For Additional Information
Trish Heidenreich
Director of Economic Development

Town of Bel Air
Economic Development Department
37 N. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-838-0584/410-879-2012
Fax: 410-838-0585

Purpose - Bel Air’s economic development program focuses on creating policies, programs and activities that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the local community.  The Town co-partners with numerous public, private and non-profit organizations involved in economic development, such as the Harford County Office of Economic Development, The Bel Air Downtown Alliance and the Maryland Small Business Development Center, to sustain and enhance business recruitment and retention, and identify funding sources for small businesses.  This helps to create and retain jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base.  The economic development program also focuses on tourism, cultural arts and public amenity development such as parking garages, pedestrian pathways, parks and public art.   These efforts provide the economic stimulus necessary to preserve Bel Air’s unique character, making it a great place to live, work and play for citizens of all ages.

Archer - Bull Award
This architectural design award is presented for exceptional design of new construction or rehabilitation projects. Nomination forms are available to download. These are reviewed in September of each year.

2011 Nomination Form

Available Space Inventory
The Economic Development Department publishes a quarterly report identifying commercial properties that are available for lease or sale. Interested parties may contact the property owner or representative for further details. If you are looking for commercial property in Bel Air, please check the attached quarterly report. If you would like to advertise a commercial property that is within the Town boundaries, please contact the department at 410.838.0584 or 410.879.2012.

March 2012 Inventory

March 2012 Map

Business Assistance Publications
The Economic Development Department maintains several publications (free of charge) for individuals interested in starting a new business, operating a home-based business, or finding a business location. For more information, contact the department at 410.838.0584 or 410.879.2012.

PDF Download

Demographic Information
The Town of Bel Air is the governmental, financial, commercial and medical center for Harford County with a large daytime population and a rural suburban character.

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Façade Improvement Program
The goal of the Bel Air Façade Improvement Program is to improve the exterior appearance of buildings in the Town’s commercial areas in order to attract new businesses, maintain existing businesses and make Bel Air a desirable place for individuals and families to live, work, shop and enjoy a high quality of life.  The program awards matching funds up to $5,000.00, for upgrades and improvements to building exteriors and signage.  Funds may be used to pay for labor, materials and design, exterior painting, wall refacing, masonry pointing, window and door replacement, awnings, signage and various restoration work.  In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a property owner or building tenant located within the area defined as the Bel Air Façade Improvement Project Area (see attached map). 

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Fee Schedule    

 click here for 2011/2012 fee schedule

Marketing Data
The Economic Development Department maintains a wide variety of materials intended to assist local businesses and prospective businesses. Some items of possible interest include a Market Study, an available space inventory which is updated quarterly and several promotional pamphlets about shopping, parking and events within the Town. To view a copy of the current Market Study click on the PDF Download below.

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Route 1 Corridor Economic Revitalization Strategy
This Economic Revitalization Strategy for Route 1 in the Town of Bel Air highlights a vision for transforming the Route 1 Corridor into a pedestrian-friendly mixed use urban street. It provides guidance only and a direction for implementation. It is a starting point. Although, there are some detailed recommendations, this document is a work-in-process that gives the Town’s officials, businesses and land owners, and residents a concept for what could occur. How this vision is accomplished will unfold over time through public and private investment, partnerships and individual endeavors. To view a copy of the Route 1 Report click on the PDF Download below.

PDF Download

Small Business Assistance Program
The Town of Bel Air provides assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs to help maximize revenue and support their vision and goals for their business. The Town works in partnership with the Harford County Office of Economic Development to provide financial analysis and assistance programs, and with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at Harford Community College to provide assistance with marketing, finance, production, engineering, technology and business plan preparation. Access to training programs and information on the variety of loans from the SBDC is also available through the Town’s economic development program.

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 Bel Air Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment Home Page