Pandemic Assistance

With staff of two and many great partners in both public and private sectors, we deployed nearly $14 million to over twelve hundred small businesses throughout all corners of Wicomico County to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We especially appreciate and thank our small business community for their support and participation in our programs. Throughout the pandemic, we witnessed neighbors helping neighbors and even competitors helping competitors. We heard individual and family stories of the trials and tribulations of running a business. We were invited into your businesses and in some cases, your homes. The resilience of our business community, positivity during uncertain and challenging times was remarkable and creates that fabric of community which makes our county so special

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MD Secretary of Ag Visits Wicomico County

June 26, 2025
SWED hosted Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks recently as he and his team visited Wicomico County. Dani Winters, principal of Winters Farm Florals began the day with a tour of her fresh cut flower business in Hebron. A Roundtable discussion followed at Green Hill and we finished the day with pie and ice cream (plus meaningful conversation) at Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs. The event provided the opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among Wicomico’s Ag Community and the State Department of Agriculture.

Economic Impact Study Underway

June 17, 2025
Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development (SWED) has engaged BEACON at Salisbury University to conduct an economic impact study of the Port of Salisbury on our region's economy. Among other data sets, the analysis will include the value of shipments, jobs related to the port and the estimated efficiencies water commerce provides versus alternative transportation methods. The study will include the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of the port. SWED's Executive Director David Ryan said 'I think most people understand the importance and value of waterborne commerce to our economy as a whole and our supply chain specifically. This study will quantify that value and highlight the critical role the port plays in our economy'. The report is expected to be complete in early fall, 2025.

HopFlyt Locates to UAS Innovation Center

November 24, 2024
HopFlyt is dedicated to developing and commercializing next generation Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft and has located to the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico County Regional Airport’s (SBY) Unmanned Autonomous Innovation Center. The center is a new and purpose built facility designed as a hub to accelerate commercial UAS adoption in this unique geographical environment. HopFlyt will continue to development and test their electric and hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft product line.