Caroline County Economic Development is working towards new ways to help businesses grow and thrive on the Eastern Shore.
The Economic Edge Caroline County Business Academy is an eight-week program designed to arm local entrepreneurs with tools and knowledge needed to grow their businesses. The program, which launched last year, is once again accepting applications and offers guidance to help small businesses strengthen operations.
Participants explore a range of core business concepts, including marketing, accounting, financial management, legal structure, and how to access capital in order to support long-term success. The program is led under the experienced guidance of consultant Will Holmes, who owns an award-winning advisory firm that has helped more than 12,000 entrepreneurs succeed since 2006.
Caroline County’s first graduating class included eight diverse businesses and business owners, ranging from industries including baking, health and wellness, and business services. Caroline County Economic Development worked with the local Chamber of Commerce to identify businesses that were in the early stages of operations with a special focus on minority and women-owned businesses.
“After a successful first class in spring of 2025, we’re thrilled to announce we’re accepting applications for Economic Edge: The Caroline County Business Academy,” said Bob Zimberoff, director of Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism. “We’ve been in touch with our first group of graduates who finished the class last June, and many have said the knowledge they gained from the class has already benefited them in numerous ways. One of our graduates recently won a $10,000 grant award as a direct result of the class.”
The Economic Edge program was funded through support from the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, in partnership with the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Rural Maryland Council. Business development programs like these can help to stimulate job growth, new business and job creation and boost economic activity, especially in more rural communities. The Mid Shore Regional Council provided the course and funding to two other Eastern Shore counties: Talbot County was funded in 2024 and Dorchester County received its funding in 2025.
Ideal candidates for the program should both live and work in Caroline County, with a special focus on primarily supporting minority and women-owned businesses. The program is offered at no cost to business owners, thanks to funding from the Mid-Shore Regional Council. The deadline to apply for the next round is March 27.
