From Frederick County Office of Economic Development
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) is pleased to announce The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development (DED) as this year’s EmPOWER Program Signature Sponsor.
Building upon the already existing framework for supporting underrepresented businesses, FCOED developed the EmPOWER program with a mission to create an environment of economic inclusion in Frederick County that supports all business owners, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability or religion.
The EmPOWER Program offers monthly networking events, a business mentorship program, an underrepresented business directory, DEI tool kit, blogs, one-on-one business support, resources and more.
“We are thrilled to have the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development partner with us for the EmPOWER program. This partnership will allow us to strengthen our programs and services for underrepresented businesses in Frederick County,” says Jodie Bollinger, FCOED’s Acting Executive Economic and Workforce Director.
As the Signature Sponsor, The City of Frederick DED will work closely with FCOED to strengthen already existing programs such as the monthly networking events that are held throughout the years and the upcoming EmPOWER business mentorship program for growth stage businesses.
“Providing robust support for Frederick’s diverse business community is a top priority for The City of Frederick, and The City Department of Economic Development is proud to be the Signature Sponsor of the EmPOWER program,” stated Richard Griffin, DED Director. “Our joint teams look forward to engaging with each participating business with the goal of seeing those businesses become profitable, grow, and sustain operations for many years, contributing to the quality of life, tax base, and employment of the community,” he adds.
To learn more about the Frederick County Office of Economic Development’s EmPOWER program for underrepresented businesses, visit www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower or contact Shana Knight, Senior Business Development Manager for Diversity & Inclusion, at sknight@frederickcountymd.gov.