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Small Biz Bulletin - March 2025
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Message from Special Secretary Martinez
The Power of the Hankerchief: A Legacy of Strength in Business and Life
As entrepreneurs, we navigate a path filled with triumphs and trials, bold leaps forward and moments of uncertainty. Through it all, we lean on our experiences, our communities, and the lessons passed down to us. This Women’s History month, I want to share a personal story. For me, one of the greatest gifts from the generations before me has been a simple yet powerful symbol—the handkerchief.
Passed down through my family, the handkerchief has always been more than just fabric. It is a touchstone, a source of strength, and a reminder that no matter what life brings, I am not alone. My mother gifted me my first handkerchief as a young girl, just as her mother had done before her. At the time, I thought it was simply an accessory, something to carry on special occasions. But as I grew, I learned its true meaning.
Historically, both men and women carried handkerchiefs—not just as a practical item but as a symbol of care, strength, and connection. In my family, the tradition was not only to carry one but to gift them as a token of support, encouragement, and solidarity. Whether tucked into a suit pocket or a sleeve, the handkerchief has long been a quiet yet powerful companion in life’s most pivotal moments.
As a business owner, this tradition grounded me through the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship. The handkerchief was with me through success and setbacks, celebrations and challenges, growth and reinvention. In moments of doubt, when decisions were heavy and obstacles felt insurmountable, I would hold it tightly in my hand—just as the women and men before me had done. It served as a profound reminder of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support of those who came before me.
Every entrepreneur has something they turn to for strength. Some find it in a mentor’s advice, a well-worn notebook filled with ideas, or the encouraging words of a friend. For me, it is the legacy of my ancestors, woven into the fabric of a handkerchief, reminding me that I carry their wisdom, courage, and determination with me always.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor the traditions, lessons, and legacies that shape us—not just in business, but in life. May we uplift and support one another, recognize our collective strength, and continue to create a future where all entrepreneurs thrive.
As my beloved mother would say, “el poder del pañuelo”—the power of the handkerchief—is for everyone. And its strength lives within us all.
Maria Martinez
Special Secretary
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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 2025 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.
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Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program
The Maryland Soft Landing Exchange program offers local businesses the chance to expand into international markets with support from strategic partners across the globe. Participants gain access to facilities, resources, and expert advisors while testing new markets at an affordable rate. Current partners include Cicada Innovations (Australia), EuraTechnologies (France), Guinness Enterprise Centre (Ireland), and more. Companies may also qualify for up to $10,000 in funding to help cover costs like travel and program participation. Learn more about the program at Maryland Soft Landing Exchange.
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Words of Advice from the MBE Ombudsman
By Nichelle Johnson
As a small, minority- or women-owned business operating in the state contracting arena, it’s crucial to make the most of the time you or your staff dedicate to business development activities. Although this aspect of your business planning is vital, it can often be time-consuming and challenging if you’re unsure where to begin. Fortunately, the state of Maryland offers a plethora of resources aimed at educating potential vendors on various topics, including how state procurement functions, how to optimize state procurement programs, how to expand your network, how to discover opportunities, how to access funding, and additional resources to support the growth and scaling of your business.
There are several locations where businesses can find these valuable resources. The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs website, includes resources like our T.I.P.S. Webinar Series, our calendar of events, and Public Data Mining Strategies. Additionally, vendors can visit the Office of State Procurement’s website and the Maryland Procurement Academy to learn more about state procurement and how to use the state’s eProcurement platform, eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). Businesses can visit the Department of Housing and Community Development’s website and the Department of Commerce’s website to learn more about business lending and grant opportunities, and tax incentives. These are just a few of the available resources.
If you are just getting started or would like help navigating these resources, contact the MBE Ombudsman unit for a one-on-one technical assistance appointment.
Visit the MBE Ombudsman webpage to learn more the unit or make an appointment.
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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 Thursday, March 20th at Horseshoe Casino-Baltimore. 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 not only from state agencies, but the City of Baltimore purchasing units 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 open, so register today.
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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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Maryland's VSBE/SBR Certification Workshop Series
Join us for an informative Certification Workshop hosted in collaboration with Maryland Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Office of Small and Minority Business Policy. This workshop is designed to assist vendors seeking certification or re-certification for the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program and the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program. In addition, you will get a brief overview of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and the process for certification. There will also be an opportunity to connect with our partners from Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Anne Arundel County's Procurement Access and Vendor Equity (PAVE) Program.
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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!
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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 of small business events online at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.
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