|
|
Small Biz Bulletin - March 2024
|
|
Message from Special Secretary Martinez
Women Entrepreneurs Are Making Their Mark
Every March, the nation celebrates Women’s History Month to commemorate the contributions of trailblazing women who have shaped American history. Women such as Prasanna Nair, Carmen Delgado Votaw, Enolia Pettigen McMillan, Rachel Louise Carson, Pauli Murray, Augusta Theidosia Lewis
Chissell, Pauline Woo Tsui, and Harriet Tubman are among the 22 Inspiring Women From Maryland You Need to Know. These women, along with others, have paved the way for future generations, inspiring not just admiration but action within today’s women, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial landscape, especially for women, continues to see remarkable growth which is a reflection of the indomitable spirit of women overcoming barriers that continue to hinder our full participation in the business sector.
Fortunately, there are extensive networks of resources and support systems available to women in business. From my experience as a small business owner, and a proud graduate of a women's business skills training program, I can attest to the significant impact that women’s business centers had on my personal journey. These centers offer more than just business advice; they provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in business.
Maryland, in particular, stands out as a hub for women entrepreneurs. The state is home to several organizations dedicated to supporting women in their business endeavors. Services offered by these organizations are often free, making them accessible to all women, regardless of their business stage or background. Among these, the Maryland Women's Business Center, with its three locations, the Maryland Capital Enterprises Women's Business Center, and the Baltimore Metropolitan Women's Business Center, are focused in their commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. They provide a range of services from business planning and strategy development to financial advice and market research, all designed to help women start, sustain, and grow their businesses.
Women’s History Month is an ideal time for women entrepreneurs and those aspiring to venture into business to connect with these organizations. The resources and support available can make a significant difference in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. It’s a time to reflect on the achievements of women throughout history and to draw inspiration from their resilience and determination. For women entrepreneurs, it’s also a time to celebrate the progress made and to look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in creating a more inclusive and equitable business world.
Sincerely,
Maria Martinez
Special Secretary
|
Governor Moore Announces $10M for Small Businesses Across Maryland
Governor Wes Moore recently announced $10 million for small business and community development grants within designated Sustainable Communities. The funds will be deployed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development through the Project Restore 2.0 and Business Boost programs. Economic development organizations will be awarded $8 million for Project Restore which will then be awarded to businesses through sub-grants to be used for rental assistance, equipment, and renovation of vacant storefronts or buildings. The Business Boost program will award grants between $20,000 and $50,000 directly to new or expanding small business owners. Applications will open on March 13, 2024 for small business owners to apply through Business Boost and for economic development organizations to apply through Project Restore 2.0. Learn all the details and check your eligibility for both programs online.
Business Grants to Strengthen Local Economies
|
Maintain Your "Good Standing"
All Maryland domestic and foreign business entities registered in Maryland must file an annual report or request an extension by April 15 to maintain their "good standing" status with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Businesses with less than $20,000 in business personal property are no longer required to report personal property with their annual report for the 2024 filing. The quickest and easiest way to submit business filings is through the department's award-winning Maryland Business Express site. Entities that do not meet the deadline to file risk falling out of "good standing" status and may enter "forfeited" status soon thereafter.
|
Words of Advice from the MBE Ombudsman
By Nichelle Johnson
If you are a small business owner operating in Maryland, chances are you may have heard of SCORE. This organization provides such a wealth of information and resources for businesses and seeks to empower and fortify small business communities through their mentoring and education programs. Like the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, SCORE recognizes the need to provide an extra level of support to some communities that experience greater challenges in the marketplace. SCORE for All, a powerful group of resource hubs, is specific to certain groups such as Black, Hispanic, Asian, women, rural, and veteran entrepreneurs. Each hub has resources tailored to each group, along with success stories and the option to connect to a mentor. SCORE can assist entrepreneurs whether they are seeking to start a small business or just need more support to grow their business. Businesses can also find valuable templates for business plans, startup expenses, financial statements, and marketing items on SCORE's website. As with most business development agencies, SCORE offers locations specific to certain regions and also offers recorded and live webinars on topics from social media marketing to creating a grant proposal. Check out the SCORE for ALL program today.
SCORE for ALL
Visit the MBE Ombudsman webpage to learn more about this new unit within
the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs.
|
Small Biz Spotlight
Elite Hauling Group, Inc.
Congratulations to our first Small Biz Spotlight winner – Elite Hauling Group, Inc. Located in Waldorf, MD. Elite Hauling was founded by Tammy Proctor in 2005. The company has a team of 20 great employees who specialize in heavy equipment hauling, general freight trucking, asphalt, demolition and more. As a major wholesale merchant broker of aggregate materials, Elite has worked hard to build relationships with major quarries. In their first year, the company secured multiple long-term contracts, including an 8-year prime contract with Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Elite Hauling Group has been involved with numerous impact projects such as the Clean River Project with DC Water and MTA’s Purple Line Light Rail Transit. Most recently the company completed $21 million of work on the South Capitol Street Bridge project (Frederick Douglass Bridge) in Washington, DC, providing all necessary aggregates, fill dirt, and compost along with removal of soil and contamination.
Elite was randomly selected for the Small Biz Spotlight by attending our T.I.P.S. webinar series. Join us in March for your chance to be featured in an upcoming bulletin.
|
Learning & Networking Opportunities
Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop
Are you interested in contracting opportunities with state & local government agencies? Join us for the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop on Wednesday, March 20 in Columbia. You'll gain insights on our small, minority, women, and veteran procurement programs and strategies to identify which agencies and departments buy what you sell. Come out and meet buyers from state agencies and Howard County government purchasing unit at this live event. You'll learn the common products and services each unit purchases, what they are looking to buy right now, and what's in the pipeline. Stick around for the open networking session to meet the buyers. Registration for this event is nearly at capacity, so register today.
|
T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar Series
Improve core competencies and gain an insightful understanding of the state's procurement by attending our T.I.P.S. (Training and Insights for Procurement Success) Small Business Webinar Series. We offer two free classes every month on topics carefully curated to help you learn to compete with confidence. If you want to do business with the State of Maryland, our T.I.P.S. webinar series is a must. There is no cost to participate, just register in advance to receive the participation link.
|
Meet Our Team at These Great Events
Our team is actively participating in events throughout Maryland. You'll find us at these events in March. Click on the links to get all the details and join us!
|
Small Business Events Calendar
Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development that are taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. These free and low-cost event can help you build connections and develop new skills. Check out our curated list of small business events online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
