Where to Find Answers… about the potential benefits of Chestertown’s Arts & Entertainment District, and more.
Chestertown A&E District
410-778-7330
chestertownae@gmail.com
Maryland State Arts Council
www.msac.org
Mr. Steven Skerritt-Davis
Deputy Director
steven.skerritt-davis@maryland.gov
410-767-6494
Maryland Comptroller’s Office
taxhelp@comp.state.md.us
410-260-7980
GCI Revolving Loan Program
Also known as the “Open for Business in Chestertown” program, the Greater Chestertown Initiative Revolving Loan Fund was established by the GCI, a local networking organization, and SFW Foundation to aid economic development in Chestertown. It provides financial assistance through matching funds and interest-free loans to eligible individuals/businesses looking to start a new business, expand or relocate operations to Chestertown. Residency in the town is not required of the business owner(s); however, the business must be physically located in Chestertown. Download a packet about the program here.
Downtown Chestertown Association
(DCA) is a non-profit, member-based organization that promotes businesses and professional services in and around Chestertown through activities that encourage residents and tourists to visit and shop locally. It also organizes and promotes numerous popular events such as First Fridays, Taste of the Town, Crazy Days, and Holiday Celebrations.
www.downtownchestertown.org
Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development
www.kentcounty.com/business & www.kentcounty.com/visitor.
This county department is a valuable resource for those interested in opening or expanding a business in the county, including the county seat of Chestertown. It collaborates with state and regional programs of interest to business owners.
Contact: Ms. Jamie Williams, Economic and Tourism Development Director, at 410-810-2168, or jlwilliams@kentgov.org.
Maryland Business Lending Programs, Community Development Administration
Part of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, this agency offers low interest loans to start or grow businesses in the state.
Contact: Business Lending Team
dhcd.businesslending@maryland.gov or 301-429-7408
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
This group offers pro bono legal services and education to eligible artists and arts organizations on issues ranging from business entity creation to copyrights and contracts.
www.mdvla.org
info@mdvla.org
410-752-1633
Maryland Small Business Development Center
This partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Maryland has an Eastern Region Headquarters at Salisbury University and an office at nearby Chesapeake College in Wye Mills. To learn about its free consulting for new or existing business ventures contact consultants Richard Loeffler, rloeffler@chesapeake.edu or Greg Bartoo gfbartoo@salisbury.edu www.marylandsbdc.org