Message from Special Secretary Rhee

As 2022 draws to a close, I applaud all our minority, women, and veteran small business owners who have successfully navigated another challenging year. Keeping your doors open and taking care of your customers is an admirable achievement. As you look forward to 2023, I encourage you to learn how two important pieces of legislation at the federal level will present opportunities for you here in Maryland. The first is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. It represents a historic investment to modernize roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, airports, broadband, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure across the country. The second is the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. It calls for $300 billion investment in deficit reduction and $396 billion in energy security and climate change programs over the next 10 years. Implicit in both Acts is the federal government’s responsibility to plan, coordinate, and monitor the impact of support for socially or economically disadvantaged businesses. The funds allocated through these programs will touch many businesses. Do all you can to make sure yours is one.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary

Holiday Open House

December 3, 2022

Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan invite all Marylanders and their families to  join them for their final Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3 from 1-4 p.m. at Government House in Annapolis. The event is free of charge, open to the public. No reservations are required and refreshments will be distributed. The First Family asks guests  to consider bringing unwrapped toys, which will be donated to those in need during this holiday season. The Maryland State Police will be collecting donations under a tent by the front gate. Holiday ornaments, designed by the First Lady and provided by the Foundation for the Preservation of Government House of Maryland, will be available for purchase. Proceeds help support and maintain the historical significance of Government House with repairs, remodeling, and preservation. Guests may park in the Bladen Street garage, which does not charge on weekends, or in other garages located on Main Street and West Street.

Annapolis Parking Options

For Your Information

Ready, Set, GROW!

We are closing out 2022 with a virtual Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop. Join us online on December 6 at 10 am and meet buyers from five state agencies. You'll learn what they are buying right now and what's in their pipelines. We'll also share great information on Maryland's small, minority, women, and veteran procurement programs along with insights for mining public data to help with your business development efforts. Register in advance to reserve your "seat." Our guests for this event are:

• Maryland State Highway Administration
• Maryland Department of General Services
• Maryland Department of Health
• Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services
• Maryland State Police 

Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop

Confirm Your "Active" or "Good Standing" Status

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxations (SDAT) encourages all business owners to periodically confirm their status as either "Active" (non-legal entities such as sole proprietorships and general partnerships) or "Good Standing" (legal entities such as corporations, and limited liability corporations). Start by doing a Business Entity Search online using Maryland Business Express. If you need to return your business to Active or Good Standing status, SDAT offers a checklist with step-by-step instructions and screenshots to walk you through the process. 

Maryland Business Express - Business Entity Search

Steps to Ensure Active and Good Standing Status

Small Business Training Webinars

Each month we offer educational and insightful webinars on a variety of topics specifically curated for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. The contend is targeted toward entrepreneurs that want to perform in the state contracting arena. We have two great topics in December. The classes are free, you just need to register in advance to receive the participation link.   

• December 13, 2022 @ 10 a.m.
  Prime Contracting in the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program
• December 15, 2022 @ 10 a.m.
  Insights Into Doing Business with the State of Maryland: Know Your Customer

If you missed last month's classes, you can download the accompanying slide decks by visiting the Technical Training Classroom page of our website, or check out our YouTube Playlist to view any of the recorded sessions over the past year.

Technical Training Classroom
Technical Training Classroom YouTube Playlist

Networking & Training 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. 

12/02/2022 - Small Biz Resource Connections: TEDCO - Leading Innovation to Market
12/05/2022 - A Roadmap to your Professional Web Presence
12/06/2022 - MBE Application Assistance Webinar
12/06/2022 - Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop
12/13/2022 - Prime Contracting in the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program
12/15/2022 - Insights Into Doing Business with the State of Maryland: Know Your Customer
12/18/2022 - Engage with Entrepreneurship (In Spanish)
12/28/2022 - Starting a Business on a Shoestring Budget

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

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 join our social media community and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

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