Thursday, March 16, 2017

Inspiring Office: Regent Education Settles Info New Space Along the Creek

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires. From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs.  


Inspiring Offices is a feature that highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

This month, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at software company Regent Education's new space in Union Knitting Mills. Located along Carroll Creek Park, the building has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. The former knitting mill is a sprawling former factory and reminder of Frederick's industrial past. Today it is home to Regent Education, the building's first tenant. Plans for the building include adding additional tenants and retail on the first floor. 

Steve Ellis with Regent Education took a few minutes to share why they chose Union Knitting Mills and what it offers employees. 




Why did you choose your current office location and how long has Regent Education been located here? 

Regent chose its current location at Union Mills because we love Downtown Frederick; it is a major appeal to our employees.  What a great space for the company to grow!  Regent has been Downtown for 10 years and we’re now in our fourth location.  



Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?

The building had been very run down and somewhat dilapidated—far from move-in ready. It took more than two years to build to both our specifications and the city’s historic district qualifications. We designed the office space with an architect, and it was incredible to see it take shape. We’re looking forward to the completion of the remainder of the building.



What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?

We used a modern/contemporary design with industrial-period pieces.  The space is outlined with exposed brick, original hardware and retro-fitted steampunk fixtures.  It also includes state of the art heating/air conditioning, as well as energy-saving electrical outlets and lights.  



What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

First of all, it is on the Linear Park at Carroll Creek, so it may very well have one of the best views of Downtown and East Frederick.  We also enjoy the original lifts and trolleys that remain intact in many suites throughout the building.  



What do you or your employees like best about the office space?

Our employees mostly love the open concept floor plan, convenience of parking, new amenities and artful marriage of old and new fixtures.



Local Startup Debuts Gourmet Greens Locally During Frederick Restaurant Week




For local entrepreneur Evan Bromfield, Frederick Restaurant Week was the perfect opportunity to launch his gourmet greens locally. Over the last several months, Bromfield has been perfecting his vertical hydroponics farm, Rosemont Horticulture. The business has been selling starter plants and other greens to a distributor in D.C., and select herbs are sourced to a pizzeria. Last week, his product made its debut in Frederick when a few pounds of his lettuce were incorporated into Red Horse's Frederick Restaurant Week menu.

Locally, "Red Horse is the first restaurant we worked with," said Bromfield. "They used our greens for Restaurant Week in a blackened tuna salad." 

Rosemont Horticulture started with a variety of greens and microgreens, and the company is shifting its products to suit customers' tastes. Basil and lettuce are popular sellers, according to Bromfield, and the company is planning to accommodate the demand.

Bromfield sees the growth potential for his business. "All is going well, and we've been selling small quantities for a few months," he said. "We're doing a quick pause to build out some more shelving etc., but we'll be in full swing April or May."

Frederick's reputation as a dining destination has grown over the years, paving the way for local products like his to find their way onto menus.

For more information, visit The Urban Vertical Farming Project.  









10 City Resources to Launch or Grow Your Business

Photo Courtesy of Visit Frederick/C. Kurt Holter

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development (DED) is dedicated to helping businesses start up and grow in Frederick. Whether a retail shop or tech company, knowledgeable staff can provide information and connect entrepreneurs and existing businesses with valuable resources to thrive in Frederick. 


Below are ten areas where DED can provide assistance. 
  1. Start-up information
  2. Location assistance
  3. Press release distribution through PR Frederick
  4. Interdepartmental coordination
  5. Business advocacy
  6. Local data
  7. Market research reports, such as the retail report
  8. Community connections
  9. Finance program information
  10. Educational resources
To leverage these resources, contact The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development to discuss your needs. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

2017 New & Expanding Businesses


In collaboration with partners, the Department of Economic Development celebrates grand openings, business expansions, and commemorative anniversaries within the Frederick business community each year.  This list is a summary of new business openings and expansions within The City of Frederick based on events held by Downtown Frederick Partnership, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and businesses hosting their own celebrations.

January 2017

February 2017
 March 2017
April 2017
May 2017
June 2017
 July 2017


Partner Spotlight: SCORE Frederick


This month, our Partner Spotlight highlights a resource for both new and existing small businesses in Frederick. SCORE Frederick provides no charge, confidential business consulting services through a team of volunteers with robust business experience. We spoke with SCORE mentor Jerry Bory to learn more about the organization and the resources available to businesses in Frederick.

1. What is SCORE's mission?
SCORE provides professional guidance and information, accessible to all, to maximize the success of America’s existing and emerging small businesses. SCORE is a nonprofit all volunteer organization with 310 chapters across the country. In Maryland, our six chapters helped start 940 new businesses that created 962 jobs (2014).

2. What are your top priorities?
Our priorities for 2017 include serving more clients than last year, increasing the number of mentors in our chapter, increasing the number of educational workshops we conduct, and enhancing our marketing plan for promoting our free confidential services.

3. How did SCORE get started?
Our chapter started in 1999 with strong backing from our greatest advocate, the late Chris Olsen, the director of the local SBDC office. Throughout the years, many dedicated chapter members have donated their time and talents to help our chapter.

4. Can you share any upcoming events?

The Frederick Chapter will provide 14 interactive workshops this year and each is designed for start-ups, small, and mid-sized businesses. Our first two events this year include:


Grow Your Business with Email & Social Media - Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies, tools and tactics to make marketing as effective as possible, only to feel overwhelmed with the number of possibilities available to them.This workshop will answer some of the important questions that will help you move your marketing in the right strategic direction.

March 23, 2017
6 - 9 p.m.
Frederick Community College
Cost: $25

Strategic Selling & Marketing for Small Businesses -  Strategic Selling and Marketing does not mean making more sales calls, relying heavily on social media and internet promotion, and networking. These are generally considered tactics! It means marketing and selling to your company’s strengths, building strategic partnerships, knowing your market and beating your completion. This requires critical assessment, fresh thinking, and commitment by you and your staff to improving your business. It is STRATEGY! 

April 6, 2017
4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Frederick Community College
Cost: $40 

5. What type of companies are best positioned to take advantage of your services? 

We serve three types of clients: early stage entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses. We provide help and advice on business plans, organizational structure, understanding the market place and competition, and more.




Connect with SCORE Frederick
4539 Metropolitan Court Frederick, MD 21704
240.215.4757