Professional Development
Education is at the heart of everything we do. As part of Hagerstown Community College, the Incubators + Labs are built on the belief that the best entrepreneurs never stop learning — and that access to practical, real-world education shouldn't stop at a diploma. Being embedded within HCC means our members benefit from a direct connection to one of the region's leading educational institutions, giving us the resources, instructors, and expertise to bring meaningful professional development directly to the people building businesses in our community.
Pit Sessions
Every Pit Session, our monthly member gathering, includes a dedicated hour of professional development led by experienced local experts, covering practical, real-world topics, including:
- Taxes — Understanding your obligations and planning ahead as a small business owner
- Marketing — Building a brand and reaching the right customers
- AI & Technology — Practical ways to use AI tools to save time and stay competitive
- Goal Setting — Turning your vision into a concrete, achievable plan
- Communications — Sharpening how you talk to customers, partners, and your team
- Leadership — Growing as a leader as your business and team grow
Ongoing Classes & Workshops
We offer classes throughout the year on the practical tools and skills entrepreneurs need to run their business day to day. Past and upcoming topics have included:
- QuickBooks — Managing your books and staying on top of your business finances
- Canva — Creating professional marketing materials and social content without a design background
- Finding Your Customer — Identifying and reaching the people most likely to buy from you
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
All of our professional development classes and workshops are offered in partnership with HCC's Workforce Development and Continuing Education division, giving participants the opportunity to earn real, Continuing Education Units (CEUs) — not just informal learning, but credit that counts.
Additional Training
In addition to our own classes and workshops, we connect members with free and discounted training opportunities through our partnerships with the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, and other community partners. These sessions are offered both virtually and in person, covering additional business topics beyond what we offer directly — giving our members even more ways to keep learning at little to no cost.