Kent County Economic Development

08/29/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞

The institute will launch its Distinguished Speakers Series with an event featuring former Delmarva governors discussing bipartisan efforts to manage the environment.

Read more here https://www.washcoll.edu/newsroom/articles/hogan-9-10-26.php

08/27/2026

A new regional partnership is helping students explore careers in aviation. The Upper Shore Regional Council’s CTE Liaison program brought together county education and economic development leaders with Easton Airport staff to learn about the airport’s Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program.

The Regional CTE Liaison initiative works across Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties to connect schools with industry partners, helping students explore high‑demand careers through real-world experiences.

For more information about the Easton Airport Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program, visit the Easton Airport website. https://eastonairport.com/ace/

Pictured: Connie Dean, Jeff Lankford, Adam Tolley, watching
State Helicopter doing training exercises over the field.
Photo taken by Nancy LaJoice

08/26/2026

𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬
September 9, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
Cost: $10.00 (non-refundable)
Duration: 60 minutes

Understanding the basics of taxes that may be required for a small business is essential for the business owner to avoid potential issues with local, state and federal tax agencies.

At the conclusion of this webinar you will have a basic understanding of taxes that may be required for your business.
The state and local information is Florida specific, but the concepts are relevant to other states as well.

Topics to be Covered Include:
• Types of Businesses: Discussion of characteristics of different business entities
• State Business entities and Taxes: Difference between state and federal entities and taxes
• Federal business tax elections: How to make an entity election to the IRS
• State and local licenses: review of licenses that may be required at a state or local level.
• Business Taxes: Federal taxes such as payroll and state sales taxes
• Business Income Taxes: Review of Federal and state Income Tax requirements
• Insurance: types of insurance that may be needed for your business
• Record Keeping: the importance of keeping good records
• Estimated Taxes: requirements for paying estimated taxes

Register here: https://bit.ly/4wLNgj1

08/24/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 – 𝐀 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬
September 2, 2026 1:00 pm EDT
𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭: 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞
Duration: 60 minutes

This workshop gives new founders a clear, practical roadmap for launching a business with confidence and focus. Participants learn to start with the customer’s problem, validate their idea early, and avoid common mistakes such as overcomplicating the business, targeting everyone, building before validating, or underestimating marketing.

The session breaks down the essential elements of a business model in plain language – identifying target customers, shaping a strong value proposition, selecting partners, pricing effectively, estimating startup costs, understanding break even, managing cash flow, and creating a simple, repeatable sales process. Real examples make each concept easy to grasp and apply.

A major emphasis is launching lean: building only what matters, releasing quickly, gathering feedback, and iterating through a tight loop of testing, soft launch, adjustment, and full launch. By the end, founders gain a streamlined approach, a validated direction, and the confidence to execute their next steps. They leave equipped to save time, reduce risk, avoid wasted money, and accelerate momentum from day one.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4gcWrEa

08/22/2026

Make plans now!

08/20/2026

*~ Check out the positions available in Kent County!! Find more job opportunities in this week’s issue of Tidewater Trader ~*

08/20/2026

The Kent County Commissioners released the 2026 Kent County Annual Report, the first comprehensive report of its kind, showcasing responsible growth, major infrastructure investments, strong fiscal stewardship, and a continued commitment to preserving the county’s rural character and exceptional quality of life.

The report showcases Kent County’s momentum through dynamic, clearly defined themes shaped by commissioner insights and countywide initiatives, giving residents an exciting, easy to follow “Year in Review” that highlights major achievements, milestone projects, and the strategic direction driving the county forward.

Kent County advanced targeted growth while protecting farmland, waterways, and small town character through Route 301 Corridor planning and expanded preservation efforts. Infrastructure improvements strengthened services across the county, highlighted by the new EMS Headquarters, modernization of the Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgrades at the Worton Community Center, enhancements to public landings, and extensive road maintenance.

Housing progress continued across senior, workforce, and community focused projects, including Millington Senior Housing, Kennedyville Phase 2, and residential planning along Route 301. Investments in parks, marinas, boat launches, recreation facilities, and agricultural heritage preservation reinforced Kent County’s rural identity and amenities. The County maintained strong reserves, minimized tax increases, and leveraged state and federal grants to expand services and efficiently fund capital projects.

The 2026 report reflects a unified vision centered on thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, rural preservation, and strategic investment. The Commissioners reaffirm their commitment to the guiding theme: Preserving Our Heritage. Planning Our Future.

The report highlights the commitment of county personnel through a series of “Department Profiles” and spotlights that showcase collective achievements, shared services advancements, emergency response efforts, and accomplishments from the grants division.

Read more. https://www.kentcounty.com/news_detail_T22_R47

08/19/2026

Celebrate 30 unforgettable years of jazz at the final Chestertown Jazz Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026, under the big tent at Wilmer Riverside Park along the beautiful Chester River!

Whether you’ve been part of the festival since 1996 or you’re joining for the very first time, this is your chance to be part of a truly historic final celebration. Come enjoy a full day of world‑class jazz, delicious food, beer, wine, ice cream, and the stunning riverside views that make this festival so special.

Let’s make this grand finale one to remember—see you at the river! 🎷

🎟️ Get your tickets today at

30th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival Presents Jazz by the River in Wilmer Park Saturday, September 12, 202612pm noon to 6pm Celebrating 30 Years of Extraordinary Jazz By The River Come ...

08/18/2026

Don't forget, rides are available to and from the food bank on August 25th at Olivet UMC in Galena.

08/16/2026

Congratulations to our raffle winners! 🎉

We are excited to share that the Basket, filled with $250 in gift cards and other wonderful local treasures, and the Bag, packed with unique goodies from the Summer MACo Conference, have both found their lucky winners.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing local businesses for their generosity and support. Your donations made these raffle prizes truly special, and we’re grateful for everything you do for our community.

Thank you! 🌟
Modern Stone Age
The Little Lemon Leaf Diner
Hickory Stick - A Unique Boutique
Wildly Native Flower Farm
Crow Vineyard & Winery
Brampton 1860
Houston's Dockside Emporium
Chesterville Trading Post
Jones Farm Station
Welcome Home Markets
Yarrow and Wren
Double Tap Tavern
Julie Schaeffer
Coco's Pet Center
The Finishing Touch