March 7th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

FrostburgFirst, in partnership with the City of Frostburg and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is pleased to announce that its pop-up shop and small business incubator program Pop-Up Frostburg is moving forward to its next stage. A total of 11 talented applicants are moving on to the second stage of the program, during which the candidates will meet with the SBDC to further develop their business concepts and prepare a final pitch to present to the committee.

 Pop-Up Frostburg has received $1000 in support from M&T Bank to ensure the program’s success. A community bank at heart, M&T lives its commitment to local communities. “We are so proud to be a part of this new journey and to continue to partner with Frostburg First for years to come,” shared Katelyn Yoder, Western MD Regional Manager of M&T Bank. Frostburg Branch Manager Shane Jones is also serving on the Pop-Up Frostburg committee and providing valuable feedback to applicants.

In addition to support from M&T Bank, Shawn Miller of Commercial Graphics and Signage is donating a budget for signage to the selected finalists to help advertise their business concepts. A number of local Frostburg businesses are also donating their time to serve on the committee and provide feedback to applicants, including Pet Wants Mountain Maryland, Main Street Books, Forever Media Inc., Clatter, General Art Store, Hotel Gunter & Toasted Goat Winery, and LG’s Pizzeria & Pub.

The Pop-Up Frostburg program brings together entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and small businesses with local property owners to activate vacant spaces in downtown Frostburg. The vision for the program is to cultivate an encouraging environment for entrepreneurs by increasing storefront occupancy and fostering sustainable businesses that enhance downtown Frostburg revitalization. The program is funded in part through the Main Street Improvement grant program through Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

FrostburgFirst hopes the program will create opportunities for future business owners who have had trouble finding accessible, affordable, and flexible spaces and allow them to create, expand, and nurture their small business with relatively low risk in downtown Frostburg.

            For more information, contact FrostburgFirst at (301) 689-6900 or email frostburgfirst@gmail.com