Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Expanding Opportunities Magazine

The 2018 edition of our Expanding Opportunities magazine has just been released by our partners at The Daily Record. This edition celebrates the MBE Program's 40th anniversary, and offers inspiring stories from small business owners across a variety of industries. It also includes updates on several state programs and valuable insights from our guest columnists. The digital copy is available online and I hope you read it from cover to cover. No matter where you are in your business cycle, you can be assured that this office will continue our commitment to expanding opportunities for all small businesses, including those owned by minorities and women.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary  

Expanding Opportunities - 2018 Edition

New Website Connects Businesses to Workforce Development Tools

Governor Larry Hogan, in collaboration with the Maryland Departments of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Commerce, Education, the Higher Education Commission, Human Services, and the State Department of Assessments and Taxation recently unveiled the Maryland Workforce Expressway, a new website that connects businesses to the full array of state workforce development resources. The Expressway, hosted within the Maryland Business Express website, makes it easier for business owners and entrepreneurs to plan, start, manage, and grow their business. Now, the Maryland Workforce Expressway connects those business owners and their employees with the education, training, and services they need to develop their workforce and thrive in Maryland.

Maryland Workforce Expressway

Small Business Relief Tax Credit

Maryland small businesses that provide their employees with paid sick and safe leave may be entitled to a refundable tax credit. The Small Business Relief Tax Credit, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce, offers businesses that meet certain criteria a state income tax credit of up to $500 per employee and $7,000 per small business for every year in which they qualify. The tax credit was proposed and enacted by Govern Hogan to help businesses comply with the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act which was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2018. Any type of business, including nonprofits, may apply for the tax credit on January 3, 2019. Click on the link below for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Small Business Relief Tax Credit

Rhee Receives 2018 President's Award for Advocacy

Congratulations to Special Secretary Jimmy Rhee of the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. He recently received the 2018 President's Award for Advocacy from the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council during the Leaders and Legends Award Ceremony at MGM National Harbor. The award honors individuals who have enhanced the growth of the minority business enterprise community. “I couldn’t be more honored,” said Secretary Rhee. “I’m flattered and humbled to be recognized in this manner from people for whom I have the utmost respect.” Rev. Douglas B. Sands, Sr., a well-known social rights activist and the first director of Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program was also honored. The MBE Program is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Ready, Set, GROW! Workshop Visits Baltimore City

Meet buyers and learn how to do business with the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore at our next Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop on Thursday, October 25th at Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. Small, minority, women, and veteran business owners are invited to attend this free event. In addition to meeting buyers from over 15 purchasing units (including Horsehoe Casino), you can also connect with a variety of small business resource partners who can help your small business grow. Register today!

Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop