Economic Development

Taneytown Business Breakfast
2026-03-13 07:30 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Thunderhead Bowling Center, 4337 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD, 21787, United States
The Taneytown Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the best networking opportunity in Carroll County. We are getting back to business and learning how we can best move forward in today’s ever changing economic and social climate. 2nd Friday of every quarter, please join locals for business networking, a delicious buffet breakfast, and a short program. Doors open at 7:00 AM and the program begins at 7:30 AM. Breakfast is $10.00 at the door.

CTIC: Carroll Digital Equity Coalition meeting
2026-03-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Carroll Nonprofit Center, 255 Clifton Blvd, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
The Carroll Digital Equity Coalition brings together local organizations working to strengthen the network of technology access, digital skills training, and workforce development opportunities across Carroll County.
At our monthly meeting, we share updates, align efforts, and build partnerships that support residents in navigating a rapidly changing digital landscape. Whether you’re offering services, shaping programs, or exploring how your work connects to digital inclusion, your voice is welcome.
Together, we’re creating a more connected, skilled, and opportunity-ready Carroll County.
Questions? Email Molly, molly@carrolltechcouncil.org

1 Million Cups Westminster
2026-03-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-25 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-28 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-14 09:00 - 10:00 | MAGIC, 36 W. Maint St, Westminster, 21157, United States
1 Million Cups Westminster is a program held for the community, by the community!
We are connected to a nationwide entrepreneurial organization which hosts weekly events that bring entrepreneurs in the Westminster community together over coffee and conversations. Coordinated by local business volunteers, these events are open to entrepreneurs and business/nonprofit owners of companies less than 5 years old.
We meet every other Wednesday @ 9:00 AM. Sign up for email info and reminders, and apply to present, by visiting https://www.1millioncups.com/westminster
Subscribe to the 1MC Westminster YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1millioncupswestminster48
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1MCWestminster/

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Orientation
2026-03-05 08:30 - 09:45, 2026-02-05 08:30 - 09:45 | Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, 9 East Main St., Westminster, MD, 21157-5006, United States
Description
The orientation is an in-depth look at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.
New member businesses and their representatives are welcome to attend.
Current member businesses and their representatives who need a refresher are also welcomed and encouraged to participate.
Not a member but interested in joining and want to learn more? You are welcome to come as well!
You will meet the Chamber staff and volunteers. Be sure to bring your business cards and begin building relationships with other new members.
Orientations take place on the FIRST THURSDAY EACH MONTH. Seating is limited, so please register online or call 410-848-9050 to RSVP.

Carroll County Agribusiness Breakfast
2026-03-05 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-02-05 08:00 - 09:00 | Baugher’s Restaurant, 289 West Main St, Westminster, MD, 21158, United States
Join us for our ongoing discussions about agriculture in Carroll County!
All are invited to join us. If interested, please RSVP to dhare@carrollcountymd.gov
Snow Policy: If Carroll County Public Schools are delayed or cancelled, the Agribusiness Breakfast is cancelled.

Carroll Business Network
2026-03-02 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:30 | Tony’s Japanese Restaurant, 1213 Liberty Rd, Sykesville, MD, 21784, United States
The Carroll Business Network brings small business leaders together, educates on actionable business topics, and builds relationships in the community. The Network promotes community-building by sharing contact information with all speakers and attendees. A complete roster of speakers is provided. This monthly event includes lunch.
The Carroll Business Network meets on the first Monday of every month at Tony’s Japanese Restaurant in Sykesville from 12pm-1:30, with postponement dates in case of Federal holidays. Registration is completed via the event web portal.
Over a relaxed meal, attendees are given the chance to improve network with fellow business owners. The Carroll Business Network also seeks to help increase the exposure of local businesses through live video uploads to Facebook of attendee elevator pitches. Keynote speakers are featured at each event, focusing on specific business-related topics. The program’s curriculum consists of 12 topics relevant to business development and sustainability. See the full list of speakers and events below.
The Carroll Business Network is an evolution of the Carroll Marketing Group which was started ten years ago by Amy Giannakoulious, co-owner of Trembling Giant Marketing, as a way to connect local small business leaders and expand inter-community business relationships. The core goals of the organization are networking, education, and community. Each lunch event emphasizes an open-door policy and warm atmosphere to bring together businesses in the shared goals of professional excellence.
All events are from 12pm – 1:30pm

