Pilot program to bring experienced entrepreneurs to budding innovators in Western Maryland
COLUMBIA, Md., (February 3, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the selected entities and entrepreneurs for the Western Maryland Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) Grant Program. The program encompasses three of Maryland’s counties—Washington, Allegany and Garrett—where TEDCO will support the implementation of experienced entrepreneurs throughout local ecosystems, allowing for continued growth across communities.
“Through this program, we are hopeful that we can redesign the way we connect with counties, allowing us to expand our support and giving entrepreneurs the curated assistance needed,” said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO, TEDCO.
The selected grantee organizations include Hagerstown Community College, Allegany Economic & Community Development, and Garrett College. Each entity will be responsible for collaborating with TEDCO to align EIR activities with broader ecosystem goals, including outreach, startup engagement, data collection and reporting.
“By placing experts in the ecosystem for entrepreneurs to reach out to, we are enhancing our collaborative efforts and facilitating direct collaboration to help founders in the region connect to the resources TEDCO offers,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance & operations officer, TEDCO.
The four selected entrepreneurs-in-residence include:
- Laurie Brewer, based at Hagerstown Community College
- Ardon Hall, based at Allegany Economic & Community Development
- Sarah Myers, based at Garrett College
- Jeremy Perando, based at Garrett College
“We are excited to see this program come to fruition,” said Graham Dodge, vice president, Venture Development, TEDCO. “We are hopeful that, through this initiative, we will be able to reach more entrepreneurs, support more opportunities and encourage more innovation.”
The Western Maryland EIR Program rests under the Venture Development department. For more information about the different resources and opportunities this department offers, visit tedcomd.com/resources/venture-development.