BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE
ECONOMY
Dear Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs,
Happy New Year! As we step boldly into 2025, the 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly has officially begun. This is more than just a new year—it’s a new chapter filled with promise and opportunity for every Maryland business. Our focus is clear: to ignite economic growth that touches every corner of our state and empowers all Marylanders.
This moment represents a profound culture shift—one led by Governor Moore’s unwavering belief that government should be a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier. His vision of access and equity drives everything we do, from strengthening our workforce to modernizing government and creating a fairer, simpler tax code.
Your voice and your vision are essential to this process. We need your leadership and advocacy as we shape policies that impact your business and your community. I urge you to engage with your legislators, share your stories, and speak out on legislation that matters to you. You can track bills, identify your representatives, and watch live sessions through the Maryland General Assembly website.
I am excited to share that the Governor signed an Executive Order (EO) for Procurement Reform—a transformative step to reimagine how we create economic access. As part of this EO, he established a Subcabinet for Socioeconomic Procurement Performance to ensure Maryland’s procurement practices create more meaningful opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Certified Small Businesses (CSBs), and Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprises (VSBEs). I am proud to serve as Chair of this initiative. This critical work will bring together agency Secretaries and stakeholders who will work diligently to redesign our procurement processes and ensure they reflect our commitment to access, equity, and opportunity. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we will build a system that empowers small businesses, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth across Maryland.
We’ve already made significant strides, including lowering the number of businesses needed to designate an SBR set-aside from three to two. These reforms are more than policy changes—they reflect the Moore-Miller Administration’s deep commitment to inclusion and fairness. They embody our belief that every entrepreneur, every small business owner, and every dreamer deserves the chance to thrive.
None of this progress would be possible without our small but mighty team, whose steadfast efforts have moved the needle in a positive direction. Their dedication, expertise, and relentless drive have been instrumental in turning bold ideas into meaningful action, and I am profoundly grateful for their work.
As I always say, YOU are our why. Your resilience, drive, and vision fuel everything we do. Thank you for your contributions to your communities and to Maryland’s economy. Together, we will continue to build upon this work, making this Maryland’s Decade.
Sincerely,
Maria Martinez
Special Secretary
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OFFICE HIGHLIGHTS: RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TEAM GROWTH
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Change Maker Award Recognition:
On December 16th, Danielle Davis, GOSBA’s VSBE Compliance Manager, was honored with the Change Maker Award for 2024 at the E3 Center for Entrepreneurial Development's Kickoff and Mixer Event in Charles County, Maryland. The event, attended by over 170 participants, highlighted the achievements of small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses in the region. The event also featured representatives from the Charles County Commissioners, Charles County Economic Development, Southern Maryland Chamber of Commerce, and E3 founder Anthony Butler. This recognition underscores the impactful work being done to support Maryland’s business community, particularly minority and veteran-owned enterprises. Congratulations, Danielle!
Welcoming New Team Members:
We are excited to welcome Tiara Randolph, who is joining the GOSBA team as an MBE Compliance Manager! Tiara holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. With 18 years of service in Maryland state government and over six years of experience in the MBE program, she will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. As our office grows by three new team members, we look forward to the valuable contributions each of them will make in supporting and advancing our mission.
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From the Desk of the MBE Ombudsman:
by Nichelle Johnson
We are filled with enthusiasm as we welcome 2025 and commemorate our inaugural year with a fully staffed MBE Ombudsman Unit. A primary objective of our team is to serve as the principal resource for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), prime contractors, legislators, and other stakeholders. We are committed to ensuring compliance during contractual performance while enhancing the implementation of the MBE Program.
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With our dedicated team in place, we are poised to better serve our community and amplify our impact. We are pleased to welcome our new team members, Shanique Pinder and Catherine Porterfield.
Shanique Pinder brings a wealth of expertise in MBE certification, and is equipped with a robust skill set in regulatory compliance, investigative procedures, and grant underwriting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Information Assurance.
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Catherine Porterfield, a distinguished veteran of the United States Air Force and a former business owner, offers an extensive background in investigations, compliance, and risk management. She possesses multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Administration.
In 2025, our Ombudsman Unit will take on a significant array of compliance obligations and training initiatives. We are fortunate to have a devoted team of skilled professionals prepared to engage in this critical work. Their expertise and commitment will be instrumental in navigating these demands effectively.
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Annual Report Coming Soon:
Our Annual Report will be released soon, providing a comprehensive overview of our office’s accomplishments over the past year, along with fiscal year 2024 data on socioeconomic procurement programs.
For a quick snapshot, you can find highlights of what will be included in our Annual Report on the Moore-Miller Administration's priorities and accomplishments website under the 'Creating an Equitable, Robust, and Competitive Economy' section.
Click here to check it out.
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