FlightPath Program Aims To Strengthen Small Business Support Network In St. Mary’s County

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Government Department of Economic Development officials introduced a new initiative aimed at expanding local support for entrepreneurs and small businesses through a yearlong series of training sessions, networking events and community resource programs.

The initiative, called FlightPath, was presented to the St. Mary’s County Economic Development Commission by Emily Lacey, an economic development specialist with the county, and Dr. Frank Clinton, a consultant with the St. Mary’s County Small Business Development Center.

FlightPath is a yearlong St. Mary’s County initiative designed to connect entrepreneurs with practical training, trusted resource partners and opportunities to build relationships through training, fireside chats, networking events and a business resource fair. The program is open to all industries, including Main Street businesses and non-defense UAS startups, and is focused specifically on St. Mary’s County.

At its core, FlightPath is aimed at reducing barriers, increasing awareness of available resources and fostering collaboration among the many organizations that support entrepreneurs. The initiative is intended to help business owners find guidance, apply what they learn and grow within St. Mary’s County.

Lacey said FlightPath was developed in response to a recommendation in the St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, which called for expanding the ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, including support for non-defense UAS startups, Main Street businesses and general innovation.

“Our FlightPath objective is to advance local economic development by empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs with accessible training, strategic connections and increased visibility of available resources,” Lacey said. “Equipping them with knowledge, networks and tools needed to start, sustain and scale their operations.”

Clinton said the county’s Department of Economic Development often served as a first point of contact for entrepreneurs.

“The door opener starts with DED,” Clinton said. “Come on in. Let’s find out what you really need.”

Yearlong Initiative Will Feature Trainings, Fireside Chats, Networking Events And A Business Resource Fair

FlightPath’s 2026 calendar included eight events divided into three formats: fireside chats, training and networking events. Lacey said the program’s events included a March 12 fireside chat at the Lexington Park Library and a May 7 training at TechPort at AeroPark led by Clinton focused on entrepreneurship fundamentals, including business plans and differences between entrepreneurship and traditional small business ownership.

There is a networking event scheduled for June 18, and a second training planned for Aug. 13 is expected to focus on accessing grants, loans and local resources, with participation from lender partners and the Small Business Administration. A business resource fair is also planned for Oct. 22 at the Carver School Maker Space, with potentially more than 35 resource partners expected to participate.

The year is scheduled to conclude with an end-of-year social and awards program on Dec. 10, with proposed award categories including Entrepreneur of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Rising Star, Next Generation Development and Innovation.

Lacey encouraged community members and partner organizations to help spread the word and connect entrepreneurs to programming and resources.

“It takes a whole community to be an ecosystem,” Lacey said.

Program details, registration links and flyers will be available through the FlightPath website.

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