Powering Progre
D.M. Bowman Family Workforce Training Center/ Barr Construction Institute
Ph: 240-500-2413
The D.M. Bowman Family Workforce Training center serves as a centralized hub for HCC’s off-campus training programs, offering commercial truck driver training, diesel technology, forklift instruction, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language classes. Designed to meet the evolving needs of local businesses and the workforce, the center provides accessible, industry-relevant education and training in one convenient location. The Barr Construction Institute (BCI), located at HCC’s D.M. Bowman Family Workforce Training Center in Hagerstown, offers registered apprenticeship and craft training programs in partnership with industry-recognized organizations. These programs meet all federal and state standards, combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Graduates earn journey-worker status and receive a Maryland DLLR certificate of completion, preparing them for successful careers in the construction trades.
University System of Maryland - Hagerstown
Ph: 240-527-2060
The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) brings together six universities on one local campus, offering upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs to residents of Hagerstown and the surrounding region. Located in the city’s historic district, USMH partners with community colleges, businesses, and civic leaders to provide affordable, high-quality education and a seamless learning experience.
Includes: University of Baltimore, University of Maryland Global Campus, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Frostburg State University, Salisbury University and Towson University.
Our productive, dedicated, and well-rounded regional workforce of 530,00+ has made the county a choice location for manufacturers, financial services, and distribution companies. This existing workforce provides an incredible opportunity to new businesses and those looking to expand, as a highly-educated and skilled workforce lives in our own backyard.
Washington County American Job Center/Wash. Co. One Stop Job Center
Ph: 301-393-8200
The Western Maryland American Job Centers offer comprehensive support to both job seekers and businesses through partnerships with local workforce development agencies. From career exploration and resume preparation to training referrals and employer services, the centers provide expert guidance and resources to help individuals achieve their employment goals and businesses grow their talent pipelines.
Maryland Apprenticeship & Training Program
Maryland Department of Labor
Western Maryland Office
Ph: 443-615-4758
Hire an apprentice: by participating in the program, businesses can build their workforce, reduce turnover costs, increase productivity, make their workplace safer, plan for employee succession, and take advantage of tax credits and financial incentives.
Western Maryland Consortium
Ph: 301-791-3164
The Western Maryland Consortium assists businesses in acquiring new workers through screening, placement and other workforce development services. Financial assistance for companies is also available to help offset the cost of training new employees if on-the-job training is necessary. Training programs can be customized and tailored to specific employer requirements as well. These services are provided at NO COST.
Partnership for Workforce Quality/Maryland Department of Commerce
Ph: 443-447-4999
Provides matching training grants and support services targeted to improve the competitive position of small and mid-size manufacturing and technology companies. This program is administered by the State of Maryland Department of Commerce.
Our advanced communications infrastructure includes digital, fiber-optic, wireless, and cellular technologies, supported by both public and private local and regional vendors.
Washington County is well served, and several options are available for broadband services:
• Antietam Broadband: https://www.antietambroadband.com/
• Comcast: https://www.localcabledeals.com/
• DQE Communications: https://dqe.com/services/internet-services/
• Future Broadband: https://www.futurebroadband.net/
• Point Broadband: https://www.point-broadband.com/
Efficient power, water, sewer, and telecommunications services are provided by public and private utility providers, ensuring the prosperity of the Washington County community.
ELECTRICITY
Potomac Edison, a First Energy company, with its Western Maryland headquarters located in Washington County, serves the county. City of Hagerstown’s Electric Division distributes electricity to many parts of the city.
Potomac Edison
10802 Bower Avenue
Williamsport, MD 21795
Ph: 800-686-0011
City of Hagerstown
425 East Baltimore Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Ph: 301-790-4160
GAS/PROPANE
Natural gas supplied by Columbia Gas of Maryland, Inc. A NiSource Company.
