City Council explores matching funds for community engagement and support programs

The Montgomery County Economic Committee convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing local business networking and support programs. The meeting focused on funding opportunities and strategies to foster community engagement through small grants and cohort services.

The session began with a presentation on the matching funds available for business networking initiatives. A notable example discussed was the community engagement cluster program, which allows neighborhoods to apply for small grants, typically around $2,000, to match their own investments. This program aims to facilitate events that add value to local businesses, whether through networking opportunities or expert-led discussions on procurement at state and local levels.

Councilmember Balcom expressed enthusiasm for the proposed initiatives, particularly highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of federal contractors. He noted the necessity of filling gaps in support for these contractors, especially in light of potential changes in federal government operations. Balcom also emphasized the significance of maintaining one-on-one counseling services for entrepreneurs, despite the introduction of cohort models. He acknowledged that while both services serve different purposes, they are essential for supporting new entrepreneurs.

The committee's discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing business support mechanisms in Montgomery County, with a focus on both individual counseling and collaborative cohort programs. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of these initiatives in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Further steps will be taken to refine these programs and ensure they effectively meet the needs of local businesses.