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Small Biz Bulletin - October 2024
Maria Martinez

Message from Special Secretary Martinez

Celebrating Unity and Strength In Our Small Business Communities

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Growing up, I had the privilege of being part of some of the most diverse communities, and that experience shaped my perspective in ways that continue to guide me today. Diversity and inclusiveness aren’t just ideas I believe in—they are core values that I bring into every space I enter, especially in supporting our small business communities.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m reminded of how those same values enrich our businesses. The many rich cultures and backgrounds that make up our vibrant small business communities provide a unique strength. By embracing our differences, we unlock new perspectives, innovative solutions, and endless possibilities for growth.

Governor Moore and his administration share this vision. They are committed to building an inclusive economy where every business, no matter its size or background, has the resources and opportunities to thrive. Their work focuses on breaking down barriers, addressing challenges, and finding solutions that empower all Marylanders, especially those in underserved areas.

When businesses come together, they strengthen one another, amplifying their voices and increasing their collective impact. That’s how real, lasting change happens—through collaboration, support, and the power of unity.

This month, and always, I celebrate the strength we find in one another and the opportunities that diversity brings. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive business community for all.

With appreciation, 

Maria Martinez

Special Secretary
VSBE Seal

Governor Moore Announces Increase to
VSBE Program's Goal

Governor Wes Moore recently announced that the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs has increased the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program's participation goal from 1% to 3%. Enacted in 2010, the VSBE Program enhances opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses to participate in state-funded contracts. Over the past fiscal year, the program has experienced a 41% increase in certified vendors. Today, more than 900 veteran-owned companies are certified in the program. The new 3% goal aligns Maryland with similar programs in neighboring jurisdictions. According to Governor Moore, increasing the goal is a step forward in building new pathways to wealth creation for Maryland veterans.

VSBE Program Goal Increased
RSG Honorees_9.2024

Ready, Set, GROW!

Congratulations to the honorees who received a Governor's Citation during our recent Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop held at Live Casino & Hotel Maryland. Over 250 small business owners and entrepreneurs attended the event to connect with resource providers and learn how to navigate the state's procurement processes. During the program, six individual small business owners were recognized for their contributions to Maryland's statewide economy. 
Final MD Women's Celebration Grafix

October is Women's Small Business Month

Join us as we commemorate National Women's Small Business Month with a special event celebrating Maryland's women entrepreneurs.
Learn how to navigate the state's socioeconomic procurement programs and connect with resource partners on Thursday, October 10 at Montgomery Park in Baltimore. Guests will be inspired and motivated by our keynote speaker, Diedre L. Windsor, Founder of Windsor Group, LLC. Diedre is a powerful veteran business owner and author, whose expertise is focused on building healthy small business practices and establishing a solid foundation for success. Advance registration is required. Check in opens at 9:30 am and the program begins at 10 am. Details on free parking and how to access the building will be provided on the event confirmation ticket. 

Maryland Women's Small Business Month Celebration 2024
Summit_2024

Summit Connects Small and Minority Businesses to $7 Billion in Contracting Opportunities

Registration is now open for the Governor's Minority
& Small Business Outreach Summit on Tuesday, November 19 at the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore. This full day event includes group sessions, a broad selection of training classes, and access to prime contractors. Spend the day exploring how your minority or small business can access more than $7 billion in contracting opportunities with State agencies. The $75 registration fee includes over 30 break out session options, a Shark-Tank themed lunch panel, and a reception and networking forum. This year's event is expected to attract over 800 participants. Don't wait for it to sell out. Purchase your tickets today!

Governor's Minority and Small Business Outreach Summit
TIPS Tight View

Free Small Business Webinar Series

If you want to do business with the State of Maryland, our T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar Series is a must. Our carefully curated "Training and Insights for Procurement Success" curriculum delivers an insightful understanding of the state's procurement processes and builds core competencies. Our goal is to help you learn to compete with confidence in the state's contracting arena. Two classes are offered each month and there is never a cost to participate. Just register in advance to receive the participation link. 
Events Calendar

Training, networking, and business development events are taking place across the state. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month.

Visit the Events page of our website to view a complete list of small business events.
goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

10/03/2024 - Financing Options for Your Small Business
10/07/2024 - Start-Up Accelerator Series: Planning for Your Business Ownership Journey
10/10/2024 - Understanding Commercial Leases
10/15/2024 - Doing Business with Maryland Casinos: Ocean Downs Casino
10/22/2024 - T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar: MBE Rights & Responsibilities
10/23/2024 - Getting Down to Business with Whiting Turner
10/24/2024 - T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar: A.I. In Government Acquisitions & Contracting
10/29/2024 - How to Respond to the Top 10 Sales Objections
10/31/2024 - Budgets & Forecasts for Your Small Business Made Simple
Social Media

Let's Get Social

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
X
Hispanic Heritage Month

Leave No One Behind - As a unit of the Executive Department, the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs connects members of the small, minority, women, and veteran business communities to greater economic opportunities. Learn more by visiting our website at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).