MD SBDC No-Cost & Low-Cost Training For Maryland Small Businesses
2026-03-01 07:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-01 07:00 - 17:00
The Maryland SBDC offers a comprehensive range of training courses and programs. Our online courses offer an excellent way to work training into your busy schedule when it’s most convenient for you.
SBDC training programs are designed with you in mind. By leveraging the resources of professionals in the community, we are able to offer a wide range of high-quality workshops, conferences, seminars, and courses at no cost, or a nominal fee in topics ranging from business plans to marketing to finances for your small business.
Please click on the following link to access the training calendar and choose your training to register.
https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce PM Connections
2026-02-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Rd. (Rm. K100), Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Join us for an engaging Chamber PM Connections event co-sponsored by Target Community & Educational Services, Barnes-Bollinger Insurance Services, and Carroll Community College. This afternoon gathering offers a relaxed setting for networking with fellow business leaders while enjoying light refreshments.
The goal of this event is to connect local employers with Target Community & Educational Services, highlighting opportunities to partner in providing meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities. Attendees will learn how inclusive hiring can strengthen their workforce while making a positive impact in the community.
Whether you’re looking to expand your talent pipeline, build new business relationships, or support inclusive employment initiatives, this PM Connections event is a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and lead.
**EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN ROOM M157**

Ready, Set, Go!
2026-02-26 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Meeting, MD, United States
Ready, Set, Go is designed for small businesses in the planning phase of building a company. Participants will learn the “nuts & bolts” of becoming an entrepreneur, from business planning to legal business entity formation. Additional information is shared with the participant on the SBDC, its services, what one can expect when entering the business world, the business plan, finance management, funding sources, marketing…a guide to beginning a successful future in a business world.

Thursday, January 22, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18421
Thursday, February 26, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18422
Thursday, April 23, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18423
Thursday, May 28, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18424
Thursday, June 25, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18425
Thursday, July 23, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18426
Thursday, August 27, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18427
Thursday, September 24, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18428
Thursday, October 22, 2025 https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18429

*Workshop is Virtual* – Please click on the link next to the corresponding date or copy/paste link into browser address bar to register.

Lunch About Nothing
2026-02-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Serra Restaurant & Bar on Main, 32 W. Main St., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
Lunch About Nothing is back!!!
Lunch About Nothing is held the 4th Monday of the month from 12-1 at Serra Restaurant & Bar on Main. It is open to all businesses, non profits and anyone who chooses to attend. There is nothing to join and visitors purchase their own lunch. Contact Zach Tomlin at ztomlin@tomlintech.com for more information or to get on the email list.

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Tech Workshop: How to Chat with Chat Bots
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, 9 East Main St., Westminster, MD, 21157-5006, United States
Get hands-on experience with AI chatbot interfaces, conversation management, and privacy configurations essential for business use. Compare ChatGPT, Claude, and other popular platforms to understand their different strengths, pricing models, and use cases. Develop criteria for selecting the right AI tool for specific business tasks and learn to design effective sessions that produce reliable, usable results.
In-person spots are extremely limited! If you don’t see the in-person option when registering, it’s full—but you can still join us live via Zoom.
This event is presented in partnership with the Carroll Technology and Innovation Council.

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce PM Connections
2026-02-17 16:00 - 18:00 | The Terraces at Westminster, 45 Washington Road, Westminster, 21157, United States
Fall in love… with networking! Join us at The Terraces in Westminster for a Valentine’s-inspired evening of connections, conversation, and camaraderie. Mix, mingle, and meet fellow Chamber members in a fun, festive atmosphere filled with refreshments, great conversation, and opportunities to grow your professional network.
Whether you’re looking to spark new business relationships, reconnect with old contacts, or simply enjoy a cheerful evening with peers, this event is the perfect way to share the love—and your business card!
There will be a permanent bracelet vendor from Adorned Temple on-site for anyone interested! Be sure to bring your business cards—10 lucky raffle winners will receive a free bracelet. Additional bracelets and accessories will also be available for purchase.
Please note: Parking is limited. If no spots are available, kindly park next door. We apologize for any inconvenience.

