Small Biz Bulletin
October 1, 2021
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Message from Special Secretary Rhee
Diversity is very important to the Hogan Administration, and to me personally as both the Special Secretary of the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs and as an Asian American. In all cultures, diversity helps us understand different perspectives and dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about people who appear to be different from us. I know first-hand that Maryland is committed to diversity within our public procurement arena, and every day I witness the passion of my staff and the many state employees who implement our three socioeconomic procurement programs. In a recent ranking of 2021's most diverse states by WalletHub, Maryland is in the top 10. The ranking is divided into multiple categories, and we rank #2 in the socioeconomic diversity category. I want to congratulate all those involved in this endeavor for a job well done. Diversity will ultimately lead us to inclusion and acceptance.
2021's Most & Least Diverse States in America
Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary
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2021 Expanding Opportunities Magazine
Hot off the press! The 2021 digital edition of our Expanding Opportunities Magazine is just a few clicks away. This edition features tips from guest columnists, insights on navigating the state procurement arena, and a variety of feature stories that are relevant to the current marketplace. There are also three small business success stories of Maryland entrepreneurs who share their journey in the hope of inspiring others: Jade Solutions, LLC, DK Consulting, and Neo Technologies. Many thanks to The Daily Record for publishing this valuable small business resource tool for the past 13 years.
2021 Expanding Opportunities
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$20,000 Small Business Grants
Is your Maryland-based small business looking for some added support? A grant from BGE may be exactly what you need. BGE is awarding up to $15 million in grants to power small businesses in Maryland that are pivoting in response to the pandemic, and will prioritize companies owned by historically underrepresented groups. Awardees of the Energizing Small Business Grants program will receive $20,000 each. You must act quickly as the application period for this, the 3rd round, closes on October 13, 2021. Apply today!
Energizing Small Business Grants
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Access to Capital
Join us for a 2-part webinar series on access to capital for minority-owned and under-served communities through CDFIs (aka Community Development Financial Institutions). These private organizations are dedicated to providing affordable loans and other banking services to businesses that lack access to financing. We are pleased to partner with the Maryland Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Department of Labor to offer this valuable program. There is no cost to attend. Just register in advance for each session.
Access to CDFI Lending:
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Technical Training Classroom
Webinar Series
We have two great topics for our Technical Training Classroom webinars in October. Join us on 10/26 for insights on how to navigate eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) and information on changes coming in the next few months. If you are new to the state procurement, our State Procurement 101 session will be very valuable. Join us on 10/28 for some valuable resources that can help you determine if state contracting is right for you. Both webinars include interactive polls and a curated Q&A session. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required. Reserve your seat today.
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We Want You
We continually share information curated specifically for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses on our social media platforms. We'll inspire you with our #MotivationMonday series and connect you to a broad range of small business resource organizations. We also share information about loan programs and funding opportunities as well as small business events and training programs. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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