Campus News
February 24th, 2026
GC, TEDCO partner on economic development
Myers, Perando to serve as Entrepreneurs in Residence at the GIEC
Jeremy Perando
Sara Myers
Garrett College's Business Solutions Department and Maryland's Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) are collaborating on an Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) program within the College's Garrett Information Enterprise Center (GIEC) in support of TEDCO's mission of economic development in Western Maryland.
Funded through a TEDCO grant, the initiative is expected to increase access to mentorship, innovation programming, and capital connections for Garrett County entrepreneurs, with a focus on strengthening engagement with technology-based ventures and scalable startups.
The program will be managed within Garrett College's Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development by Business Solutions. Business Solutions manages the GIEC, a college-based incubator which currently houses six tenants in various stages of entrepreneurial development, while maintaining strong working relationships with Garrett County Economic Development, the Western Maryland Small Business Development Center, and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to support entrepreneurial development in Garrett County.
"The enhanced partnership with TEDCO will provide Garrett County residents with greater access to the organization's services and resources, with the EIRs providing advising sessions, workshops, innovation clinics, and various outreach activities throughout the next year," said Dr. Kim Govi, Garrett College's coordinator of professional education.
Sarah Myers and Jeremy Perando have been selected as the two Entrepreneurs in Residence.
"Our approach to the Request for Proposal (RFP) was unique, in that we proposed two of our GIEC tenants to share the EIR role for Garrett County," said Julie Yoder, GC's dean of continuing education and workforce development. "Sarah and Jeremy have complimentary skillsets which will benefit aspiring and established entrepreneurs seeking services and resources. The EIRs will dedicate time to mentoring, connecting founders to regional investment capital, and serving as TEDCO liaisons in Garrett County."
Myers, who holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), is a GIEC tenant who is a leader in entrepreneurial ecosystem building and the co-creator of the award-winning Power of Possibilities (POP) initiative. She has expertise in communications, operations management, and collegiate teaching, making her ideally suited to lead the next phase of local entrepreneurship support.
Perando, a specialized business/computer science expert, will be focused on complementing Myers' skills by concentrating on startup mentorship, workshops, and innovation clinics, as well as STEM and robotics community engagement and outreach. He founded Xologies, Inc., a Maryland-based systems integration company specializing in network architecture, automation, and digital infrastructure for commercial, education, and government clients.
"Together, the EIRs will serve as local liaisons to TEDCO while working to expand entrepreneurial engagement and technology-based venture growth in Garrett County," said Govi. "This partnership represents a significant step in reinforcing Garrett College's role as a regional driver of innovation and economic development."
