Small Biz Bulletin May

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Small Biz Bulletin - May 2018


Jimmy Rhee

Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Dear Friends:

Maryland was recently ranked #1 in the United States for minority and women business ownership based on a survey conducted by Paychex, Inc. that examined business owner diversity. The foundation for the research lies within a concept we embrace -- small businesses and the people who run them make America unique. Diversity across the entire small business community is an important key to success. The study names Capitol Heights, Beltsville, Brentwood, Gambrills, and Bowie among the top cities for minority owned businesses. Sykesville, Kensington, Annapolis, Lutherville, and Stevensville were among the top cities for women owned businesses. Governor Larry Hogan's promise that Maryland is open for business is resonating with entrepreneurs and small businesses across our state. Any way you look at it, Maryland's small, minority, and women business community is #1!

Business Owner Diversity Study

Sincerely,

Jimmy Rhee

Special Secretary


For Your Business

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Attention IT Firms!

The Department of Information Technology is currently accepting proposals to join the Consulting and Technical Services Plus (CATS+) Master Contract. This specialized contracting vehicle enables state agencies to obtain IT resources quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively by issuing task orders. Only master contractors may bid as prime contractors on CATS+ task orders. This vendor expansion window closes on May 11, 2018, so use the link below to get all the details for submitting your proposal.

CATS+ Expansion Window

Sm Biz Week


National Small Business Week

In celebration of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE Mentors will host a free, 3-day Virtual Conference from May 1st through May 3rd. Registration is free and participants can join all 12 webinars or pick and choose the topics of greatest interest. During the webinar, you'll be able to meet other small business owners and chat with industry experts, bringing you the best part of an in-person conference from the comfort of your office or home.. Use the link below to view the topics and register to participate.

3-Day Virtual Conference


BOH RSG Award

Congratulations!

Our April Ready, Set, GROW! procurement connections workshop was held in Baltimore County and focused on the construction industry. Participants met with prime contractors in addition to state and county agencies, and small business resource organizations. Our special guest, First Lady Yumi Hogan, took the opportunity to recognize several local small businesses by presenting Governor's Citations. Congratulations to all four recipients:

Omni Elevator Co., Inc.
BOH Properties, LLC (pictured above)
Guardrails, etc., Inc.
Eastwood Painting & Contracting, Inc.


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Small Business Development

Strategic Management

Is your business ready for growth? Start by developing and documenting a formal growth strategy. The Small Business Development Center of Southern Maryland will be conducting the new Franklin Entrepreneurial Series beginning on June 7th in Waldorf. This 3-class series can help minimize risks and amplify rewards by helping you develop the skills and mindset needed to grow your company. Learn to do it all using a strategy that is constant at its core and flexible in its adaptation to changing markets and competitive responses. Registration is limited to just 10 firms, so register today.

Franklin Entrepreneurial Series

Green Click Here to Register button


Networking and Training Events

Did you know that most business development takes place outside of the office? We maintain a robust calendar of events on our website. It's updated daily, so check back often. Here are just a few upcoming events:

05/01/2018 - MBE Application Assistance Workshop
05/02/2018 - Doing Business with Rock Gap Casino
05/09/2018 - Doing Business with Hollywood Casino
05/11/2018 - Writing a Successful Business Plan
05/11/2018 - MWMCA's 15th Annual Business Showcase Expo
05/17/2018 - Generate More Sales with a Winning Marketing Funnel
05/22/2018 - Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Forms
05/22/2018 - Bidding Basics
05/23/2018 - How to Charge What You're Worth and Get It!
05/29/2018 - Why Direct Mail Marketing Still Works