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(WASHINGTON, DC – August 11, 2025) – If you’ve ever met Carl Brown, you know this much is true — he’s one of the nicest New Yorkers you’ll ever encounter. A proud member of the Howard University family, Carl has spent his career helping entrepreneurs and small business owners turn ideas into thriving enterprises. I should know — I’m one of them.
Carl Brown currently serves as the State/Executive Director of the District of Columbia Small Business Development Center (DC SBDC), housed on the historic campus of Howard University. With more than 25 years of experience in small business consulting, training, human resources, sales, marketing, procurement, and contract administration, Carl brings unmatched expertise to the entrepreneurs he serves.
He’s also the voice behind “The Small Business Report” on Sirius XM Channel 141, where every Thursday (and on additional days), he breaks down business trends, government contracting tips, and growth strategies for listeners across the country.
A Career Across Sectors
Carl’s leadership spans the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He has held executive roles in telecommunications, consumer goods, and transportation, and served at high-impact agencies including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the D.C. Office of Contracts and Procurement, the District Department of Transportation, and WMATA.
He’s also been the Executive Producer of the television series “Emerging Business Report” and the on-air host of “Growing Pains – Taking Your Business to the Next Level.” His expertise has been featured on national media, from the Wall Street Journal and MSNBC.com to the History Channel’s “The Food That Built America.”
A Proven Advocate for Minority Business
Called a “transformational leader” by Black Enterprise publisher Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., Carl is known for his fairness, honesty, and deep policy knowledge. He’s written legislation to strengthen minority business programs and contract compliance, and he has served in leadership roles with the City of Bowie Economic Development Committee, the Boy Scouts, and multiple Human Relations Commissions in Maryland.
His professional toolkit is vast — strategic alliances, business process re-engineering, budget management, governance, and closing major deals — but his real gift is his ability to empower people. Over the years, Carl has helped thousands of entrepreneurs, making him a trusted name in economic development circles.
Education & Credentials
Carl holds a B.A. from Howard University and a Master’s in General Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, along with graduate certificates in human resources, government contracting, leadership development, and contract compliance. He is also a Sherpa Executive Coach.
Family & Community
Married to Evelyn Brown, Carl is the proud father of twins — a son and daughter — who excel academically and are active in scouting. His commitment to community is just as strong as his commitment to business growth.
Whether he’s negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts, mentoring a first-time entrepreneur, or delivering on-air insights, Carl Brown is guided by a simple principle: help others win. And in doing so, he continues to leave an indelible mark on D.C.’s business landscape — and beyond.
