F3 Tech Accelerator advances innovation & technology in agritech, aquatech, and envirotech Learn More

hotDesks coworking connects entrepreneurs & startups with the rest of the statewide ecosystem Learn More

Initiatives & Services

Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 2004 to help advance an entrepreneurship ecosystem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This includes the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester.

ESEC has two initiatives currently underway that are part of an overall strategy to encourage the organic development of high-growth, innovative, and scalable businesses and the jobs they create, with an emphasis on the region’s traditional industries of agriculture and seafood.

hotDesks is a network of coworking spaces that serves the needs of entrepreneurs and innovators throughout the Eastern Shore. Through programs and events targeted to innovative, high growth, and scalable startups, hotDesks helps connect the Eastern Shore with the rest of the statewide innovation and startup ecosystem in Baltimore/Washington corridor.
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F³ Tech Accelerator advances innovation and technology in the sectors of agriculture, aquaculture, and the environment. Through a pipeline of programs targeted to idea, early-stage, and scalable startups, participating F³ Tech organizers and partners strive to position Maryland as a nationally-recognized leader in agritech, aquatech, and envirotech.
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ESEC manages a portfolio of revolving loan funds available to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the Eastern Shore. A non-traditional funding source that is more accessible than traditional bank financing, startups and existing businesses are invited to apply for loans up to $200,000. Applications are accepted every six weeks.
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ESEC provides one-on-one technical assistance and mentoring which is available by appointment to assist startup or growth plans. A team of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and subject matter experts can assist not only startup businesses but existing businesses interested in scaling to the next level and in need of targeted help.
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ESEC helps connect the Eastern Shore to the rest of Maryland's statewide startup and innovation ecosystem. By attending events and programs you will have the opportunity to interact and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors and coaches, investors, along with state and federal resources all of which will aid you in achieving success.
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These Partners Help Bring Entrepreneurship & Innovation To Maryland's Eastern Shore

Leadership & Staff

Tony Kern Board President

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, Manager of Telecommunications and Technology Portfolio, retired; PinOak Capital Investment Fund, lead investor

Keasha Haythe Board Vice President

Anne Arundel Economic Development, Business Development Associate; Dorchester County Economic Development, former Executive Director; Maryland Economic Development Association, President

William McGowan Board Secretary

Community Development Consultant, self-employed; US Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, past State Director for Delaware/Maryland; University of Delaware, Extension Agent

John Elstner Board Treasurer

Kleinfelder Engineering, Client Account Manager; Chesapeake Bay Region Technology Council, Treasurer/Interim Executive Director; Chesapeake Innovation Center, Executive Director