Montgomery County business center reports outreach to more than 2,100 businesses; requests expanded legal and marketing support ahead of budget

Gene Smith, manager of the Montgomery County Business Center, told the county Economic Development Committee on Feb. 1 that the center assisted or engaged more than 2,100 businesses in 2024 and has added staff and new programming as it prepares for the upcoming operating budget.

Smith said the center offers “soup to nuts” business support — outreach by four business liaisons, a small‑business navigator and staff who manage contracts, grants and microloans — and that the team implemented a client relationship management system this year to better track services and outcomes.

The update came as council members pressed staff for details the committee will need for budget deliberations. Committee members and staff said the Business Center is identifying specific service gaps to include in the budget request and will share financial details and grant/loan tracking in writing before budget action.

Smith described staffing and services in detail. He said…