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Small Biz Bulletin - April 2024

Message from Special Secretary Martinez

Maria Martinez

Coming Together During a Crisis

Maryland is in a place that no one could have ever predicted following the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge. Under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore, state, city, county, and national officials are working diligently to recover those souls still lost, investigate the cause of the collision, and clear the debris to reopen this critical commercial shipping channel. 

There is no doubt that our citizens, communities, and businesses will face many challenges in the weeks and months ahead. By working together, we can manage through this crisis, both personally and professionally. Now is a time we must accept a certain level of uncertainty and be ready to adapt as new information comes out that will influence both short and long term goals. This is also a time to listen and learn from one another in meaningful ways. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and always be ready to lift up those in need. I am overwhelmed by the number of small business owners who have reached out to me with their offers of support. 

We must also celebrate successes, such as the Maryland Transportation Authority police officers who were honored for their acts of bravery during the collapse and the swift $60 million commitment in emergency funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. 

Although the work in front of us seems daunting, we all have previous experiences with navigating challenges. We can draw on those personal and professional experiences to come together and conquer the work ahead. 

We are Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong! 

Sincerely,

Maria Martinez

Special Secretary
SBA EIDL

SBA Opens EIDL Loans for Businesses Impacted by the
FSK Bridge Collapse

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The loans have been made available in response to a request for a disaster declaration from Governor Wes Moore. Businesses can apply for up to $2 million to help overcome temporary loss of revenue resulting from the bridge collapse. The funds can be used to pay normal operating expenses such as payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts, and other bills that can't be paid because of the disruption. Small businesses in Maryland, the District of Columbia and some counties in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia are eligible for the loans. Applicants may call the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to learn more about the eligibility requirements or apply online.

SBA EIDL - Fact Sheet - Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

SBA EIDL - Online Application - Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

In addition, the SBA worked in collaboration with city and county officials to open two Business Recovery Centers. Business owners and workers can walk into the center for assistance with a variety of issues including applying for the SBA EIDL loan or unemployment assistance. The centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. 

CareFirst Engagement Center
1501 S. Clinton St., Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21224

Dundalk Renaissance Center
11 Center Place, Suite 201
Dundalk MD 21222
RSG_3.20.2024

Ready, Set, GROW! 

We had an amazing day in Howard County for our Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop on March 20. More than 150 small business owners and entrepreneurs attended the event to connect with 17 state purchasing units and five county government purchasing units. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball welcomed guests and Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman delivered the keynote address. Our very own Special Secretary, Y. Maria Martinez, provided an overview of the state's three socioeconomic procurement programs and shared insights on how to do business with the State of Maryland. Congratulations to the four successful entrepreneurs who were recognized with a citation from Governor Wes Moore.

Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop

 
Wome Business Owner Webinar

Webinars for Business Taxpayers

The Comptroller of Maryland launched a new online portal for taxpayers to securely complete important functions themselves from either a mobile device or a desktop. Throughout April, the Office of the Comptroller is hosting bi-weekly webinars led by experts who can guide Maryland business taxpayers through the Maryland Tax Connect Portal's key features. Guests will receive practical tips and can participate in a live Q&A session. Space is limited, so register today. You can also tap into user guides, video tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions by visiting https://marylandtaxes.gov/mdtaxconnect/.

Maryland Tax Connect Webinar Registration 
MD Green Registry Logo

Maryland Green Registry

The Maryland Green Registry is a free, voluntary program offering tips and resources to help small businesses set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. Collectively, Maryland Green Registry members have reported saving $108 million annually through the proven and practical measures which they share through online member profiles. Whether you're just getting started in greening your facility or are looking to push your environmental program to the next level, join the Maryland Green Registry to demonstrate your commitment to a strong, proactive approach to environmental management. 

Maryland Green Registry

Small Biz Spotlight

SHE3

SHE3 Capabilities, LLC

Congratulations to our latest Small Biz Spotlight winner – SHE3 Capabilities, LLC. Located in Hanover, SHE3CAP, as they are commonly referred to, was founded in 2015 by CEO Jacquelyn Seth as an Environmental, Occupational Safety & Health (EOSH) services provider. This woman, minority-owned company boasts a team of three highly skilled professionals who are committed to workplace safety and effective risk management. Their mission is to provide industry leading solutions that are safe, lean, and simple and they focus on collaboration and communication to ensure efficient and effective EOSH success. Their expertise in occupational safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance helps businesses create safe and secure work environments. SHE3CAP has been collaborating successfully with state agencies on various projects since 2019. This includes performing as a subcontractor to develop and deliver safety training services at multiple airports in the Central Maryland region. Learn more about SHE3CAP online, or connect with Jacquelyn directly at js@she3cap.com.

SHE3CAP was randomly selected for the Small Biz Spotlight by attending our T.I.P.S. webinar series. Join us later this month for your chance to be featured in an upcoming bulletin.

Learning & Networking Opportunities

TIPS Tight View

T.I.P.S. Small Business Webinar Series

Improve core competencies and gain an insightful understanding of the state's procurement by attending our T.I.P.S. (Training and Insights for Procurement Success) Small Business Webinar Series. We offer two free classes every month on topics carefully curated to help you learn to compete with confidence. 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.  
Save the date calendar page

Small Business Events Calendar

Stay connected to the many opportunities for training, networking, and business development that are taking place across Maryland and on virtual platforms. These free and low-cost events can help you build connections and develop new skills. Check out our curated list on the Events page of our website.

Small Business Events Calendar

 
Connections

We Want You!

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
See You There.4

Our team is actively participating in events throughout Maryland. You'll find us at
these events in April. Click on the links to get all the details and join us!
Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong

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

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

Connect with us
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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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