Small businesses in Garrett County that might not qualify for traditional bank financing have another option through the Tri County Council for Western Maryland’s Revolving Loan Fund. The program offers flexible gap financing on reasonable terms, aimed at businesses that need a boost to get off the ground or expand but don’t fit neatly into conventional lending criteria.
The “revolving” part of the fund’s name describes how it works: as businesses repay their loans, that money goes back into the fund and becomes available to finance the next round of local businesses. Over time, that structure means a single dollar invested in the fund can support multiple businesses as it cycles through repayment and re-lending.
Supporters of the program point to it as a practical tool for building long-term economic resilience across Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. By filling financing gaps that traditional lenders often leave open, the fund has helped area businesses create and retain jobs, contributing to a more stable regional economy over time.
The Tri County Council for Western Maryland administers the fund alongside other business support programs in the region, including workshops and coaching aimed at helping local companies plan for growth and long-term success.
Source: Garrett County, MD Business Development newsletter, August 2026.