FORBES: Entrepreneurship is Core to Civil Rights: A Conversation With National Urban League President And CEO Marc H. Morial

By: Rhett Buttle



  • Founded in 1910, the National Urban League (NUL) now has over 90 affiliates serving 300 communities in 36 states and Washington, D.C., that are dedicated to helping African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights. NUL supports small business & entrepreneurship among historically underserved communities as a key part of their agenda. 


Read the full article here.



The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Hearing on:

“Improving Access to Capital in Underserved Communities: The Community Advantage Program, Microloans, and other SBA Initiatives”

(Recording)

Witnesses:

• Mr. Jon Gaines, Vice President, Business Services & Finance, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation

• Mr. Nick Schwellenbach, Senior Investigator, Project on Government Oversight

• Mr. Robert Villarreal, Chief External Affairs Officer, Momentus Capital-CDC Small Business Finance

• Ms. Annemarie Murphy, Executive Vice President, President of SBA Lending, First Bank of the Lake

Summary: The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a hearing on Improving Access to Capital in Underserved Communities: The Community Advantage Program, Microloans, and other SBA Initiatives. Members and witnesses discussed the need for better oversight and support of SBA lending programs to better serve entrepreneurs in underserved communities. The hearing demonstrated bipartisan support for increasing the SBA’s resources to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, however, both parties agree that the SBA must take care to implement proper guardrails to prevent fraud, and bias in lending, and to conduct proper oversight of its lenders. Members also discussed the SBA’s recent proposal to lift the moratorium on the Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) program, and while many were in support of the rule, Members and witnesses stressed a need to ensure fintech lenders are held to the same standards as other SBA lenders if they were to gain SBLC licenses.


Opening Statements


Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD): Access to capital is the lifeblood of any business but is even more critical for small businesses. Small businesses in underserved communities have lacked access to capital at disproportionate rates. While large banks approved 60% of loans sought by white borrowers, businesses of color faced acceptance rates of between 29%-50% depending on their racial identity. The SBA 7(a) loan program remains a widely recognized tool to increase access to capital for entrepreneurs. This year the SBA approved over 47,000 7(a) loans and many of these borrowers would be unable to access capital elsewhere. However, of those 7(a) loans, only 4% went to Black business owners and 15% went to women. The Community Advantage (CA) program can bridge this gap and we must make it permanent; I have introduced legislation to do so and have high hopes for the legislation in the next Congress. Compared to 7(a), Black business owners received 20% of CA loans and women received 32%. The CA program therefore does an excellent job of addressing the credit gap and is a key tool to providing capital access for entrepreneurs who need it most. The SBA microloan program also provides credit to underbanked entrepreneurs. Microloan borrowers have the most difficult time accessing capital elsewhere and reported they were unable to find financing from traditional banks had it not been for a CA lender. I support SBA’s efforts to level the playing field for small businesses through recent rulemaking initiatives, however guardrails are essential in these programs to protect borrowers and lenders in the program; we need to ensure the SBA’s programs are helping small businesses as intended.


1333 H STREET NW, SUITE 800E, WASHINGTON, DC 20005

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Become a USBC Member

Watch Now! USBC 2022 Policy Breakfast During Congressional Black Caucus Week
2022 USBC Policy Breakfast - Congressional Black Caucus Week

On Tuesday, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. kicked off Congressional Black Caucus week with its annual policy breakfast. The 2022 USBC Policy Brunch was very insightful and informative with special remarks from Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Emanuel Clever II, and USBC Chairman of the Board Charles O'Neal. 

USBC President & CEO Ron Busby Sr. delivered his President Address on the BLACKprint - a set of principles that guide the organization's policy agenda.

Guests enjoyed conversations on The Future of Digital Currency with Cleve Mesidor and The New Black Commerce moderated by Howard Jean (CEO Black Meta Agency), Erin Cohee (VP Digital Innovation, OneUnited Bank), Courtney Robinson (Global Head of Financial Inclusion & Policy Development Block) and LaKisha Greenwade. 

The event was made possible by sponsors Crypto.com, Block, NCTA, and Caesars. 

Thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees. USBC members can watch the broadcast of the 2022 USBC Policy Breakfast on Friday, October 7 at 1:00 PM EST via USBC Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels.

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. | programs@usblackchambers.org | usblackchambers.org

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GBBCC Participates in Roundtable with SBA USBC in March

Leaving the Black Business Footprint at the DC Capital - USBC National Conference, July 15, 2022,

(left to right):  Alicea Gay, the Voice USBC's ByBlack Initiative, Debra Keller-Greene, GBBCC Board Chair, and USBC's VP Alisa Joseph.  

Maryland State Directory of New Hire

REPORTING ONLINE HELPS EVERYONE!

