Minority and Women-Owned Business Development
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program – Enroll Today!
Verizon is empowering small businesses with its Digital Ready program, offering free training, tools, and resources to help entrepreneurs grow their online presence and master essential digital skills. Through Digital Ready, you can attend expert-led courses, participate in virtual events, and gain practical insights to strengthen your business in today’s digital economy.
As part of this initiative, Verizon is awarding $10,000 grants to 50 small businesses. To qualify, enroll in Digital Ready for free, complete two courses or events, and submit your application by Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Will your business be one of the next winners?
To register, click here
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Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Manufacturing Resources
Maryland SBDC’s new dedicated resource page is focused on providing federal and state resources for manufacturing support. We’ve curated a list of valuable tools, programs, and funding opportunities to help you grow and strengthen your operations.
Click here to access the page: https://www.marylandsbdc.org/consulting/manufacturing-resources
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Small Business Enhancing Access to Equity Survey
Help Shape Support for Small Businesses in Baltimore
SMBA&D is launching a Small Business Enhancing Access to Equity Survey to better understand barriers and opportunities small, minority, and women-owned businesses are facing in Baltimore. Your insights will directly inform how we design, improve, and target programs that expand access to capital, contracts, and technical assistance.
If you own or operate a small business in Baltimore, please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your experience. Your voice matters—and your feedback will help us advocate for more equitable resources and opportunities.
Baltimore City M/WBE Certification Program
Get Baltimore City certified as a M/WBE! The online process is easier than ever. The Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development (SMBA&D) has a new hub to:
- Locate minority business enterprises (MBE) and women’s business enterprises (WBE) in the certified directory;
- Apply for or renew your M/WBE certification to market your business to be utilized for M/WBE goal fulfillment;
- Request to update business contact information; and
- Request to expand certified services.
Visit https://smba-d.baltimorecity.gov/ to review the active M/WBE certified directory, get guidance about completing bid participation forms, review the MGT 2022 Disparity Study, and learn more about upcoming events.
For more information about the certification process, click here
To apply for online certification, click here
To view a list of Frequently Asked Questions about submitting questions, certification, M/WBE bid participation forms, waivers, and post-award contract changes. Click here
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State of Downtown Breakfast hosted by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
Thursday, April 16, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
State of Downtown Breakfast, presented by Gallagher LLP, is a networking breakfast marking the release of DPOB’s State of Downtown Report.
Speakers:
Mac Campbell, Baltimore Convention Center
Tom McGilloway, Mahan Rykiel
Kerry Watson, Baltimore Orioles, DPOB Board Chair
Dillon Goodson, Public Sphere Projects
Senate President Senator Bill Ferguson
State Senator Cory McCray
To view flier, click here
For more info and to register, click here
Doing Business with Maryland Casinos: MGM National Harbor Event hosted by Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs in partnership with MGM National Harbor
Thursday, April 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cosmopolitan Board Room
101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses interested in learning about procurement opportunities with Maryland casinos are encouraged to attend this outreach event.
For more information and to register, click here
Maryland Growth & Innovation Showcase hosted by Howard University and PNC Mid-South Regional Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Small & Minority Business Advocacy & Development and Maryland Small Business Development Center
Thursday, April 16, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Morgan State UniversityThe Atrium at Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management 4100 Hillen Road, Baltimore, MD 21218
This event is a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, connect with the community, and gain visibility within Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To view flier, click here
To register, click here
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2026 National Leadership Summit hosted by
Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE)
Sunday, April 19 – Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Willard Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20004
Are you ready to step into a transformative experience that will elevate your business, expand your network, and amplify your voice in the construction industry? Join the Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE)’s National Leadership Summit and Conference in Washington, D.C. for an unforgettable event! This isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement to unite women in construction, break barriers, and build a stronger future together.
To view agenda, click here
For more information, to register and sponsor, click here
T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar: Maryland’s MBE Rights & Responsibilities for Prime & Subcontractors hosted by Maryland Department of Social Equity and Mobility – Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What rules govern the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program? Competition is tough in the State contracting arena. Your chances of success are much greater when you understand the rules. This is particularly important when performing as an MBE. Join us for an in-depth look at the statutes and regulations in place today, as well as your rights and responsibilities as an MBE prime contractor or subcontractor.
