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Small Biz Bulletin - September 2023
Maria Martinez

Never Stop Learning

It is back to school season and my grandson, Landon, is excited to jump back into the classroom activities and student  experiences of middle school. I have very fond memories of my school days in Baltimore County. Learning how to learn is an important foundation that carries us throughout our life. Remember when you learned how to conduct a science experiment, write a paper, and balance a check book? We didn't understand how any of those skills would be important as adults...until we became entrepreneurs. While we may be experts in many areas of running a business, most of us had lots to learn about developing financial plans, making cash flow projections, and calculating ROI. Financial literacy is a skill often learned over time. If you are ready to build a more sound financial future for your business, I invite you to join our T.I.P.S. virtual classroom of small, minority, women, and veteran business owners for the "Business Financial Literacy" webinar we are offering on September 28th. You'll learn many valuable skills and walk away with the knowledge to increase your personal net worth and the value of your business. No school bus required, just use the link below to register in advance. 

Y. Maria Martinez
Special Secretary

Business Financial Literacy

 
2023 Summit

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Maryland Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit

Registration is now open for the annual Maryland Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit. This valuable resource event connects Maryland's business community to $6.5 billion in contracting opportunities with key state agencies as well as private sector companies. Participants can talk with project managers and procurement officers and attend a variety of training workshops throughout the day. The event is being held on Tuesday, September 26 at Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City. The Registration fee is $75. This event sells out, so register today. The following state agencies will be participating:  

State Highway Administration
Maryland Transit Administration
Maryland Aviation Administration
Maryland Transportation Authority
Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of General Services
University System of Maryland

Maryland Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit
Forecast.1

State of Maryland's Procurement Forecast

The State of Maryland's FY2024 Procurement Forecast is now available online. Small business owners are always looking for trusted information that can help them make informed business decisions and feed their new customer pipeline. Maryland's Procurement Forecast is that kind of a tool. The database is posted on the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs website and predicts a 15% increase in the number of procurements for the 2024 fiscal year. It is populated with projected solicitations of $100,000 or greater that are expected to be advertised or awarded through June 30, 2024 and comprises both new and recurring items, including task orders issued under master contracts. Users can choose from six different options to focus their search. By downloading search results to Excel, expanded information is provided, such as the buyer’s name and contact information. Small businesses are often looking for contracting opportunities below $100,000. As a result, many state agencies also include information on projected contracts between $15,000 and $99,999. Access to this vital information reinforces the open and transparent nature of Maryland's public contracting arena. You can even watch a video and download a slide deck to help you mine this powerful tool.

FY2024 Procurement Forecast Portal
TIPS Webinar Series

TRAINING & OUTREACH

T.I.P.S. Webinar Series

Prepare to compete with confidence by attending our T.I.P.S. (Training and Insights for Procurement Success) Webinar Series. Two free classes are offered every month and feature topics that are carefully curated to help you improve core competencies and gain an insightful understanding of the state's procurement processes. 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.  

 
Webinar

24/7 Access to Video Training Library

In case you missed any of the previous 2023 sessions of our T.I.P.S. Webinar Series, you can watch the recorded sessions at a time that is convenient to you. Our T.I.P.S. Webinar Series Playlist on YouTube gives you 24/7 acces"s to great material such as "State Procurement 101," Pricing Strategies to Win More Contracts," "The 7 Cs of Good Proposal Writing," "Crafting a Compelling Capability Statement," and much more. Every session is two hours or less and packed with useful information to help you build critical business skills and navigate procurement processes. Check it out today. 

T.I.P.S. Webinar Series Playlist
Small Biz Register Now

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

09/05/2023 - MBE Application Assistance Workshop
09/07/2023 - Pitch Training 101
09/11/2023 - How to Fund Your Business Startup
09/12/2023 - Elevate & Engage: MBE Networking Event
09/19/2023 - HUB Zone Certification & Doing Business with the Federal Government
09/20/2023 - Contractors - What Bonded & Insured Really Means
09/26/2023 - Subcontracting in Maryland's MBE Program
09/28/2023 - Business Financial Literacy
We Want You

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. 

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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 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



  • 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

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

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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