As we consider the attacks on Diversity and Inclusion which include challenges to the core mission of MBDA we must recall the fights and freedoms won to form a more perfect union. As a society we continue our march toward this aspirational goal. In Baltimore we continue to support the mission and vision by creating opportunities for "Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals."

This month in our newsletter we cover the MBDA National Training Conference, the Minority Made Tour, and Baltimore City procurement conference and workshop.

In a departure from our usual Meet Our Team segment, we are highlighting an opportunity to join our team. The MBDA AMC is looking for a business consultant with business development subject expertise.

Finally, in this edition of the newsletter we are highlighting "best/well kept secret" grants, incentives, and business and professional development opportunities.

Thank you for taking a few moments to get caught up on the Baltimore MBDA AMC.

N. Scott Phillips



Director

Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Region Minority Business Development Agency Advanced Manufacturing Center (Baltimore MBDA AMC) traveled to Miami, Florida earlier this month for professional development and networking with colleagues from MBDA Headquarters and MBDA centers, programs, and initiatives across the country at this year's MBDA National Training Conference.

Fireside chats, workshops, and networking sessions supporting this year's conference theme, Building a Resilient Future, covered a myriad of topics, from the recent court ruling on MBDA, exploring the future of MBDA centers under the MBD Act (Title 4), to leveraging the Capital Readiness Program and strategic alliances with the U.S. Department of Commerce and partnering organizations. Enhancing business growth through MBDA core services, including access to capital, federal contract, and global market assistance, was also discussed.

We are always excited to be part of this incredible annual event which showcases inspiring keynote speakers and provides opportunity to network with talented professionals in our industry. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience filled with learning, growth.

The Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center Team received National's Century Award for achieving 2024 performance goals. Pictured: Mark Lawrence, Business Consultant, MiHUB, Center partnering organization; Uchenna Mildred Udeh, Center Administrator; N. Scott Phillips, Center Director; LaToya Staten, Center Business Consultant; and Reginald Mack of the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy and Development, Center Operator. (Not pictured: Anthony Robinson, Senior Business Consultant and Chris Plater, Special Projects Manager)

The team from MBDA Headquarters introduced themselves to conference participants from centers, programs, and initiatives across the country.

Summertime often encourages a pace that allows time for activities that fall off the table during busy seasons. Brush off your proposal writing skills to pursue grants and incentives. Brush up on know-how and new trends through business and professional development sessions. Don't miss the following opportunities this summer.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

FOR MARYLAND MANUFACTURERS

The e2m2 Program is assisting manufacturers with energy and environment assessments to detail current facility conditions in order to develop a sustainability strategic plan. e2m2 is now accepting applications for the Energy and Environment Assessment.

The Program is delivered through a partnership between the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP) and the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and is funded by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). 

Since the program’s inception in 2021, BGE has awarded more than $13 million in grants to 651 small businesses in an effort to help the foundation of the local economy succeed and thrive. BGE will invest $2 million in the program for 2024. The program prioritizes businesses operated by historically underrepresented minority groups often challenged with access to capital – with 65 percent of grants provided to businesses owned by people of color and 65 percent owned by women.

To administer the grants, BGE has partnered with Hello Alice—the fintech platform connecting 1.5 million small businesses to capital, opportunities, and resources—and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN)—a D.C.-based organization that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and scale businesses throughout the U.S. and around the world. Applicants gain access to Hello Alice’s suite of small business tools and resources, and connectivity to a global network through GEN.

How to apply

Interested business owners can apply and read full terms and conditions at bge.helloalice.com. For technical assistance while completing the applications, contact alice@helloalice.com.

Eligibility details

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements to be considered for a BGE Energizing Small Business Grant:

• For-profit business that has been operating for at least one year at the start of the application;
• Existing BGE electric and/or gas customer in good standing with BGE;
• In good standing (or on the way to) with the State of Maryland;
• Maximum of 25 employees;
• Annual gross revenues in 2023 of less than $7 million; and
• Demonstrated need of funding to support business and serve customers.

