Charles County's 2026 Business Appreciation Week

Celebrating Charles County’s Business Community During 2026 Business Appreciation Week

The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) is ready to celebrate local businesses during Business Appreciation Week from May 4 to 8, 2026!

Local businesses are at the heart of the region’s thriving economy, as they provide essential products, services, and job opportunities to Charles County. The weeklong event celebrates the invaluable contributions of business owners and shares our continued gratitude for their choice to do business in Charles County.

If you’re a small business interested in being visited for Business Appreciation Week, please click here.

Monday, May 4

Ribbon-cutting events will be held to celebrate businesses that are new to Charles County and existing businesses that have not yet held formal grand opening ceremonies. In collaboration with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, businesses will be identified to participate in this portion of the agenda. Invitations will be extended to the Board of County Commissioners, and a request for a County Seal and/or Citation will be submitted to the Commissioner’s Office.

EDD’s Business Services will host a working lunch for the BGAP 360 participants and faculty from the program’s three tracks. The session will provide a space for participants to connect, network, and share experiences, discussing opportunities and challenges within their businesses. The event will also serve as a listening session where BGAP 360 graduates can provide feedback on the program and learn about the resources available to support continued growth.

Tuesday, May 5

The Charles County Business Wellness Workshop will be held from 9 AM to 2 PM at the BI Building at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus. The event is designed for existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance from business experts and County Government agencies to start, grow, and expand their businesses. Facilitators and speakers will focus on topics relevant to today’s business environment, providing valuable insights and resources to support business success. An agenda will be available soon.

Charles County’s Circle of Services partners will participate in IGNITE presentations and will be on-site to connect directly with attendees and share available resources.

The Charles County Board of County Commissioners (CCBOCC) will also present a proclamation declaring the week of May 4th to 8th as Business Appreciation Week in Charles County.

Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7

Teams comprised of EDD staff, in collaboration with community leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders, will participate in local Business Engagement Visits.

Each team will visit business facilities to connect with owners and employees, recognize their substantial value to the community, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes faced by businesses in Charles County. If you are a small business interested in being visited during Business Appreciation Week, please click here.

Friday, May 8

To end Business Appreciation Week, the EDD, in partnership with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, will host a networking mixer welcoming all businesses visited during the Business Engagement Visits during the week. The networking mixer will be held at The Port Tobacco Restaurant and Marina.