The Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund seeks to fund infrastructure projects to support economic development activity, stimulate private investment, and grow jobs in the state's rural counties.

The Xcel Launch Program is committed to assisting individuals with starting, running, or growing a small business by offering coaching, specialized training, and development services that ensure successful outcomes. The incubator is located in the E.M. Tobias Family Center, 324 E. Antietam Street, Suite 204B, in Hagerstown, one block off the Dual Highway, with easy access to I-70 and Washington County bus routes. Tenants and their customers or clients have access to an on-site Walgreens and SILT Coffee Shop. Qualified program participants can receive up to one year of free shared workspace—including a desk, phone, mail service, internet access, printers/copiers, meeting or training space, and more.

"Starting a company can be intimidating for the first-time entrepreneur or nonprofit director," said Lori Wriston, ValorExcel's CEO. "There's a lot of hard work, self-discipline, uncertainty, and obstacles -- some critical to the enterprise's success. Our training sessions will focus on topics that will give business leaders the information they need to begin or improve their operations. They'll also learn practical and time-saving strategies from people who have already done it, overcome the temptation to quit when the times get tough, and find success."

Meeting regularly with a business coach allows participants to assess and review their business strategy, plan the best way forward to get maximum results, and execute their action plan with focus and determination. With One-On-One Coaching, participants will get the necessary clarity about the current state of their business, a clear sense of direction for their business, and faster results.

ValorExcel welcomes people to visit their business incubator by calling 240-329-9387 or emailing info@valorexcel.com. To find out more about the program, visit www.valorexcel.com/xcel-launch.

If you would like more information about this story, or to speak with Lori Wriston directly, please call 240-329-9387 ext. 287 or email loriw@valorexcel.com.  Or, visit www.valorexcel.com for a complete overview of their services