Small Biz Bulletin - June 2022

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Small Biz Bulletin - June 2022


Jimmy Rhee

Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, accounting for 44% of our economic activity at the national level. At the local level, their impact is even more profound. They are the foundation of our economic wellbeing. Studies show that when we spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays within the local economy (local multiplier effect). Later this month we will celebrate the many contributions being made by members of Maryland's small business community with the return of the U.S. Small Business Administration's small business awards program. Each state hosts its own event, and here in Maryland, this year's winners reflect the strength of our entrepreneurial spirit. Four of the winners, including the Small Business Person of the Year, are certified in Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VBE) programs. It is a tremendous achievement to be recognized in this way. Please join me in congratulating these outstanding entrepreneurs.

          Small Business Person of the Year 
          Dr. Rajan Natarajan
          Global Alliant (SBR & MBE)

          Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year
          Elizabeth Caulder
          Phoenix Lifestyle Marketing Group, LLC (SBR & MBE)

          Woman Owned Small Business of the Year
          Betsy Cerulo
          Adnet/Accountnet (SBR & MBE)

          Veteran Owned Small  Business of the Year
          Carl Neimeyer
          Bernward Consulting Associates, LLC (SBR & VSBE)

 

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary 


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For Your Information

Has Your SBR Certification Expired?

Over 20% of the open solicitations posted on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) are designated specifically for small businesses through the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program. If you have let your SBR certification expire, please rejoin today. Most eligible state-funded procurements between $50,000 and $500,000 are designated to the SBR Program, and the awarded small business performs as the prime contractor. You can easily rejoin through your vendor account in eMMA. There is no cost to participate. Eligible firms receive their certification the same day, then renew annually online. This Vendor Quick Reference Guide will walk you through the process. 

SBR Program Vendor Quick Reference Guide

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Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Webinar

Interested in contracting opportunities with state agencies? If so, our Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Webinar is for you. Join us online for a look at how our small, minority, women, and veteran procurement programs work. We will also share strategies for mining public data to help with your business development efforts. You'll meet buyers from four state agencies. Each will share what they are looking to buy right now, what is in the pipeline, and how to connect with them directly. There is no cost to attend and advance registration is required. Our agency guests for this event will be representing: 

  • Department of General Services
  • Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
  • Motor Vehicle Administration
  • University of Maryland College Park

Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Webinar

 

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eMMA Vendor Training Channel

A new video tool is available to vendors interested in improving their user skills within eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). The eMMA Vendor Training Channel hosts a number of training webinars and helpful videos covering various tools and tips to navigate the eMMA platform. From introductory training videos covering the basics of eMMA, to more detailed focus on topics such as searching for open solicitations and adding subcontractors, the eMMA Vendor Training Channel is constantly adding new content to better serve as a useful resource in making eMMA easy. Check it out today. 

eMMA Vendor Training Channel

TTC Training Group

T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders Reimagined

The SBA's T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders Reimagined training program helps CEO's and executives take their business to the next level. The 6-month intensive program offers an MBA-level curriculum that will accelerate your leadership skills through customized learning tracks, business coaching and peer-to-peer mentoring. The program is open to small business owners and executives that have annual revenues of at least $250,000, have been in business for a least three years, and have at lease one employee. Candidates are asked to commit to completion of the full program and must be coachable, ready to be challenged, and willing to put in the work. 

T.H.R.I.V.E Application 2022


Put This on Your Calendar

Business Events

Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development that are taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month. 

06/03/2022 - Business Lending Unit - MD Department of Housing & Community Development
06/07/2022 - MBE/DBE Application Assistance Workshop
06/07/2022 - Veteran Federal & State Small Business Programs Overview
06/09/2022 - 36th Annual Small Business Week Awards
06/13/2022 - Federal Proposal Development - A focus on the Technical Proposal
06/14/2022 - Fast Cash Strategies for Small Businesses
06/15/2022 - Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop
06/21/2022 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship (in Spanish)
06/23/2022 - Developing Financial Projections for Your Small Business
06/28/2022 - Proposal Writing Part 1 - Reading a Solicitation
06/30/2022 - Proposal Writing Part 2 - Developing an Outline

Check out the full listing of small business events online at
goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.


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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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