Kent County Economic Development

Business Support

Kent County’s Economic Development Office both leads and participates in activities designed to assist local and prospective businesses in achieving their company’s goals and objectives. The Economic Development Office strives to provide a centralized problem solving location for county, state, federal and private resources designed to continually improve the county’s business climate and living and working environment.

1. The Kent County Business Park at Worton is a newly formed and county-owned industrial business park consisting of four sites of approximately two acres each. Inquiries on site availability may be directed to Mr. Dick Barker, Associate Broker with Hogans Agency, Inc. He can be reached at 410-778-6858.
2. The Kent County Chamber of Commerce (Ms. Cindy Genther, Executive Director at 410.810.2968) works to promote and enhance the growing business climate in the county.
3. The Kent County Tourism Development Office (Ms. Bernadette Van Pelt, Director at 410.778.0416) has information and assistance on every facet of visiting and living in Kent County.
4. Washington College (800.422.1782 or 410.778.2800), located in Chestertown, and the 10th oldest college in the nation, is a private 4-year liberal arts college founded in 1782, and has provided a high level of business support and cultural enhancement to Kent County since its inception.
5. Chesapeake College (410.822.5400), located in Wye Mills, was founded in 1965 as Maryland’s first 5-county community college. The school provides a curriculum of 2-year studies in liberal arts and the sciences and has provided strong business support through various specific courses. In addition Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees are offered at the Higher Education Center through partnerships with Salisbury University and The University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
6. SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business” (410.810.0021) is a non-profit association which provides entrepreneurs no-cost, confidential face-to-face and email counseling.
7. The Small Business Development Center (410.827.5304), located at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, provides no-cost counseling and low-cost training programs to entrepreneurs of existing and developing businesses.
8. The Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), is a major partner with Kent County in attracting new businesses and retaining and expanding existing businesses. DBED publicizes Maryland’s attributes, and markets local products at home and abroad to stimulate economic development, international trade, tourism and promote film production in Maryland.
9. The Maryland Agricultural & Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBICO) 410-267-6807, mission is to assist Maryland's farm, forestry, seafood and recreation-based businesses to achieve profitability and sustainability by providing targeted services that help retain existing Ag/RBI production and commerce, promote rural entrepreneurship and nurture emerging industries.