Celebrating Black Business Month | |
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The Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation in recognition of Black Business Month in August. Pictured: (front row, from left to right) Edsel Brown; Randi Parker; Cynthia Thorne-Carter; Keith Gross; Roseanna Vogt; Detris Pickeral; Yomi Badmus-Mumuni; Leona Charles; Julie Oberg
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August is National Black Business Month. National Black Business Month is a time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. Black-owned businesses account for approximately 2 million companies or 10% of U.S. businesses.
Our Calvert community thrives on these businesses and to honor them, Economic Development spotlighted Black-owned businesses throughout the entire month of August on Facebook, LinkedIn and our Economic Development website. Thank you to the following businesses for volunteering to be recognized in this year’s campaign:
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Funding Opportunities for Black Business Owners
Fearless Fund – Women of Color Grant Program
Businesses must be at least 51% women of color owned; revenue generating (one to five years in business with a minimum annual revenue of $100,000 is strongly preferred); formed under United States law and operating in the United States.
Wish Local Empowerment Program
Available to Black-owned businesses employing 20 or fewer staff members and operating within a physical brick and mortar store located in the U.S. Businesses must earn an average revenue of under $1 million dollars. There are no specific guidelines for fund allocations, though it is encouraged that the funds be directed towards maintaining your workforce and covering expenses such as rent, operation, inventory, fostering customer relationships and providing opportunities to your community.
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Prepare for the Unexpected:
The Importance of Having a Business Continuity Plan
When a business is disrupted due to an emergency, it can cost money. Lost revenues plus extra expenses mean reduced profits. Insurance does not cover all costs and cannot replace lost customers. For these reasons, a business continuity plan is essential.
As we look ahead to National Preparedness Month in September, the Department of Economic Development, in partnership with the Division of Emergency Management, invite local businesses to join our lunch and learn workshop to learn more about the importance of having a business continuity plan and how to get started.
Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 1-2 p.m.
Calvert Library Fairview Branch
(8120 Southern Maryland Blvd, Owings, MD 20736)
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Business Anniversary Recognition Program
Opening a business is hard work. It takes dedication, determination and a strong spirit. Each year is a chance to celebrate the business and all those involved in making it a success. Congratulations to the recent 2023 Business Anniversary Program milestone honorees:
Is your business celebrating a milestone in 2023? Allow the Calvert County business community and Department of Economic Development to celebrate you! Fill out this form to be included in the Business Anniversary Recognition Program.
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Members of Economic Development staff, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center celebrate Crow Entertainment's 25 years in business. | |
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Show Me the Money: Loans, Incentives, Grants and More
In addition to the grants listed above for Black-owned Businesses, there are are many loans, incentives, grants and more for many of your business needs.
Buy Maryland Cybersecurity Tax Credit
Provides an income tax credit of 50% of the purchase price for Maryland companies with 50 or fewer employees that purchase cybersecurity goods, products or services from Qualified Maryland Cybersecurity Sellers.
Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund
The Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund is a financing resource operated by the Department of Commerce to provide no-interest loans for capital expenses to childcare providers who participate in the Maryland Department of Education's Child Care Scholarship Program. Loans may be used for capital expenses related to a childcare facility, including acquisition, expansion, renovation and new construction.
Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit
This program provides a state income tax credit to small businesses for hiring qualified veterans based on wages paid to those veteran employees. A Maryland employer may qualify for an income tax credit equal to 30% of up to the first $6,000 of wages paid to a qualified veteran employee during the first year of employment if the first year of employment falls between tax year 2017 and 2020.
Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant
The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant program provides grants to small and mid-sized Maryland manufacturers to invest in Industry 4.0-related technologies, machinery and robotics, and digital business practices in order to remain competitive and drive growth. Twenty percent of the funds will be reserved for small manufacturers with 3-50 employees.
TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds
TEDCO is a direct participant in the deployment of Maryland’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. This money will support TEDCO's Social Impact Funds, which are designed to engage and invest in economically underserved founders and communities. We want to optimize the path to follow-on funding; many companies show a path to sustainability without the need for venture capital.
VOLT Fund
Businesses in Maryland may qualify for a loan of between $25,000 and $500,000 for expenses such as business and commercial real estate acquisition and expansion, lease-hold improvements, equipment and working capital through the VOLT Fund. Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages the VOLT Fund on behalf of the Maryland Department of Commerce.
And don’t forget to check out Economic Development’s Grant Webpage for more funding opportunities to help you reach your business goals.
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Legal Lunches Launches
Economic Development is excited to announce the kickoff of "Legal Lunches" lunch and learn sessions in partnership with Davis & Palumbo. Join us to hear legal experts discuss hot business topics, including commercial leases, business succession and estate planning, proper interview questions and more!
Mark your calendar for our inaugural Legal Lunch:
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12 at noon
Topic: Commercial Leasing
Where: Davis & Palumbo, 132 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Register online
Visit our calendar to stay up to date with these and other events.
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Upcoming Events
Small Business Expo at CalvertHealth Farmer’s Market
Where: CalvertHealth North Campus Parking Lot (110 Hospital Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678)
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 2:30-6:30 p.m.