217 Three Springs Drive Weirton, WV 26062
Propane is also available through private vendors such as:
AC& T 11535 Hopewell Road
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Ph: 301-582-2700
Thompson Gas
6708 Old National Pike
Boonsboro, MD 21713
Ph: 301-432-6611
WATER
Municipal or county systems serve most areas within the county.
SEWER
Municipal or county systems serve areas throughout the county. Publicly owned industrial pretreatment facilities provide treatment and disposal of non-regulated liquid waste for businesses.
For five (5) years after cleaning up, a site may qualify for a real property tax credit between 50%-70% of the increased value of the site. In an Enterprise Zone, the tax credit may last for up to 10 years. This credit, combined with other real property tax credits, may not exceed 100% of the tax on the increased value of the site.
A site that qualifies for this incentive program may also qualify for real property tax credits.
The site must be located in a jurisdiction that participates in BRIP and be owned by an inculpable person.
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)
The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) loan program offers commercial loans for businesses and non-profits that want to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects.
C-PACE loans require little or no down-payment, provide long-term repayment periods, and relatively low interest rates, making eligible projects more attractive and cost-efficient. C-PACE allows property owners to produce a new line of capital, create loans with up to 100% fixed-rate financing, and achieve a 20-year payback that can be cash-flow-positive from day one, while concurrently adding to the value of their commercial assets.
Washington County will facilitate the levy of a lien on participating properties and the C-PACE loan is repaid through property taxes. The C-Pace program is sponsored by the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) with the administration of the program handled through its agent Abacus Property Solutions.
For more information about MD-PACE, please visit www.md-pace.com.
Enterprise Zone
Provides real property and state income tax credits for businesses located in a Maryland Enterprise Zone in return for job creation and investments. This program is administered by the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development.
The Hagerstown – Washington County Enterprise Zone encompasses nearly 5,000 acres located within the City of Hagerstown. The zone includes Hopewell Valley Industrial Park, City of Hagerstown Business Park, and the Central Business District in Downtown Hagerstown.
Real Property Tax Credit – A ten-year tax credit against local real property taxes on a portion of real property expansion, renovation, or capital improvement. The amount of credit is 80% of the “eligible assessment” in each of the first 5 taxable years, and the credit decreases 10% annually (70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%) for the subsequent 5 years.
There are two types of income tax credits for businesses in an Enterprise Zone:
1. The General Income Tax Credit – The one-time $1,000 tax credit for each qualified new employee filling a newly created position in an enterprise zone, or one-time $1,500 credit for each qualified new employee in an enterprise zone focus area.
2. The Income Tax Credit for Economically Disadvantaged Employees – A three-year period tax credit for each qualified new economically disadvantaged employee, earned at the following amounts: First Year 3,000; Second Year 2,000; and the Third Year 1,000. As approved by the Department of Labor via Maryland Job Service.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #255
The Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) #255 program, established by Congress in 1934, encourages foreign commerce by allowing businesses to benefit from special customs procedures, such as delayed or reduced duties, to promote U.S. investment, job creation and value-added operations.
FTZ #255 is located directly off of I-81 and I-70 reaching two-thirds of the United States population within 1 day and one of the largest ports in the United States within 1 hour.
Foreign Trade Zone #255 leverages strategic positioning to optimize supply chains, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Our proximity to key hubs streamlines import/export.
Merchandise entering FTZ #255 may be labeled, kitted, re-kitted, stored, repaired, assembled, manufactured, etc.
FTZ #255 is an Alternative Site Framework (ASF). This framework is a streamlined approach to the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) designation that allows greater flexibility and faster approval for companies to operate within an FTZ. It enables zones to designate usage-driven sites as needed, reducing paperwork and setup time.
Business will collaborate with our office, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and an FTZ-specialized vendor to establish operations within our Foreign-Trade Zone.
