(WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 17, 2024) – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO) introduced the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, a bipartisan initiative to improve transparency and accountability in the bidding process for small, minority, and women-owned businesses aiming to provide their products or services to the federal government. “Our nation’s small, minority, and women-owned businesses embody the resiliency and determination of the American dream and are a driving force in our economy. However, the current bidding process for small businesses hoping to contract with the federal government too often leaves our local entrepreneurs in…

By Doni Glover, Publisher (BALTIMORE – April 16, 2024) – Just because the first attempt didn’t work doesn’t mean that another effort, another stab at it, another attempt won’t succeed. Ira Chase is a visionary perfectionist with a corporate background. We interviewed him several different times over the past two years at Hoodfellas Bistro inside the swank Munsey Building on Calvert Street. He is a hard-working man with the absolute hustle and grind of a bona fide entrepreneur. The entrepreneurial spirit is not something you can buy off the shelf. The true entrepreneur lives for the hustle. They have that…

By Doni Glover, Publisher (BALTIMORE – April 15, 2024) – I think the first acknowledgment goes to Laura Green. If I’m not mistaken, she was the person who first hipped me to this spectacular establishment in the heart of downtown Baltimore. I’ve since had the opportunity to partake of their delicious cuisine twice now. Lawd, have mercy! The chef, Calvin Riley, is a French-trained master who brings a chic culinary presentation suitable for a king and a queen. He is knowledgeable, approachable, and an entrepreneur at heart. Here are some pics from the Black Wall Street event we recently held…

By Doni Glover, Publisher (ARUNDEL MILLS, MD – April 15, 2024) – This is a shout-out to an entrepreneur I came across recently as I was coming through Arundel Mills Malls. A Black man was right there in the middle at his stand. It’s not my first time stopping at one of the stands in the middle of the mall because, in my opinion, that’s where the bona fide entrepreneur is there patiently growing their business, ready to serve the next customer. He told me about his clothing line (www.truestruggle.com) and then handed me a sample of a fragrance he…

(ATLANTA – April 14, 2024) – Inc. today announced its seventh annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 250 women whose innovations and ideas are shaping the world into a better place. Jamine Moton, Founder and CEO of Skylar Security, is among the honorees. The founders cross all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey – from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization. They are reinventing everything from shoes to food and are challenging issues like financial…

Hello Boss, We’re excited to announce the recipients of the BOSS Impact Fund 2024 Invest in Progress Grant, a collaborative initiative by Sage and The BOSS Network. This partnership has allowed me to level my commitment to my community over the last three years and empower small businesses with the resources they need to thrive. The selected recipients stand out for their dedication to the community, entrepreneurial spirit, and desire to grow their professional skills. These women could have been any of you, as the number of applicants always exceeds the support we can provide. As a Black woman founder, I understand the hard work and…

By Richard D. Elliott (BOWIE – March 14, 2024) – The windy and chilly morning of March 10 saw Biden Administration officials, local politicians, and climate advocates gather to celebrate a major victory for Maryland’s business and climate communities: the grand opening of Blink Charging’s new manufacturing facility which opened in a Bowie business park alongside the company’s global corporate HQ while consolidating their warehouses to reduce their climate footprint while increasing their efficiency. “What a better place to have a sustainability message: we are producing jobs, generating energy security, and making clean energy at the same time,” said Blink Charging…

Overview ​The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) activates vacant buildings, supports small businesses, creates jobs, improves commercial corridors, and increases local economic activity by providing financial support to place-based economic development organizations working to improve the vitality of Maryland’s commercial corridors. Who Can Apply ​Unlike prior rounds of the program, for FY2024 the program will be administered as a block-grant to place-based economic development organizations. Place-based economic development organizations can apply to receive funds to activate vacant buildings in the jurisdiction they serve. The organizations, if awarded, will sub-grant the funds to for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, cooperatively-owned…

(LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD – March 7, 2024) – The Maryland Cannabis Administration today announced that the lottery drawings for social equity applicants will be held on March 14. The MCA may select up to 179 applicants across more than 40 unique lottery pools (see Table 1 below for more information). A total of more than 1,500 applications will be entered into the lottery pools and eligible for selection. “The Cannabis Administration is pleased to announce the lottery date and proceed to the next stage in the social equity licensing process,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Will Tilburg. “We know businesses are excited to…

Embrace the radiant energy of midday as we gather to empower, inspire, and celebrate the strength and resilience of women. Let’s bloom together with engaging conversations, shared stories, and a touch of noonday magic. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, support, and uplift each other. Your presence will make our noonday celebration complete! Complimentary Admission! CLICK HERE