David W. Fletcher Incubator + Labs

HCC to host Spark! Innovation and Growth Conference

The Incubators + Labs at Hagerstown Community College will host the first-ever Spark! Innovation and Growth Conference, from May 6 to 8. This free, three-day conference is designed to empower and inspire entrepreneurship and help business leaders build momentum and gain resources. The event will offer an opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect and network with both resource providers and fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The conference will kick off with the “Sip, Sparkle, & Soar” event, designed to elevate women in their entrepreneurial journeys on Tuesday, May 6, at 5 p.m., in the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Studies building at HCC. Laurie Brewer of Glow Up Consulting will facilitate this session.

On May 7, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., there will be a “Spark After Dark” event hosted in the Career Programs Building at HCC. Hands-on workshop topics will include app development, marketing, pricing strategies, and transforming your sales mindset.

The conference will conclude on May 8 with the half-day “Light Your Spark” program, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Career Programs Building at HCC. Registration and networking begins at 8 a.m. and keynote speaker Maria Martinez will begin at 9 a.m. Ms. Martinez is the Special Secretary of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs at the Maryland Governor’s Office. She is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience and plans to share insights from her journey with attendees.

“Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, the Spark! Conference has something for everyone,” said Maureen Kolb, business incubator director at HCC. “It’s all about learning, connecting, and finding fresh inspiration—no matter where you are on your journey.”

The conference brings together Western Maryland’s inventors, makers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. The Spark! Innovation and Growth Conference is a completely free event for participants, made possible by local sponsors including M&T Bank, TEDCO, and F&M Trust. Registration is highly encouraged.

Register or learn more at www.incubatorhcc.com.

(April 10, 2025)