Message from Special Secretary Martinez
Coming Together During a Crisis
Maryland is in a place that no one could have ever predicted following the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge. Under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore, state, city, county, and national officials are working diligently to recover those souls still lost, investigate the cause of the collision, and clear the debris to reopen this critical commercial shipping channel.
There is no doubt that our citizens, communities, and businesses will face many challenges in the weeks and months ahead. By working together, we can manage through this crisis, both personally and professionally. Now is a time we must accept a certain level of uncertainty and be ready to adapt as new information comes out that will influence both short and long term goals. This is also a time to listen and learn from one another in meaningful ways. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and always be ready to lift up those in need. I am overwhelmed by the number of small business owners who have reached out to me with their offers of support.
We must also celebrate successes, such as the Maryland Transportation Authority police officers who were honored for their acts of bravery during the collapse and the swift $60 million commitment in emergency funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.
Although the work in front of us seems daunting, we all have previous experiences with navigating challenges. We can draw on those personal and professional experiences to come together and conquer the work ahead.
We are Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong!
Sincerely,
Maria Martinez
Special Secretary
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SBA Opens EIDL Loans for Businesses Impacted by the
FSK Bridge Collapse
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The loans have been made available in response to a request for a disaster declaration from Governor Wes Moore. Businesses can apply for up to $2 million to help overcome temporary loss of revenue resulting from the bridge collapse. The funds can be used to pay normal operating expenses such as payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts, and other bills that can't be paid because of the disruption. Small businesses in Maryland, the District of Columbia and some counties in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia are eligible for the loans. Applicants may call the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to learn more about the eligibility requirements or apply online.
SBA EIDL - Fact Sheet - Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
SBA EIDL - Online Application - Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
In addition, the SBA worked in collaboration with city and county officials to open two Business Recovery Centers. Business owners and workers can walk into the center for assistance with a variety of issues including applying for the SBA EIDL loan or unemployment assistance. The centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
CareFirst Engagement Center
1501 S. Clinton St., Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21224
Dundalk Renaissance Center
11 Center Place, Suite 201
Dundalk MD 21222
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Ready, Set, GROW!
We had an amazing day in Howard County for our Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop on March 20. More than 150 small business owners and entrepreneurs attended the event to connect with 17 state purchasing units and five county government purchasing units. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball welcomed guests and Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman delivered the keynote address. Our very own Special Secretary, Y. Maria Martinez, provided an overview of the state's three socioeconomic procurement programs and shared insights on how to do business with the State of Maryland. Congratulations to the four successful entrepreneurs who were recognized with a citation from Governor Wes Moore.
Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop
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Webinars for Business Taxpayers
The Comptroller of Maryland launched a new online portal for taxpayers to securely complete important functions themselves from either a mobile device or a desktop. Throughout April, the Office of the Comptroller is hosting bi-weekly webinars led by experts who can guide Maryland business taxpayers through the Maryland Tax Connect Portal's key features. Guests will receive practical tips and can participate in a live Q&A session. Space is limited, so register today. You can also tap into user guides, video tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions by visiting https://marylandtaxes.gov/mdtaxconnect/.
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Maryland Green Registry
The Maryland Green Registry is a free, voluntary program offering tips and resources to help small businesses set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. Collectively, Maryland Green Registry members have reported saving $108 million annually through the proven and practical measures which they share through online member profiles. Whether you're just getting started in greening your facility or are looking to push your environmental program to the next level, join the Maryland Green Registry to demonstrate your commitment to a strong, proactive approach to environmental management.
Maryland Green Registry
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Small Biz Spotlight
SHE3 Capabilities, LLC
Congratulations to our latest Small Biz Spotlight winner – SHE3 Capabilities, LLC. Located in Hanover, SHE3CAP, as they are commonly referred to, was founded in 2015 by CEO Jacquelyn Seth as an Environmental, Occupational Safety & Health (EOSH) services provider. This woman, minority-owned company boasts a team of three highly skilled professionals who are committed to workplace safety and effective risk management. Their mission is to provide industry leading solutions that are safe, lean, and simple and they focus on collaboration and communication to ensure efficient and effective EOSH success. Their expertise in occupational safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance helps businesses create safe and secure work environments. SHE3CAP has been collaborating successfully with state agencies on various projects since 2019. This includes performing as a subcontractor to develop and deliver safety training services at multiple airports in the Central Maryland region. Learn more about SHE3CAP online, or connect with Jacquelyn directly at js@she3cap.com.
SHE3CAP was randomly selected for the Small Biz Spotlight by attending our T.I.P.S. webinar series. Join us later this month for your chance to be featured in an upcoming bulletin.
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Learning & Networking Opportunities
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.
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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 events can help you build connections and develop new skills. Check out our curated list on the Events page of our website.
Small Business Events Calendar
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We Want You!
The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs continually shares information curated specifically for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses on
our social media channels. We'll inspire you with our #MotivationMonday series and connect you to a broad range of small business resources, events, and training programs. Please join our social media community and follow us today.
Facebook
LinkedIn
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Our team is actively participating in events throughout Maryland. You'll find us at
these events in April. Click on the links to get all the details and join us!
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