WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S.
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded
a $60,000 grant to Western Maryland SCORE for its Regional Small Business Assistance program.

“Small businesses have always been the engine that drives our economy forward, particularly in tough times. This Appalachian Regional Commission grant will help create jobs and develop local businesses who will deliver the kind of services our community needs,” said
Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

“This federal funding is an important investment Allegany County’s future as well as future economic success in Western Maryland,”
Senator Mikulski said. “These funds will help entrepreneurs with the tools they need to get started and create businesses that keep Marylanders on the job.”

The Regional Small Business Assistance program will use ARC funding to provide a range of technical assistance to emerging entrepreneurs including business counseling, mentoring, training and preparation of business plans. SCORE will partner with the Western Maryland Small Business Development Center and Frostburg State University to provide these services.

Local sources will provide $70,000, bringing total funding of the project to $130,000. ARC estimates that 200 clients will be served, and 15 new businesses and 15 new jobs will be created as a result of these investments.

The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.