Kent County Economic Development

09/04/2026

The Upper Shore Regional Council is developing its first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This regionally driven roadmap aligns partners, priorities, and projects to strengthen our economy and improve quality of life. Our goal is to establish a federally recognized Economic Development District (EDD), positioning the region to pursue new federal funding opportunities.

Your input will help us develop a strong and effective CEDS strategy.

09/03/2026

Attention, Employers: 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐋𝐈.

Starting January 2028, eligible employees will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave. Employees will be able to welcome a new child, tend to a serious health condition, care for a loved one, or manage urgent family needs related to deployment, while still being paid up to $1,000 per week.

As Secretary Wu noted, “Whether you are a small business owner handling HR yourself or a large employer with a big payroll system, the Department of Labor is here to support you every step of the way.”

https://labor.maryland.gov/whatsnews/gov-moore-announces-employer-registration-for-paid-family-and-medical-leave-insurance-is-live.shtml
Maryland Department of Labor

Governor Wes Moore announced today that employer registration for Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) in Maryland is now live—a critical step forward in implementing this new program.

09/02/2026

We often see comments suggesting that the Town or County is “not allowing businesses to open.” That’s not how economic development works. Creating a business‑friendly community is about fostering an environment where companies want to invest.

Site selectors, whose job is to identify profitable locations, often know more about a community’s demographics than most residents. They analyze population trends, wages, buying habits, and many other factors to determine whether a business can succeed in a given area.

If you care about business growth in Kent County, get involved and stay informed. A great first step is subscribing to the Kent County Economic Development newsletter: https://www.kentcounty.com/business/economic_development_newsletter

It’s an easy way to learn how the County is developing and promoting programs that make locating a business here more appealing and sustainable.

09/02/2026

Kent County restaurants- Maryland Restaurant Week is coming!

Show off your signature dishes, attract new customers, and join restaurants across the state in celebrating Maryland’s vibrant food scene from September 18–27, 2026.

Participation is easy! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4gJJcd8

We can’t wait to see Kent County shine! 🍽🦀🥩🍷

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore and Main Street Rock Hall on your 2027 State of Maryland Technical Assistance Grants for Community Revitalization and Economic Development.

“Great places win, and the Technical Assistance Grant is part of an array of state revitalization programs designed to help our government and nonprofit partners make their community a great place,” said Secretary Day. “These awards will grow small businesses, improve local facilities and services, promote affordable housing and homeownership, and support other projects and activities that will attract visitors and improve economic opportunities for residents.”

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

DHCD announced $1 million in Technical Assistance Grant awards for community revitalization and economic development.

09/01/2026

Join us on Sunday, September 13th at Wilmer Park for the 5K Color Run/Walk & Purple Jamboree – a fun, family-friendly day that helps raise awareness for substance use prevention in our community.

🏃‍♀️ 5K Color Run/Walk
On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Pre-register online for discounts & freebies (first 250 registrants get a T-shirt, color pack & meal ticket!)
👉 Register here: www.kentgoespurple.org or scan the QR code in the flyer

🎉 Purple Jamboree | 10 – 11 a.m.
Free admission
Family fun with W***y Woo Woo and Activities for All Ages
Free Giveaways
Music and Entertainment
Children's activities
Substance misuse, prevention & recovery resources

Let’s come together as a community to raise awareness, spread hope, and show our support. Wear your purple and help us make a difference! 💜

Kent County Sheriff's Office Chestertown Rotary Club Kent County Health Department

09/01/2026

Please join us as we prepare for an Upper Shore Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy!

08/29/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞

The institute will launch its Distinguished Speakers Series with an event featuring former Delmarva governors discussing bipartisan efforts to manage the environment.

Read more here https://www.washcoll.edu/newsroom/articles/hogan-9-10-26.php

08/27/2026

A new regional partnership is helping students explore careers in aviation. The Upper Shore Regional Council’s CTE Liaison program brought together county education and economic development leaders with Easton Airport staff to learn about the airport’s Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program.

The Regional CTE Liaison initiative works across Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties to connect schools with industry partners, helping students explore high‑demand careers through real-world experiences.

For more information about the Easton Airport Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program, visit the Easton Airport website. https://eastonairport.com/ace/

Pictured: Connie Dean, Jeff Lankford, Adam Tolley, watching
State Helicopter doing training exercises over the field.
Photo taken by Nancy LaJoice

08/26/2026

𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬
September 9, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
Cost: $10.00 (non-refundable)
Duration: 60 minutes

Understanding the basics of taxes that may be required for a small business is essential for the business owner to avoid potential issues with local, state and federal tax agencies.

At the conclusion of this webinar you will have a basic understanding of taxes that may be required for your business.
The state and local information is Florida specific, but the concepts are relevant to other states as well.

Topics to be Covered Include:
• Types of Businesses: Discussion of characteristics of different business entities
• State Business entities and Taxes: Difference between state and federal entities and taxes
• Federal business tax elections: How to make an entity election to the IRS
• State and local licenses: review of licenses that may be required at a state or local level.
• Business Taxes: Federal taxes such as payroll and state sales taxes
• Business Income Taxes: Review of Federal and state Income Tax requirements
• Insurance: types of insurance that may be needed for your business
• Record Keeping: the importance of keeping good records
• Estimated Taxes: requirements for paying estimated taxes

Register here: https://bit.ly/4wLNgj1