loan limit is being raised from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
Local Artists Included in 'Artists of Maryland: Visual Art'
Kathy Beachler, executive director of the Garrett County Arts Council, said the book was created by the Maryland State Arts Council for Hogan to give away as a gift to friends.
How the Pandemic’s Childcare Crisis Impacted Women-owned Businesses and Altered their Future
The report also delves into how these disruptions have altered women business owners’ plans for the future and what they need to survive and thrive beyond the pandemic.
Understanding Women Business Owners Who Launched During the Pandemic 
This specific report analyzes who these entrepreneurs are and their motivation for starting a business during a pandemic.
UPS Store Launches 2021 Small Biz Challenge
The challenge is open to U.S. residents age 18+ who own and operate an independent small business with 50 or fewer employees.
Small Business Facts: Business Ownership Demographics
The bulk of businesses are non-employers, but the bulk of business is from employers.
Job Fair: Brenda McDonnell's Family of Restaurants
Ace's Run Restaurant & Pub, Trader's Coffee House, Brenda's Pizzeria, and Firewater Kitchen & Bar are hosting a combined job fair on April 3rd.
Federal Coronavirus Resources
State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people.
SBA Announces Extended Deferment Periods for EIDL Program
All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12 months to 24 months from the date of the note.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Splash Page Launched
SBA is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal today in anticipation of opening applications on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
IRS Extends Federal Individual Tax Return Deadline to May 17th
The IRS has extended the filing deadline for the 2020 tax year for federal individual income tax returns from April 15 to May 17, 2021.
SBA to Host Free Women's Finance Webinar
A panel of financial experts will discuss and answer questions related to banking, capital and equity investments, federal loan programs, assets lending, contract financing, and more.
2021 Community Employer Workforce Survey
The Allegany County Office of Community Services is conducting a Community Employer Workforce Survey to determine workforce supports & programs that may be useful for the regional business community.
CPV Announces Plans for 175 MW Solar Farm on Former Coal Mine in Garrett County, MD
CPV Backbone is proposed to be built on former Vindex/Arch Coal mining sites just north of Kitzmiller, MD. The mines closed recently after decades of operation.
Maryland RELIEF Act Sales and Use Tax Credit
The allowed credit is equal to the lesser of the amount of sales and use tax collected during the month the vendor qualifies for the increased credit or $3,000, not to exceed $9,000 in 3 months.
MD Commerce Provides Details on New COVID Relief Funding for Businesses
There are 6 new programs targeting specific groups of businesses. Three of these programs will be administered by Commerce, which expects to accept applications from March 30, 2021 to April 6, 2021.
MARBIDCO Announces Five New Grant Programs
These programs are funded through the RELIEF Act and will provide immediate pandemic adjustment and economic development assistance to MD agricultural and rural businesses.
Franchot Extends State Income Tax Filing Deadline to July 15th
Due dates for the Tobacco Floor Tax payment and Sales and Use Tax returns for sales taking place in March, April and May have also been extended.
Governor Hogan Announces Lifting of Capacity Limits, Masking and Distancing Protocols Maintained
Governor Larry Hogan announces new actions to further ease the COVID-19 mitigation measures currently in place.
Maryland State Arts Council Opens Emergency Grant Applications
This fourth round of MSAC Emergency Grant funding is available to independent artists, arts organizations, County Arts Agencies, and Arts & Entertainment District management entities.
Integrative Pain Management Center opens at GRMC
The new center will provide a variety of non-opioid treatment options for people suffering from chronic pain.
Webinar Series: PPP Updates for Your Small Business
Please join the SBA for a webinar explaining the key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program that will be available until March 9th to ensure America's smallest businesses get exclusive access.
Report Issued: The Effects Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Small Businesses
A new issue brief from SBA's Office of Advocacy examines the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses using the first sets of available economic data.
TEDCO's RUBRIC Program
The RUBRIC program is an economic relief initiative to benefit socially and economically disadvantaged and rural early-stage technology-based businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hogan Administration Launches New "SpeedSurvey" Website
Residents can visit the website to test the speed of their internet connection on computers, tablets and smartphones or to report an address that does not have service.
Fraud Alert from SBA
Loan applicants who receive emails asking for sensitive information are cautioned to verify that application numbers referenced in the email are consistent with recipient's actual application number.
Food Conference Addresses 'Pandemic World'
The Western MD Food Council's 3-day conference kicks off on March 25th. The conference is open to anyone interested in issues related to the Western Maryland food system,
Local Gourmet in Online 'Favorite Chef' Competition
Private executive chef Larry Roby of McHenry is currently involved in an online competition through Bon Appétit magazine to be named the world’s Favorite Chef. Voters can submit a free daily vote.