AAEDC CEO Ben Birge Discusses All-Things Economic Development on Eye On Annapolis Podcast

August 23, 2021

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) was recently featured on the Eye On Annapolis Podcast’s Local Business Spotlight, an interview series highlighting local businesses in Anne Arundel County:

Local Business Spotlight: Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

CEO Ben Birge sat down with John Frenaye, Eye on Annapolis publisher and podcast host, in AAEDC’s office to discuss all-things economic development in Anne Arundel County – above all, how AAEDC “helps businesses of all shapes and sizes at every step of the process” by connecting them with the resources that help them survive and thrive (even if the resources aren’t at AAEDC and even if the business owners don’t know they need them!).

Discussion topics include how AAEDC:

• works to retain and strengthen businesses in, plus attract new ones to, Anne Arundel County through real estate selection, financing, mentoring, and more.
• helps passionate people “convert their talent into new (and successful) businesses.”
• awarded $31.4 million to almost 2100 small businesses and nonprofits during the pandemic “with more speed, accountability, and service than any other economic development organization in the state.”
• launched the Inclusive Ventures Program (IVP), an initiative that provides resources including education, access to capital, and hands-on training and mentorship to small, minority, women and veteran owned businesses in Anne Arundel County, in January 2021 – and was so successful that AAEDC is currently reviewing applications for its fall cohort!

Listen to Ben’s full interview “wherever you get your pod” (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, etc.) or right here:

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