Rural Maryland business receives RBII funding
COLUMBIA, Md., (March 17, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $25,000 Pre-Seed Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) investment in Acorn Family Services.
“I've spent my whole life in rooms where families say goodbye to the people they love most. That experience is the foundation of Acorn. We exist for the moments when grief is heavy enough; you shouldn't have to carry the burden of a complicated, costly process, too. Just simple, dignified, affordable care, and a promise to help keep your loved one's memory alive, forever,” said Tom Herb, co-founder of Acorn Family Services. “With this Pre-Seed investment, we will be continuing our journey, expanding our reach and working to support more people.”
Acorn Family Services, located in Westminster, Md., seeks to provide online cremation services. These services aim to be seamless, affordable and respectful, allowing families to remove the complexities of traditional funeral planning.
“RBII is dedicated to supporting technology and life sciences startups in the rural regions,” said Graham Dodge, vice president of Venture Development, TEDCO. “Through this program, we are able to offer targeted support to those who often lack easy access to places and resources that can support company growth.”
TEDCO’s RBII fund was created to enhance technology commercialization and provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies in rural Maryland. This assists companies that are considered start-ups and small technology-based businesses, offering comprehensive support such as mentorship, additional funding opportunities and strategic business planning.
Learn more about TEDCO’s funding and resources here.