Report new hires

Employers must re-report returning employees as new hires.

All new and returning employees must be reported within 20 days of hire or returning to work.

New hire reporting helps children and families get the child support they need. 
It also helps detect fraud in the unemployment system. 

Reporting new hires online has many benefits:

  • Fast and secure online entry or upload
     
  • Reports are more accurate, reducing the need to resend reports later

     
  • It's FREE! No more paper, postage or other material costs!



The Maryland State Directory of New Hire is available to take your new hire reports via our website MD-newhire.com


www.mdnewhire.com
Phone: (888) 634-4737 | Fax: (888) 657-3534
 

State of Maryland Financial Resources & Services 

Department of Human Services Resources & Financial Assistance

dhs.maryland.gov

DHSWebsite

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social service provider. Our mission is to aggressively pursue opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide prevention services, and protect vulnerable children and adults.

DHS’s website, https://dhs.maryland.gov/, hosts a wealth of information about the agency’s many services and programs, as well as additional resources, for Maryland families and individuals in need of assistance:

• DHS offers several financial assistance options to support individuals and families experiencing trying times. If eligible, you can receive cash assistance for rent, utilities, and many other emergency financial burdens.

https://dhs.maryland.gov/category/financial-assistance/.

• You do not have to weather the tough times alone. DHS services include, financial, medical, and more. Learn more at  https://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/.

• The Department of Human Services is providing updated information to Marylanders regarding our services, operations, and other important resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay informed by visiting our Coronavirus Covid-19 Resources web page at https://dhs.maryland.gov/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/.

myDHR/myMDTHINK Consumer Portal

Marylanders can get information, apply for DHS programs and services, and check the status of applications online at  mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home
SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income households buy healthy food. Click here to download the Income Guidelines. Apply online: Go to https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. People who have little or no money may qualify for SNAP benefits right away.
TemporaryCash Assistance (TCA) TCA provides temporary cash assistance to families with dependent children. TCA also prepares participants for independence through work programs. Click here to download the Income Guidelines. Apply online: Go to https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/ to file your application.
Office of Home Energy Assistance Programs (OHEP) OHEP offers help to Marylanders who are facing potential energy shut-offs or having difficulty paying their energy bills. You do not need a turn-off notice to qualify for assistance; eligibility for energy assistance is based on your income. Please also contact your Local Home Energy Program Office at https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/local-home-energy-program-office/  to speak to a dedicated OHEP specialist who will guide you through all your options for energy assistance. Learn more about energy assistance at  https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/
Emergency Cash Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) EAFC provides cash assistance to families who have at least one child under the age of 21 living with them, and need emergency paying rent, utilities, or other urgent bills. Apply online: Go to https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/ to file your application.

 Full PDF Download: State of Maryland Resources.pdf

Baltimore City Procurement Database- Interested in doing business in Baltimore? Click here to learn how you can be a city contractor. 


Anne Arundel County Procurement Database- Anne Arundel County has their new contractor database up and running. This database will be a resource to all the agencies when looking for small businesses for procurement opportunities. The Anne Arundel County eProcurement system will be known as P.O.R.T. (Procurement Operations Resource Technology). Click here to learn more. 


State of Maryland Procurement Database- EMMA is the new E Maryland Marketplace Advantage website for procurement opportunities. You can see contract opportunities and contact instructions to help you get connected to the right people. Click here to learn more. 


MDOT Certification- Ever consider doing business with the State of Maryland? If you have plans to grow, the certification process could open up new opportunities for new revenue. Click here to learn more.


Baltimore Demographics- Ever wonder where to find info on demographics in Baltimore? Click here to see this summary by the Census Bureau.


Maryland Wealth- Interested in seeing stats on Maryland's wealth and its tax revenue for each city and county? Click here to view the report from the Department of Legislative Services Office of Policy Analysis.


Connect with City Leadership- Want to attend a Board of Estimates meeting or Baltimore City Council meeting to hear from our elected officials? Check out the schedule at: http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/complete-calendar


U.S. Economy- Interested in how the U.S. economy is doing? Here is the most current information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: https://www.bea.gov/news/glance

Maryland Sick and Safe Leave Information
-by Janice Walker-Emeogo

The law states that leave accrues at the rate of one hour for every thirty hours that an employee works. An employee is not entitled to accrue sick and safe leave during (1) a 2 week pay period in which the employee worked fewer than 24 total hours; (2) a 1 week pay period if the employee worked fewer than a combined total of 24 hours in the current and immediately preceding pay period; or (3) a pay period in which the employee is paid twice per month and worked fewer than 26 hours in the pay period. The leave hours provided for under the law are the minimum number of hours an employee is entitled to earn and accrue. An employer may provide more leave for its employees.

Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 and 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. 1325 Bedford Avenue, Suite 5941; Pikesville, MD 21282-7510

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