Minority & Women Owned Businesses
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS LOAN FUND - Charles County's Disadvantaged Business Loan Fund helps local minority-, women-, and veteran-owned small businesses with microloans up to $35K. Click here for the application form and contact information.
MDOT’s OMBE – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) is the official certification agency for the State. Contracting opportunities are available through the State (most counties, cities and municipalities) and certain Federal projects funded through US Department of Transportation (DOT). Application assistance workshops are available free of charge.
CHARLES COUNTY SLBE – The Charles County Office of Economic Development created the Small/Local Business Enterprise program to stimulate the local economy by giving preference to local vendors when competing for county procurements.
TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL SMART BIZ TOOL – The Smart Business Tool is designed to help small businesses of Southern MD grow and prosper. The tool is a one stop business knowledge center that houses a directory of small businesses: a bid board where organizations can publish business opportunities, a How To section to walk business owners through the process, and Resources to help start, grow, and manage your business.
MSBDFA – The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority assist in the development of socially or economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in the creation of Maryland businesses. MSBDFA’s financing activity, managed by Meridian Management Group (MMG), is supported through the repayment of loans, generation of interest income and the collection of fees.
SBTDC – The Small Business and Technology Development Center provides expert assistance with the preparation and submission of the documentation for special certifications available to, (MBE, WOSB & EDWOSB) Minority & Women-owned small businesses. SBTDCs offer an array of services designed to ensure every submission has the best chance for approval.
SCORE – SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. The Southern Maryland Chapter of SCORE offers free, confidential mentoring and conducts general and specialized workshops for which there are nominal charges.
SBA – The US Small Business Administration offers assistance to women-owned small businesses through their WOSB & EDWOSB programs. The SBA also offers a variety of resources and assistance to minority-owned businesses. Learn about eligibility requirements and participation in these programs.
MD DGS SBR– The Maryland Department of General Services offers two programs to provide greater access and opportunity for small businesses seeking to do business with the State. The Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program specifically targets small businesses registered with the Department where certain procurements may be designated as small business reserve only. The Small Business Preference Program allows certified small businesses to enjoy a price preference over non-certified small businesses competing for the same contract award.
MD DHCD – The Maryland Department and Housing and Community Development offers a variety of loan programs to encourage local and state economic growth as well as a professional organization that offers conferences, newsletters, mentoring and professional networking.
MBDA – The Minority Business Development Agency actively promotes the strategic growth and expansion of minority business enterprises (MBEs) by offering management and technical assistance through a nationwide network of over 40 business centers.