MD SBDC - How to Build a Professional Website Using AI—For Free (or Close to It)
2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:15 | Virtual, MD, United States
Somewhere along the way, you were told a website costs a fortune and takes forever. That was true once. It isn’t anymore. In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how AI and modern templates have shattered the old rules—and how you can build a site that looks like you hired a pro, even if your budget says otherwise. You’ll walk away not just with a website, but with the confidence that you built something right. Something that finally makes you look as real as you are. Presenter, Antonio Guerrero; Systematic Business Marketing.
Please use the following link to register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18450?embedded=0

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce County Budget Update
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:30 | ACTS Fairhaven, 7200 Third St., Sykesville, 21784, United States
Join us for our annual County Budget Update with Ted Zaleski, Director of Management & Budget for Carroll County Government. Ted will provide an in-depth look at the FY 2026 County Budget, including insights into revenue projections, spending priorities, and the financial outlook for the years ahead.
This is a valuable opportunity to better understand how budget decisions impact local services, infrastructure, and the business community. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
Stay informed. Stay engaged.

MD SBDC - AI Roadmap for SMBs: A Practical Guide from Readiness to ROI
2026-02-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual, MD, United States
This workshop is a hands-on training designed to help small and midsize businesses understand, prepare for, and successfully adopt artificial intelligence. Drawing on both scientific research and real-world industry experience, this workshop demystifies AI and provides a clear, actionable framework for leaders who want to leverage AI without unnecessary risk or wasted investment. Participants will learn how to assess their organization’s AI readiness, identify high-value and low-risk use cases, avoid common pitfalls that have led to enterprise AI failures, and design pilots that generate measurable ROI. We will introduce an AI readiness maturity ladder, explore practical barriers faced by SMBs, and outline step-by-step strategies for scaling successful pilots. Presneter, Sina Faridimehr, Ph.D.; Founder & CEO Enerytics.
Please use the following link to register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18410?embedded=0

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce PM Connections
2026-01-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Atlantic Blue Water Services, 1808 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster, MD, 21157
Join us for an after-hours networking event with fellow Chamber members at Atlantic Blue Water Services! This is your chance to connect with local professionals, exchange ideas, and grow your business relationships in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Bring plenty of business cards—you’ll meet lots of new faces! Light refreshments will be served.

MD SBDC - New Year, New Message: Plan Your Marketing for 2026
2026-01-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, MD, United States
Start the year with clarity. Learn how to set achievable marketing goals, refresh your message, and focus on what matters most to your audience-your business clients and customers! Presenter, Pieter Bickford, HighRock.
Please use following link to register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18415?embedded=0

Spark Success: Networking with McDaniel Students & The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce
2026-01-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Explorations Common at 50 East, 50 East Main St., Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
McDaniel College students are eager to learn from YOU! Join us at Exploration Commons on Thursday, January 22nd from 4–5:30 PM for an open networking event with first-year students in the My Design course. These students are exploring their strengths, interests, and future goals—and they want to hear your insights. Come share your journey, offer real-world advice, and help spark the next generation’s academic and career success.

Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Tech Workshop
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, 9 East Main St., Westminster, MD, 21157-5006, United States
Learn about AI’s history and the seamless AI integrations you already interact with daily, from weather forecasting to movie recommendations. You’ll set up privacy protections, learn to clear cookies and control website tracking, and identify sources to stay informed about AI development and advocacy. Walk away understanding both the real concerns and the practical steps you can take to protect and empower yourself in the age of AI.
In-person spots are extremely limited! If you don’t see the in-person option when registering, it’s full—but you can still join us live via Zoom.
This event is presented in partnership with the Carroll Technology and Innovation Council.
