Long Hours, Big Impact: St. Mary’s Celebrates Small Business Month

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — For Mike Hewitt, the reality of small business was learned long before adulthood — in the quiet hours of a Saturday morning, when work came first.

During the May 5 commissioners meeting, Hewitt reflected on decades spent working alongside his father, sharing a lesson that began long before most people started their day.

“I was 13 years old, and Saturday morning, 5 o’clock, my dad comes in, wakes me up, says, son, we gotta go to work,” Hewitt said. “I said, Dad, today’s Saturday. People don’t work on Saturday. We get today off. He goes, No, son, we’re in small business. We have to be on when people are off.”

That early introduction shaped a lifetime in business. Hewitt said his family’s business spanned nearly 53 years — 15 under his father and 38 under his leadership — serving as a powerful reminder of the message behind the county’s official proclamation designating May 2026 as Small Business Month.

“Small business is very tough,” Hewitt said. “So I commend anybody who starts a small business, ’cause I know they get up early, they work late, they worry a lot, and God bless them.”

Driving The Local Economy

According to the official proclamation, small businesses play a vital role in both economic growth and quality of life locally, across Maryland and throughout the United States.

The document further notes that small businesses generate a significant share of jobs in St. Mary’s County, with the majority employing fewer than five people.

County leaders emphasized that continued collaboration between government and local organizations helps create opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term growth. Through economic development strategies, business counseling and incentive programs, the county works to support businesses at every stage.

Highlighting Local Success

Emily Lacey, economic development specialist, outlined several initiatives taking place throughout the month to celebrate and support local businesses.

“We’re really excited this month to do three pop-in visits with our local businesses,” Lacey said, highlighting stops at Dixon Family Farm, Double T Oyster Ranch in Tall Timbers and Dennis Point Marina in South County.

Lacey also announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“This year, we just launched a new initiative out of our department called Flight Path to help support our local, small-business ecosystem,” she said. “We’re really excited to have our third event ever this Thursday at Techport. It’s a small-business training.”

The event is being held in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, which provides guidance and resources to entrepreneurs across the region.

From Ideas To Opportunity

Dr. Frank Clinton praised the collaborative effort between the county and business support organizations.

“Small businesses is definitely where it’s at,” Clinton said. “Not only is the work hard, but just to be able to be positive about your ideas, your thoughts, your concerns, and how you can actually take them from your kitchen table and make it a reality in St. Mary’s County.”

He added, “We appreciate you, and let’s keep going forward.”

Recognizing The Work Behind The Scenes

Cindy Greb echoed Hewitt’s sentiments, reflecting on her own experience in small business.

“I was in the same era with Mike Hewitt, and actually, many mornings in the same building with him,” Greb said. “So, it’s really hard work, and it’s, you know, nobody can understand it unless you’ve actually done it yourself.”

She also recognized the dedication of the county’s economic development team.

“Emily is there morning, noon and night, and the team is there on weekends and evenings, when everybody else is home enjoying their families,” Greb said.

A Community Call To Action

With the proclamation officially adopted, commissioners are encouraging residents to support the small businesses that serve as the backbone of the community.

From early mornings to late nights, Hewitt’s story reflects a shared reality for many local entrepreneurs, one built on sacrifice, resilience and the hope that their work will not only sustain them, but strengthen the community around them.

About St. Mary’s County Department Of Economic Development

The St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development works to support and grow a resilient, innovation-driven local economy by helping businesses at every stage. The department provides services including business start-up and development support, site selection assistance, workforce development, and guidance through local permitting and licensing processes. It also connects entrepreneurs with key resources, partnerships and data tools to help them launch, expand and succeed in the community.

Watch the full proclamation below at 17:09.

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