MAGIC CONJURES USDA GRANT FUNDING
Funding will support cybersecurity job creation in rural communities.
WESTMINSTER, MD – August 21st, 2020 – The Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory
(MAGIC) is pleased to announce that they are recipients of a USDA Rural Business
Development Grant. Funds will be used to support MAGIC’s efforts in cybersecurity education,
workforce development, and job creation.
“This support from the USDA will help us create more cyber jobs and opportunities here in
Carroll County, where our economy is increasingly being driven by the cybersecurity industry,”
said Graham Dodge, Executive Director of MAGIC. “Ultimately we want to reverse the outward
flow of commuters and connect ‘Gen Z’ back into our own communities.”
The funding will also support MAGIC’s development of a cybersecurity assessment and
outreach plan to regional businesses of all sizes dealing with the increased risk of cyber threats,
“which is almost every business these days,” added Dodge.
The USDA describes the project, which primarily serves Maryland’s 8th Congressional District
(Jamie Raskin-D), as follows: This Rural Development investment will be used to support the
development of small and emerging businesses in Carroll County. Mid Atlantic Gigabit
Innovation Collaboratory is a leader in the local technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The project will fund the development of rural learning programs that provide educational
instruction or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement for
adult students.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, I am privileged to
announce this Rural Business Development Grant Award,” said Denise Lovelady, State Director
for USDA Rural Development for Delaware and Maryland. “Investments like this are paramount
to the goals of President Trump set forth in his Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
Report. This investment will help retain and grow Carroll County’s workforce. It is truly an honor
to give back to the communities and help those seeking family sustaining jobs.”
About MAGIC:
MAGIC (the Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
headquartered in Westminster, MD. MAGIC’s mission is to build a tech ecosystem that creates
and nurtures talent, entrepreneurship, and tech businesses, elevating the Westminster gigabit
community to lead the Mid-Atlantic region. The City of Westminster provides key financial
support to MAGIC.
To learn more, reach out to MAGIC today.