Entrepreneurship and Innovation HUB
Located in the Western Maryland Appalachian region, Frostburg State University (FSU) is a University System of Maryland anchor institution that serves as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and community resilience across the tri-state area that includes Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. FSU is pleased to announce the formation of its Entrepreneurship and Innovation HUB. Through an integrated entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, the HUB aligns academic expertise, applied research, and industry partnerships to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and emerging industries—providing coordinated support across the full innovation continuum from ideation to market expansion.
The Five Pillars of the FSU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub
The HUB is organized around five interconnected pillars that together form a cohesive, end-to-end ecosystem designed to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and accelerate regional economic impact.
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI)
The HUB is organized around five interconnected pillars that together form a cohesive, end-to-end ecosystem designed to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and accelerate regional economic impact.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
FSU's Western Region Small Business Development Center supports entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Western Maryland by providing no-cost, confidential consulting, training, and technical assistance. Services include business planning, financial management, access to capital, marketing strategy development, and regulatory compliance support. By serving both startups and established businesses, the SBDC helps strengthen local companies, supports job creation, and drives long-term economic impact across the region.
Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute (FOREI)
The Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute advances innovation in the outdoor economy, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and related industries—key economic drivers for Mountain Maryland and the broader tri-state region. FOREI integrates research, workforce training, outdoor economy-focused education, and business support to help communities and entrepreneurs activate natural assets in ways that promote sustainability and quality of place.
Appalachian Innovation Institute (AI2)
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Appalachian Innovation Institute serves as FSU's centralized platform for use-inspired research in emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. AI² connects faculty expertise, student talent, R1 university partners, industry, and government to solve real-world technical challenges.
Center for Product Design and Advanced Manufacturing (CPDAM)
The Center for Product Design and Advanced Manufacturing supports the transition from concept to commercialization by providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, advanced design software, prototyping capabilities, and manufacturing technologies including 3D printing and additive manufacturing. CPDAM helps entrepreneurs and small manufacturers reduce barriers to market entry, strengthen local supply chains, and grow regional manufacturing capacity.
Benefits to the Mountain Maryland and the Tri-State Region
Together, these five pillars create a cohesive, end-to-end ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to move seamlessly from idea development and education through business formation, product design, production, market entry, and organizational growth—without leaving the region. This integrated, end-to-end approach accelerates economic diversification, creates and retains jobs, strengthens rural and underserved communities, and positions Western Maryland as a region prepared to innovate and grow.
Alliances and Strategic Partnerships
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub at Frostburg State University is strengthened through strategic investments and collaborations with partners that provide funding, expertise, facilities, and policy alignment, including:
- Academic Collaborators: Allegany College of Maryland (including Western Maryland Works), Garrett Community College, Hagerstown Community College, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, West Virginia University, WVU Potomac State College, and the University System of Maryland.
- State of Maryland Partners: TEDCO, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Department of Planning, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
- Federal Agencies and Programs: Appalachian Regional Commission, National Science Foundation, Economic Development Administration, Small Business Administration and Department of Agriculture.
- Regional Economic Development Organizations: Allegany, Garrett and Washington County Economic Development offices and Chambers of Commerce, Rural Maryland Council, and the Tri-County Council.
- Industry and Private-Sector Partners: Tri-State Growth & Commerce Coalition (TGCC), including key regional employers such as Northrop Grumman, IBM, UPMC Western Maryland, The Belt Group, Beitzel Corporation & Pillar Innovations, First United Bank & Trust, and Somerset Trust Company and Apricity Advisors.
- Philanthropic and Community-Based Funders: FSU Foundation, Community Trust Foundation, Evergreen Heritage Center, and private donors committed to advancing rural entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development.
Get Involved in the FSU Entrepreneurship and Innovation HUB!