CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development is accepting applications for the second cohort of CatalystQ: The Catalyst of Minority Business Excellence in Queen Anne’s County, a business training accelerator designed to help minority-owned businesses build a stronger foundation for growth.
CatalystQ will select up to 10 minority-owned businesses operating in Queen Anne’s County to receive hands-on business coaching and mentorship tailored to their needs.
Participants will receive assistance with business planning, marketing and connecting with professional resources, along with a microgrant to support strategic investments in their businesses.
“We saw firsthand through our first CatalystQ cohort how valuable it can be for business owners to have access to the right guidance, resources and connections at the right time,” Heather Tinelli, director of Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, said in a news release.
“We’re excited to build on that success with a second cohort and give more minority entrepreneurs in Queen Anne’s County the tools and support they need to take the next step in growing their businesses,” she added.
The program returns after a successful inaugural cohort that graduated eight minority-owned businesses.
Two of those graduates went on to place in the 2026 Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow, a regional entrepreneurship competition bringing together entrepreneurs and startups from Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties.
For its second year, CatalystQ will be led by Bay Crossing Consulting, which will provide coaching and guidance throughout the program.
For DeSales Ward, managing member of Garden Warrior LLC, participating in CatalystQ’s first cohort provided support that translated directly into growing her business. [Garden Warrior received $1,000 as runner-up in the 2026 Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow. The landscaping venture is dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor solutions.]
“The timing of this program was quintessential to the growth of my business. I utilized the grant funding to purchase QuickBooks accounting software and have an employee handbook and service agreements prepared by an attorney,” Ward said in a statement.
Ward also credited the program’s broader business guidance, adding, “The guidance was vast and broad, covering every key point in starting a business and running a business.”
CatalystQ is designed to help participating businesses strengthen their operations, increase revenues, improve their resilience and position themselves for continued growth in Queen Anne’s County.
Eligible applicants must be minority-owned businesses operating in Queen Anne’s County and be prepared to commit the time and effort necessary to participate fully in the program.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
For more information and to apply, visit choosequeenannes.com/catalystq.
Applicants will be notified by Sept. 9, and the second CatalystQ cohort will begin in September/October 2026.
Funding for CatalystQ is provided by the Community Reinvestment & Repair Act and Upper Shore Regional Council, with support from the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners.
