Montgomery County Celebrates National Small Business Week

Image courtesy of Montgomery County Government

Last week, Montgomery County, Md. celebrated National Small Business Week, a week dedicated to recognizing the contributions of small businesses owners and entrepreneurs. With over 95% of businesses in the county employing 50 or fewer individuals, small businesses are the backbone of our local economy^[1].

To mark the week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich visited small businesses, including Yeneta Language & Culture Academy, an Ethiopian cultural and language center located in Silver Spring and is a recipient of a Montgomery County MOVE Grant, a financial incentive meant to help businesses sign their first commercial lease in the county or expand their lease space by at least 500 square feet. Like many businesses across all industries, the MOVE Grant is a great program to support their growth and expansion in the county. Rakeb Zeleke, the owner of the Academy, explained that because of the grant, the Center is able to help more children thrive through language, culture, and music.

Montgomery County’s commitment to small businesses is evident in its comprehensive support ecosystem, and the MOVE Grant is only one of several innovative incentives that the County offers to small businesses looking to move or expand in the area. Companies that are not part of our key industries can find support and assistance through the Montgomery County Business Center. Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand, our business ecosystem offers the tools and community to help you at every stage of growth.

^[1] Montgomery County Business Center