Job Creation & Capital Investment Real Property Tax Credit Program (JCRP)
This tax credit program ranges from three (3) years to fifteen (15) years in tax credits on the County portion of real estate taxes on real property owned or leased by a new or expanding business; this includes renovated premises and increase employment in Washington County. There are three (3) opportunities:
Section 4(a)
(1) obtain at least an additional 1,500 square feet of new, expanded or renovated premises, and
(2) employment of at least five (5) individuals in new permanent full-time positions during a 12-month period.
The tax credit is: 55% in the first (1) taxable year; 40% in the second (2) taxable year; and 25% in the third (3) taxable year.
Section 4(b)
(1) obtain at least 2,500 square feet of new, expanded, or renovated space, and
(2) employ at least 25 individuals in new permanent full-time positions during a 24-month period, during which period the business entity also must obtain and occupy the new or expanded premises.
The tax credit is:
55% in the first (1) and second (2) taxable years, 40% in the third (3) and fourth (4) taxable years, and 25% in the fifth (5) and sixth (6) taxable years.
Section 4(c)
(1) invest at least $20 million in capital improvements in the county with a new, expanded, or renovated space, and
(2) As a result of these capital improvements, the business entity must create a minimum of 200 new, permanent full-time positions.
The tax credit is:
75% for first (1) taxable year to five (5) years
70% in year 6;
65% in year 7;
60% in year 8;
55% in year 9;
50% in year 10;
45% in year 11;
40% in year 12;
35% in year 13;
30% in year 14;
25% in year 15; 0% after 15 years.
Under no circumstances will this ordinance permit bundling of tax credits granted under this ordinance, rule, regulation or code to result in a tax refund or other payment to the business entity.
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
This program incentivizes builders to achieve LEED certification (Platinum, Gold, or Silver) for new or renovated buildings by offering a three-year tax credit. The credit, based on the increase in assessed property value, is 30% for Platinum, 25% for Gold, and 20% for Silver, as determined by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
As approved by the Department of Labor via Maryland Job Service.
S TATE O F MA R Y L AN D PRO G RAM S
JOB CREATION TAX CREDIT (JCTC):
JCTC offers an income tax credit to eligible businesses that create a minimum number of net new full-time jobs in Maryland. The credit is:
• $3,000 per new job, or
• $5,000 per job in a revitalization area (enterprise zone, empowerment zone, Sustainable Community, or Tier 1 County). Washington County is a Tier 1 County.
• If the job is filled by a qualified veteran, the credit increases to $4,000, or $6,000 in a revitalization area.
Small Business Credit for Hiring Veterans:
Small businesses can claim $2,500 per qualified veteran employee who fills a net new full-time position for at least one year (max 5 veterans per year). This does not apply to replacements for laid-off or striking workers. Available from tax year 2021 onward.
JCTC Eligibility Requirements:
• Declaration of Intent: Businesses must notify the Maryland Department of Commerce before hiring eligible employees.
• Certification: Businesses must apply to and be
certified by Commerce, which determines credit eligibility and amount.
Job Creation Minimums:
• Must create at least 10 new full-time jobs in certain counties with low employment or income levels.
• Jobs must be created at a single location (or multiple certified locations) within 24 months and retained for 12 months.
Qualifying Jobs Must:
• Be at a facility primarily engaged in an eligible activity.
• Pay the prevailing wage or 150% of state minimum wage. Offer:
• Career advancement training
• Paid leave
• Collective bargaining rights
• Workers’ compensation & unemployment insurance
• Employer-provided health insurance (premiums ≤ 8.5% of net monthly income)
• Retirement benefits
• The Fair Wage Act of 2023 accelerates the increase in the State minimum wage rate for all employers.
STATE OF MARYLAND PROGRAM CONT.
ONE MARYLAND TAX CREDIT
The One Maryland Tax Credit provides an income tax credit to businesses that invest in a project located in a Tier 1 County and create at least 10 qualified full-time jobs within 24 months.
