Launch
Promote Your Opening
- Celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting: A special event can be a great way to introduce your business to the community. Several local non-profits (including the Downtown Frederick Partnership and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce) offer special ribbon cutting marketing packages to maximize the buzz around the event. You may also request to have the Mayor or other City officials attend the ceremonies for additional publicity. Contact the City’s Economic Development team for more information.
- Submit a Free Press Release: PR Frederick is a no-charge press release distribution service provided through The City of Frederick and in collaboration with the Frederick County.
Trash and Recycling Pick-Up
The City’s Department of Public Works provides curbside trash pickup to all businesses located in City limits. Route schedules can be found on the City website. In the Downtown Commercial Business District, waste is collected six nights a week. Recycling is offered three nights a week in this designated area only. In all other areas of the City, trash is collected once a week. Trash should be set out after 5pm and before midnight on the evening preceding your collection day.
Commercial properties are limited to 320 gallons of refuse a week per property. The City will pick-up excess of this amount for an additional cost. This billing is addressed to the property owner. For large companies, shopping centers and business parks located outside of downtown, a private refuse hauler may be needed to meet your waste disposal needs. Contact the Department of Public Works at 301-600-1680 to set-up an account, purchase additional bins, or for more information.
Utility Billing
Water and sewer accounts are maintained in the name of the property owner. Account names are changed when a property is transferred. The City of Frederick Finance Department offers several options to pay utility bills, including online, by mail, walk-in, by phone, and drop-box. Explore the Utility Billing page on the City website or call 301-600-1421.
Sidewalk Maintenance
Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner or tenant depending on the terms of the lease. If a sidewalk tripping hazard is caused by a City-owned tree, the City will pay 50% of the cost of the repairs if the work is performed by the City’s contractor. When a property owner chooses to perform the work themselves or hire their own contractor, a “Sidewalk” permit is required prior to the start of work. Contact the Department of Public Works at 301-600-1680 with questions or for more information.
Winter Weather
Within the City, a snow emergency event will be announced to the public at least 2 hours prior to the start via the City website, social media, local media sources, and the Frederick County Emergency Notification system. Prior to the start of Snow Emergency event, all vehicles must be removed from designated Snow Emergency Routes within City limits. In some instances, the City may open public garages for free parking for the duration of the snow emergency event.
Property owners & tenants (depending on the terms of the lease agreement) are responsible for clearing ice and snow from sidewalks within 12 hours of the snowfall.
Downtown Parking
In addition to metered and unmetered street parking options, there are five public parking garages in Downtown Frederick. These include: East Church Street, Carroll Creek, Court Street, West Patrick Street and East All Saints Street. The City offers monthly parking pass options to businesses with employee parking needs. Businesses may purchase “Park and Shop” tickets at a discounted price to give to customers to assist with the cost of parking in the five public garages. For more detailed information or questions about parking-related issues, contact the City’s Parking Department at 301-600-1429.
Develop Your Workforce
Finding and retaining employees is an integral part of the success of any business.
- Frederick County Workforce Services: FCWS links businesses in need of qualified employees with individuals seeking employment opportunities. The organization can provide local labor data and trends, assist in the development of new job descriptions, and provide funding opportunities for workforce training initiatives.
- Free Job Boards: A number of local organizations offer free job listings, including: the Downtown Frederick Partnership, techfrederick, and Frederick County Workforce Services.
- Local Colleges: Frederick Community College • Hood College • Mount St. Mary’s University • University of Maryland System