Financial awards through the Energizing Small Business Grants program, along with all nonprofit contributions, are made using shareholder dollars and are not reflected in BGE customer bills.

The latest installment of the Minority Made tour took place in late May, bringing together the MBDA AMC Team and a host of clients and associates at Fabpro Technologies. In 2021, owner and CEO Antoine Hutchinson, made the pivotal decision to purchase the Halethorpe, Maryland facility where it leased manufacturing and office space, increasing the company’s square footage from 25,000 to 45,000. 

The evening included a networking reception as well as a tour guided by Fabpro Technologies COO Jillian Willis of the newly renovated manufacturing site. Highlights included remarks by Hutchinson, who shared insights on how the Center assisted the company in leveraging both public and private sector resources, opening remarks by MBDA AMC Director N. Scott Phillips, and greetings from Baltimore County Executive John A. Olszewski, Jr. Guests enjoyed refreshments, with a special mention to the delectable desserts from AMC clients Treats4eats, owned by Saschane Stephenson, and from Hiatus Cheesecake, owned by the Matthew Featherstone as well as vegan ice creams from guest manufacturer Cajou Creamery, operated by co-founders Dwight Campbell and Nicole Foster.

The Center's Minority Made tours, held quarterly, shine a spotlight on clients’

remarkable work, fostering a supportive network and community for business growth and retention 

Baltimore MBDA AMC Director N. Scott Phillips addresses the attendees.

Owner of Fabpro Technologies Antoine Hutchinson addresses the attendees.

Baltimore County Executive John A. Olszewski, Jr. addresses attendees.

COO of Fabpro Technologies, Jillian Willis addresses the attendees as she leads a tour of the facility.

Attendees tour the facility

Delectable desserts from Baltimore MBDA AMC clients Treats4eats (right) and Hiatus Cheesecake (left).

The City of Baltimore Procurement Conference, which took place on June 13th, was a collaborative event hosted by Center Operator, the Baltimore Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Development & Advocacy; Baltimore Convention Center; Baltimore City Information & Technology Office; and the City of Baltimore Bureau of Procurement.

With more than 1000 registrants, participants engaged directly with procurement officials to learn about the various opportunities available for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Among the 100 exhibitors was the Baltimore MBDA AMC, the Center Operator, and client Fabpro Technologies, contributing to the vibrancy of the event. Attendees also participated in workshops offered, enriching their knowledge and fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth within the procurement community.

Paul E. Taylor, Director of Small Business Resource Center, Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy and Development, Operator of the Baltimore MBDA AMC; Keith D. Moore, CEO KDM & Associates, Operator, Minority Business Development Agency Federal Procurement Center; Sharon R. Pinder, President and CEO, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council and Operator, Virginia Minority Business Development Agency Business Center; Gary Moore, Senior Business Development Specialist, Maryland Minority Business Development Agency Business Center; Anthony Robinson, Senior Business Development Specialist

MBDA AMC: Anthony Robinson Senior Business Consultant, Chris Plater, Special Events Manager, Uchenna Udeh, Project Administrator

MBDA AMC: Sherman Davis (Futech), Kenneth Canty and John Bacon (AMC Civil) with Center team member Anthony Robinson

Christopher R. Lundy, Esq., Director, Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development, speaks to attendees in the opening session

Members of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development interacting with attendees at the conference

• Crafting A Compelling Capability Statement | July 23
• Doing Business with the State of Maryland | July 25
• Prime Contracting in Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR)

Program | August 27

• Cash Flow Management & Projections | August 29

2024 T.I.P.S. Small Business Business Webinar Series | Maryland Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs | Twice Monthly | Virtual | Learn More

NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange 2024 | NMSDC | Atlanta, Georgia, October 20-23, 2024 | Read More

TechTrends 2025 | SMART | April 3-4, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ | Drive for Data Across America | Spring 2025 | Read More

SourceLink is hosted by our Center's operator, the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small & Minority Business Advocacy & Development.