Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Women's History Month

March is national Women's History Month. It serves as a time to commemorate and encourage the study and celebration of the role women play in American history. I think women are genetically hard-wired to be strong leaders. They inherently possess many of the characteristics we associate with leadership such as passion, vision, courage, collaboration, humility, and patience. In my personal experience, women have a strong "we" mentality, putting others' needs ahead of their own. Despite the gender equality barriers still in existence today, women are starting and running businesses at a stunning rate - 1,821 new business a day, to be specific. Forty percent of all U.S. businesses are women-owned, and 64% of all new women-owned businesses were started by women of color last year. I sincerely hope this trend continues and that history will one day tell the story of how women-owned businesses developed economic parity. 

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Maryland is celebrating 2020 as the Year of the Woman, and the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs is excited to host a very special event during Women's History Month. Please join us, along with special guest Maryland's First Lady Yumi Hogan, on Thursday, March 26 as author, international speaker, and entrepreneur, Dr. Jena L. Bell, presents a one-of-a-kind workshop for women entrepreneurs, "Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Unlock Your Path to Purpose, Profit and Prosperity." Jena is a purpose-driven woman with a mission to empower 1,000,000 women globally to embrace their destiny and live in economic freedom. Guests will learn to overcome their abundance blockers, and uncover the 5 Cs to personal greatness. This motivational workshop is free, but seating is limited. Register today and join us at the Governor's Coordinating Offices in Crownsville. 

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Unlock Your Path to Purpose, Profit and Prosperity

How the 2020 Census Affects Maryland Businesses

The 2020 Census is just around the corner, and we need your help. As entrepreneurs and small business owners, you influence those around you, so please encourage employees, customers, family, and friends to participate in the census. Census information impacts funding for things that have a direct impact on the business community such as education, workforce development training, transportation infrastructure, and so much more. The data collected is made available on platforms like Census Business Builder, a valuable business intelligence tool for small businesses thinking about expanding locations or adding new products and services. Please actively promote the 2020 Census throughout your personal and professional circles of influence using the flyer provided in the link below.

The 2020 Census is Important for Business in Maryland

Small Business Reserve Program

Attention eMMA Vendors! Are you tired of paper purchase orders and invoices? Does your company have the ability to transact business electronically? Well, the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) platform does! Help us understand how you do business with the State, and assess your technical capabilities to perform business transactions electronically through eMMA by completing a very important Vendor Enablement Assessment. Your response is needed by March 20th.
Thank you!  

 Vendor Enablement Assessment