Small Biz Bulletin - June 2023

Maryland Small Businesses Lead the Way

Did you know 99.5% of all businesses in Maryland are small businesses! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Maryland is home to nearly 620,000 small businesses and they employ 49% of the state's workforce. There's no doubt that small businesses have a big impact on
our economy and communities statewide. Next week, the SBA Baltimore District Office will celebrate the 37th Maryland Small Business Week Awards Luncheon and recognize the outstanding achievements of successful entrepreneurs and the advocates who helped them along the way. The event will feature inspiring stories, networking opportunities, and access to small business resource providers. The list of 2023 honorees is quite impressive. Congratulations to all of these outstanding small business owners, especially the three who are certified vendors in the state's socioeconomic procurement programs:

Joy Johnson of Joy of Beauty - Woman Owned Business of the Year
Aaron Keel of EnviroProjects, LLC - Home-Based Small Business of the Year
Marcellus Wade of Black Fox, LLC - Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

37th MD Small Business Week Awards Luncheon

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Ready, Set, GROW!

Join us in Prince George's County for our signature small business development event, the Ready, Set, GROW Procurement Connections Workshop on June 7 at MGM National Harbor. Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller will deliver our keynote address and present Governor's Citations to three outstanding small business owners. Guests will gain insights on how our small, minority, women, and veteran procurement programs work and
learn strategies for mining public data to target your business development efforts. You can also meet with buyers from 16 different state agencies and learn what they are buying now and what's in the pipeline. Come out and meet representatives from:

Check in begins at 9:30 am and the program will get underway at 10 am. Bring plenty of business cards and capability statements for the open networking session that follows the program. Refreshments are being provided by our generous host, MGM National Harbor. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. Register today!

Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop

TEDCO Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Happy 25th anniversary to the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, fondly known as TEDCO. Back in 1998, the Maryland General Assembly recognized the need to address the commercialization of tech transfer by academic researchers. Today, TEDCO provides funding, resources, and connections that early-stage technology and life sciences companies need to thrive in Maryland. They continue to envision bold responses to challenges facing the entrepreneurial community and invest in programs that support diversity and inclusion. If you're not already familiar with TEDCO, check them out today.

TEDCO

Maryland OneStop

Licensing and permitting for your business can be confusing. Maryland OneStop is a central online hub for state licenses, forms, certificates, permits, applications, and registrations. The portal delivers a user-friendly experience with 24/7 access. You can browse by state agency or by one of three
categories: professional, organization, or personal. Search results provides a brief description of the form, license or permit along with the submission window, approval time, average completion time, and the application fee. A primary point of contact is also listed along with a link to the online application and/or a download of hard copy forms. You'll want to bookmark this site.

Maryland OneStop

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Calling Women Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Every year, June 12 is recognized as National Women Veterans Day. Here in Maryland, we are celebrating women veterans and military spouses who own a small business or are thinking about opening one. Join us on the campus of Bowie State University for a complimentary lunch and learn program to celebrate successful veteran women small business owners, hear real life experiences of women entrepreneurs, and highlight the value and skill sets needed to build credibility for your brand. You'll also connect with a broad range of stakeholder groups and organizations that support veteran-owned small businesses at the local, state, and federal levels. Register today, and tell a friend!

Women Veterans Entrepreneurship Resources Lunch & Learn

T.I.P.S. Webinar Series

Training and Insights for Procurement Success
If you want to do business with the State of Maryland, tap into our T.I.P.S. webinar series. Our topics are carefully curated to help you improve core competencies and gain an insightful understanding of the state's procurement processes. There is no cost to participate, just register in advance to receive the participation link.

June 27, 2023 @ 10 a.m.
Strategies for Digital Marketing
June 29, 2023 @ 10 a.m.
Leveraging Your Certifications

Never stop learning! We have a great schedule of monthly classes. Visit the T.I.P.S. Webinar Series webpage to see the full 2023 schedule or download the slide deck of last month's classes. You can also check out our YouTube Playlist to view any of the recorded sessions over the past year.

T.I.P.S. Webinar Series
T.I.P.S. Webinar Series Playlist

Events

Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development that are taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. Here is a highlight of some of the events coming up this month.

06/06/2023 - Introduction to eMMA for Vendors
06/07/2023 - Standing Out in a Crowded Marketplace
06/07/2023 - Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop
06/08/2023 - Small Business Lending 101
06/08/2023 - Doing Business with BWI Marshall Airport
06/09/2023 - Small Biz Resource Connections: APEX Accelerator
07/12/2023 - Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Resources Lunch & Learn
06/13/2023 - How to Use Video Ads Online
06/14/2023 - Profitable Pricing: Pricing Your Goods and Services
06/20/2023 - Responding to Solicitations on eMMA
06/24/2023 - Access to Capital for Women
06/27/2023 - Strategies for Digital Marketing
06/29/2023 - Leveraging Your Certifications

Check out the full listing of small business events online at
goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.

We Want You!

We continually share information curated specifically for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses on our social media platforms. We'll inspire you with our #MotivationMonday series and connect you to a broad range of small business resource organizations. We also share information about loan programs and funding opportunities as well as small business events and training programs. Please join our social media community and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook
Twitter

Let's Get To Work! 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 and Twitter @goMDsmallbiz..

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

By: Rhett Buttle

As we continue to honor Black History Month, it is important to realize that entrepreneurship is core to civil rights. The past several years have shown the importance of business ownership in historically underserved communities, but there remain inequities in areas that include access to capital and federal contracting.

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.

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T: 202-971-3450 W: PRISMGROUP.GLOBAL

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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.

REPORTING ONLINE HELPS EVERYONE!

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

Below are a few COVID-19 resources shared from the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute:

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