Credit amounts are based on capital investment and job creation:
• 10–24 jobs: Up to $1 million
• 25–49 jobs: Up to $2.5 million
• 50+ jobs: Up to $5 million
Credits are based on eligible project costs and the number of new qualified positions created.
One Maryland Tax Credit – Key Eligibility Requirements:
• Location: Business must locate or expand in a Priority Funding Area (PFA) within a Tier 1 County. Verify eligibility with the Maryland Department of Commerce, as Tier 1 designations may change.
• Declaration of Intent: Must notify Commerce in writing before incurring expenses or creating jobs to qualify.
THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE PROGRAM
The Opportunity Zone program, created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and administered by the U.S. Treasury, provides federal tax incentives to encourage long-term private investments in distressed communities. By reinvesting capital gains into Opportunity Funds,
RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS (RBDG)
This program supports the development and growth of small rural businesses in communities with populations of 50,000 or fewer by providing financial backing, technical assistance, and training. It aims to stimulate economic development, create quality jobs, and enhance entrepreneurial skills through partnerships with local organizations and financial institutions.
• Certification: Business must apply to and be certified by Commerce as a qualified entity.
Job Creation Minimums:
• At least 10 new full-time jobs within 24 months.
• To qualify for the maximum $5 million credit, at least 50 new full-time jobs must be created in 24 months.
• Jobs must be net new to Maryland, filled for 12 months, and pay at least 120% of State Minimum Wage
• Minimum Investment: At least $500,000 in eligible project costs.
Eligible Activity: The facility must be engaged in a qualified business activity.
Eligible uses: business expansion, commercial real estate, leasehold improvements, equipment, vehicles, working capital, and some debt refinancing.
investors can defer and potentially reduce their tax liability while supporting local businesses and real estate projects. In Maryland, the program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development and has no cap on investment, aiming to drive revitalization and economic growth across the state.
Eligible users: Public bodies, government entities, Indian Tribes, and non-profit organizations that primarily serve rural areas.
Eligible areas: Projects must benefit rural communities with populations under 50,000, outside urbanized city limits.
Available funds: There is no maximum grant amount and no cost-sharing requirement, though smaller requests receive higher priority. Two types of grants are available: Opportunity Grants (up to 10% of annual RBDG funds) and Enterprise Grants, which support small and emerging rural businesses.
TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL PROGRAMS
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland is a regional planning and development organization serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. It works to promote economic growth, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements through collaboration among local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders.
VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL (VLT) FUND
Maryland allocates 1.5% of video lottery terminal (slots) revenue to the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Investment Account (VLT Fund) to support targeted businesses.
• 50% of funds go to businesses in areas near Maryland casinos (Target Areas).
• 50% available statewide to eligible small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland (TCCWMD) manages part of the VLT Fund through Summit Financing Solutions’ SLoT program, offering loans from $10,000 to
$500,000.
Eligible uses: business expansion, commercial real estate, leasehold improvements, equipment, vehicles, working capital, and some debt refinancing.
Eligibility
Loan Eligibility Requirements:
• Business plan required
• Personal credit score of 650+ preferred (lower scores may be considered)
• Collateral requirements vary by loan
• Personal guarantees required from owners with 20%+ ownership
• Life insurance may be required for key owners/guarantors without a succession plan
• Start-ups generally must provide 10% equity injection
WESTERN MARYLAND REVOLVING LOAN FUNDING (WMD RLF)
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland’s Revolving Loan Fund (WMD RLF) supports business development and job creation in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. The program partners with banks and private lenders to fill funding gaps for projects that create or retain permanent jobs and can be used for working capital or fixed assets. Funding comes from federal, state, and local sources.
Eligible Uses: Business acquisition, expansion, land/building costs, equipment, start-up expenses, and working capital
Loan Range: $10,000 – $400,000
Terms: Up to 15 years (real estate/fixed assets); up to 5 years (working capital)
Interest Rates: Based on prime rate
Note: Funds cannot be used for real estate speculation or debt refinancing.
