Small Biz Bulletin - July 2018
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 Message from Special Secretary Rhee
40th Anniversary
Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program has reached a major milestone. Formed in July of 1978 by the Maryland General Assembly, we are celebrating the MBE Program's 40th Anniversary. Throughout the program's history, the statewide aspirational goal, currently at 29 percent, was increased three times, numerous pieces of legislation have been passed to strengthen the program, and dollars awarded to small minority and women owned firms have grown to over $1 Billion. These companies are creating jobs, strengthening the private sector, and contributing to our statewide economy. This is why Maryland's MBE Program serves as the national gold standard.
Congratulations to all stakeholders, past and present, who have played a role in the MBE Program's success. Maryland is indeed open for business.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary
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For Your Business
 Summer School for Small Business Owners
It summertime! We hope you all make the time to get away and enjoy family, friends and sunshine. We also know you never turn off that entrepreneurial spirit, so carve out some time to learn something new this summer. Take advantage of the free online courses offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Their Learning Center has a broad variety of classes to help you plan, launch, manage, or grow your small business.
SBA Learning Center
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 PTAC
The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is one of our favorite small business resource partners. Established in 2002, PTAC exists to expand the number of small businesses capable of participating in the government contracting arena. Their skilled staff provides counseling, training, and bid matching services to firms across the state. Use the link below to check them out online and register your interest
Maryland PTAC
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 Ready, Set, GROW! Comes to Southern Maryland
We're taking our Ready, Set, GROW! (RSG) Procurement Connections Workshop to Southern Maryland on July 12 and we're being joined by a powerful group of buyers. RSG connects small, minority, women and veteran business owners with state procurement officers. You'll learn what they are buying right now and what is the the pipeline. You can also connect with a variety of resource partners who can help your small business grow. Register today!
Procurement Partners:
College of Southern Maryland
Maryland Department of General Services
Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland State Police
Maryland Department of the Environment
Maryland Department of Health
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Small Business Events
Mark Your Calendar
Most business development takes place outside the office. We maintain a robust calendar of events on our website. It's updated regularly, so be sure to check back often. Here are just a few upcoming events taking place across the state:
07/03/2018 - MBE Application Assistance Workshop
07/06/2018 - Writing a Successful Business Plan
07/10/2018 - Start Your Business: Step One!
07/10/2018 - Is Franchising for You?
07/17/2018 - Procurement 101
07/19/2018 - Investment Marketplace
07/24/2018 - Marketing 101
07/21/2018 - Navigating eMaryland Marketplace
Check out our full range of small business events
online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.
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