For more info and to register, click here
Small Business Finance Information Session – Are You Lender Ready? – Tips for Your Financing Toolbox hosted by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development
3000 Druid Park Drive, Suite 3000B, First Floor, Baltimore, MD 21215
This workshop provides an overview of small business lending options and how to successfully prepare for financing. Participants will learn how lenders evaluate borrowers, what documentation is required, and how to choose the right loan products to support their business goals.
The session covers key topics such as credit readiness, cash flow analysis, loan terms and the application process. Attendees will also gain insight into SBA lending programs.
To view flier, click here
The event is free. Pre-registration is preferred. To register, click here
2026 M/WBE Symposium hosted by Baltimore City Public Schools
Thursday, April 30, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
4MLK Building, 4 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21201
This M/WBE Symposium will connect minority and women-owned businesses with real opportunities through networking, breakout sessions and direct access to procurement leaders.
For more information, contact Chanel Franze at cafranze@bcps.k12.md.us
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Maryland’s Top 100 Women Event hosted by The Daily Record
Monday, May 4, 2026
SECU Arena, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252
Maryland’s Top 100 Women recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. Winners are selected by past Top 100 Women and business leaders. Three-time winners are inducted into the Circle of Excellence.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email shuettner@bridgetowermedia.com.
If you have questions about this awards event, please email events@thedailyrecord.com
23rd Annual 2026 Spring Breakfast Meeting / Business Showcase Expo
Friday, May 8, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD 21244
Attend the breakfast awards ceremony to network with top leaders and decision makers.
- Supplier diversity leaders will be honored for their outstanding achievements.
- Attend the Business Expo and meet 80+ exhibitors representing prime construction, healthcare, utilities, education, government and more.
- Learn how to do business with prime companies and government agencies.
- Learn more information about Minority/Women-Owned Business Certifications.
To view flier, click here
Application for exhibitor, sponsorship, advertisement, click here
To purchase tickets for Spring Breakfast / Awards Program, click here
To purchase tickets for Business Showcase, click here
To view sponsorship packages, click here
To view sponsorship booklet, click here
2026 MBE Townhall Fireside Chat Presented by Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Theater and Lobby Second Floor
830 East Pratt Street, Baltimore MD, 21202
Join us for a special Speaker Series Session the MBE Town Hall Fireside Chat,
hear from top experts and gain information you need to access capital!
To view flyer, click here
To register, click here
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2026 Small Business Advancement Conference hosted by Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development
Thursday, June 4, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
This advancement conference will feature a trade show with city, state, county and federal government agencies, universities, institutions, corporations and resource partners. Attendees will hear about opportunities for small, local, minority and women-owned businesses. Dynamic and engaging speakers, corporate roundtables, matchmaker sessions, workshops and breakout sessions will be offered.
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To view flyer, click here
To register, click here
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35th Annual Government Procurement Conference hosted by Federal Business Council (FBC)
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Walter E. Washington Convention Center Hall C 801
Mt. Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Government Procurement Conference (GPC) is a national conference that fosters business partnerships between the federal government, its prime contractors and small businesses. The largest and longest-running conference of its kind, this unique event attracts attendees and exhibitors from minority, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone and women-owned businesses.
Event details, click here
Exhibitor registration, click here
Sponsorship opportunities: https://www.fbcinc.com/e/procurement/sponsor.aspx
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2026 Woman’s Entrepreneur Conference – The Legal Blueprint: Safeguarding Women-Owned Businesses in Baltimore City & County hosted by
Maryland Small Business Development Center
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Theater and Lobby
830 E. Pratt Street, Second Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
Through keynotes, panels and government resources, attorneys to provide essential legal education-not representation, helping entrepreneurs reduce risk, grow confidentially and build sustainable businesses.
To review flier, click here
To register, click here
Sponsorship opportunities, click here
