Montgomery County Councilmember Shebra Evans recently welcomed Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman for a community conversation focused on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across Montgomery County.
The visit began at Precious Moments Family Childcare, operated by Tiffany Jones, an early-childhood educator and chair of the Montgomery County Children’s Opportunity Alliance. Jones discussed challenges facing childcare providers, including staffing shortages, rising costs, regulatory requirements and financial pressures affecting home-based and small childcare businesses.
Evans and Lierman then met with eight local business owners at the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). Participants represented industries ranging from telecommunications and consulting to hospitality, childcare, beauty and professional services.
Business owners discussed their experiences navigating state regulations, workforce shortages and access to capital, while offering recommendations for changes they believe could strengthen Maryland’s business environment and help local companies grow.
“This week’s conversations underscored just how essential our local businesses and childcare educators are to sustaining and strengthening our community,” Evans said. “We appreciate Comptroller Lierman’s commitment to hearing directly from the people who power our local economy. Their stories and insights are invaluable as Maryland continues working to build a stronger, more supportive environment for families and businesses alike.”
“When Maryland’s local businesses thrive, so do our local communities,” Lierman said. “Hearing directly from business owners gives us the necessary insights needed to improve state services and ensure entrepreneurs have the resources, flexibility, and support to succeed. I’m grateful to Councilmember Evans for hosting me and for her steadfast commitment to elevating the voices of Maryland’s small business community.”
