Development News for Bowie, Maryland

Buoie Business Innovation Center Reports Strong FY26 Impact, Highlights Need for Local Job Creation

The Buoie Business Innovation Center (Buoie Bick) presented its FY26 impact report, highlighting its role in supporting local businesses. They worked with 98 Bowie-based businesses, referring 54 to the economic development office for commercial lease opportunities. Businesses served generated $56 million in revenue. The Buoie Bick operates five flagship programs, including 'Innovate Buoie,' 'Capital Accelerator,' 'ADA Accelerator,' 'Open Door Program,' and the 'Center of Excellence for ADA Government Contracting.' Businesses in these programs generated significant revenue and employed numerous individuals. The report noted that Bowie has more residents than local employment opportunities, a significant amount of federal contractors, a 13% office vacancy rate, and $223 million in annual retail leakage. Solutions proposed include investing in entrepreneurial development, partnering with organizations like the Maryland Women's Business Center, and offering incentives for federal contractors to locate in Bowie. The Buoie Bick demonstrated an 8.9% return on the city's $150,000 annual investment by leveraging additional funding from partners like the SBA, Capital 1, and the IMF. They are also collaborating with Buoie State University on initiatives like the CX Lab and student consulting studios.

Arby's Restaurant Proposed for Mill Branch Crossing; Council Approves Detailed Site Plan with Conditions

The City Council heard a detailed site plan (DSP-20250036) for an Arby's restaurant with a drive-thru on approximately 1 acre at 3480 St. Lola Lane, within the Mill Branch Crossing development. The property is zoned CSC (Commercial Shopping Center) and is part of a larger mixed-use project. The Arby's is a permitted use by right. The plan includes a 30-foot wide driveway, 60-degree angled parking, and a one-way circulation system. Staff recommended approval with conditions to include a pedestrian connection between the Arby's site and the adjacent retail building via a pedestrian bridge over a wetland, and to incorporate outdoor seating. The applicant agreed to these conditions. The plan also addresses landscaping, parking, and accessibility requirements. The project is expected to be completed and open by Spring to Mid-Summer 2027. Discussions also involved potential future uses for adjacent parcels, including an urgent care, Dunkin' Donuts, a grocery store, and three additional pad sites.

Maryland Women's Business Center Reports on Nine Years of Supporting Bowie Entrepreneurs

The Maryland Women's Business Center (MWBC) presented its nine-year partnership with the city of Bowie, detailing services offered to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The MWBC provides training, one-on-one counseling, incubators, and connects businesses with resources and capital. In FY26, they served 67 unique businesses in Bowie, with a majority being minority-owned, resulting in three business starts, 85 jobs supported, and $11,000 in capital infusion. Over nine years, they've served 310 unique clients, including 260 minority-owned and 11 veteran-owned businesses, facilitating nearly half a million dollars in capital infusion. The MWBC also highlighted its 'Shop Local' retail incubator program, which has incubated 17 small businesses in Bowie, generating nearly $130,000 in revenue, with 80% of participants reporting increased sales. The 'Founders Rising' program, designed for displaced federal workers, has also been successful. Discussions also touched upon rebranding, marketing strategies, and expanding services to include state-level contracting opportunities.

Bowie Approves $150,000 Incentive for Paris Baguette to Revitalize Town Center

The City Council approved a resolution (R-56-26) to provide a $150,000 economic development incentive to Buoie Legacy Holdings LLC, the new owner of the four main retail buildings at Buoie Town Center. This incentive is intended to attract Paris Baguette as a new tenant, replacing the existing Panera Bread, and to encourage investment in the maintenance, repair, and improvement of the town center. The incentive will be paid in three $50,000 increments: upon signing the lease with Paris Baguette, upon approval of improvement plans (landscaping, pothole repair, facade improvements), and upon the opening of Paris Baguette. Paris Baguette is described as a next-tier bakery/coffee shop that has been positively mentioned as a desirable franchise for Bowie.