Buying local is easy with an abundance of fresh food from Calvert County’s farmers, agri-businesses and watermen. Visit your favorite vendors from last year and find exciting new offerings at each market. If your business is interested in participating, please email community.wellness@calverthealthmed.org.
Experience Calvert Festival at "The Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay"
Where: North Beach
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m.
Join the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 23 for the Experience Calvert Festival at The Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay presented by Cove Point LNG. Start with family fun activities and continue throughout beautiful North Beach. Taste the flavors of Calvert County - great seafood, locally brewed beer, vintage wine and more! Shop local businesses, participate in children's activities and enjoy the history and views that make Calvert County so unique. Bring the family out for a fun time and a true taste of Calvert. Free to the public!
32nd Annual Chesapeake Hills Golf Classic
Where: Chesapeake Hills Golf Course (11325 H G Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657)
When: Friday, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m.
Cost: $80/person - preregistration required
Calvert County Parks & Recreation (CCPR) cordially invites you, your friends and family to join us in celebrating the 32nd Annual Chesapeake Hills Golf Classic Tournament. Net tournament proceeds benefit the CCPR Program Scholarship Fund in memory of Therman Gray. Therman Gray was a former CCPR employee who was very active in the community working with young people. This year's event will be held on Friday, Oct. 6 at Chesapeake Hills Golf Club in Lusby, Maryland. Cost is $80 per person and includes green fees, cart, lunch, contests and prizes. Golfer and sponsor registration is available online.
If your company is interested in being a hole sponsor, please contact CCPR. For more information and entry forms, please email sports@calvertcountymd.gov.
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Treat Yourself!
Hot, cold, popped or baked, Calvert County serves up a deliciously diverse trail of sweet treats from North Beach and Chesapeake Beach to Solomons Island on the Sweet Treat Trail.
Find your next sugar rush on the interactive map, our website or YouTube.
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Eminence Maintenance & Building Services, LLC
Eminence Maintenance & Building Services, LLC (EMBS), is the premier source for proficiency in building and maintenance services, including HVAC, and has been an industry leader in the Washington, DC metropolitan region for nearly a decade. EMBS takes pride in its image as a single-operator entity who has grown to become one of the most trusted names in the industry, not only for residential customers but also in the increasingly competitive commercial division. EMBS holds certifications as an SBA WOSB, MDOT MBE, DBE and SBE.
President and Founder, Ms. Sina Avery, is a graduate of Rutledge of Washington School of Business, and holds a certification in Data Entry/Administrative Assistance.
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In the News
Calvert County Celebrates 20 Growing Businesses!
Spring 2023 was a time of growth and new beginnings in Southern Maryland. A total of 12 new businesses opened between February and May of this year, with eight additional companies expanding their operations.
Second Round of Funding Announced for Maryland Cannabis Businesses
Beginning Aug. 1, the state will initiate the second phase of funding for the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund. This installment aims to assist social equity licensees who obtained stage one pre-approval for a license before Oct. 1, 2022, yet remain non-operational as of Aug. 1, 2023. Each recipient can potentially secure up to $5 million from this allocation.
Planning and Zoning Invites Public Feedback on Critical Area, Marine and Water Dependent Facilities, and Floodplain Zoning Regulations
The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning invites county residents to participate in the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance update process. Citizens are invited to participate through public comment, a public forum and observing work sessions and meetings, to have a voice in shaping local development and land use policies and actively contribute to the well-being and future of the community. Public comment period for these articles is from Aug. 7 to Sept 1. Comments may be submitted by email to ZOupdate@calvertcountymd.gov or by mail Attn: ZO Update, 205 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
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Natural Glo Studios
On July 21, Commissioner Todd Ireland and the Calvert County Department of Economic Development held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Natural Glo Studios. The studio recently opened at 162 Main St., Suite 4, in Prince Frederick and focuses on hair, nails, skincare and more! To learn more about Natural Glo Studios, visit their website at www.naturalglostudios.com.
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Tidy Tails Mobile Grooming
On July 18, Commissioner Ireland and the Calvert County Department of Economic Development held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Tidy Tails Mobile Grooming. Tidy Tails Mobile Grooming strives to offer a convenient and stress-free way to groom your furry friend. To learn more about Tidy Tails Mobile Grooming, visit their website at tidytailsmobilegrooming.com.
Keep an eye out on Facebook for future ribbon cuttings!
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Money for Startups: Shore Hatchery Competition
The Perdue School of Business Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery is accepting applications for a biannual business plan/pitch competition open to start-up companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is a 10-year $2 million initiative that assists entrepreneurs in creating new businesses and jobs in the region. Startups apply for a share of $200,000 annually. Applications due Sept. 25. For more information, visit shorehatchery.salisbury.edu.
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Browse Community Events and Activities!
With lighthouses, trails, museums, festivals, wineries, breweries, shops and galleries, there's always something going on in Calvert County.
Explore VisitCalvert.com or view our events calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.
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