Maryland: Traditional Small Business Recognition Program

Maryland Traditions, the folklife program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), recently announced the Traditional Small Business Recognition Program. The new program is a collaborative initiative of Maryland Traditions, MSAC, the Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. The program will recognize the cultural contributions of small businesses that serve as a model and perpetuate Maryland’s traditional cultural forms and experiences. In Maryland, small businesses, such as those centered in communities for multiple generations, often serve as the public place where residents and visitors gather to experience living traditions in context. Small businesses and the traditions they embody and strengthen are worthy of recognition and celebration. The intent of the program is that small businesses in Maryland will benefit from the additional business and attention this recognition could generate. Categories for nomination in the program include family businesses, artisan, entertainment, creative design, food, service, merchandise, industrial, agricultural, maritime, recreation and textiles. To find out more, contact MSAC Program Director for Folk and Traditional Arts Clifford Murphy or Maryland Traditions Co-Director Elaine Eff.