Maryland’s Catalyst for Small Business Success - One Entrepreneur at a Time | | |
SBDC Announces 2026 America’s SBDC State Star Awardee
Alvin Brown, SBDC Technology Coordinator, Recognized as Maryland 'State Star'
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Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is proud to announce Alvin Brown, MSc, Technology Coordinator, as Maryland’s recipient of the 2026 America’s SBDC State Star Award.
The State Star award is an annual recognition of exemplary SBDC staff who show significant contribution to the program and commitment towards the small business community.
Brown began his career at the Maryland SBDC in 2006, starting as an intern and advancing to his current role as Technology Coordinator, where he manages a broad portfolio of operational, technology, financial, compliance, and administrative responsibilities across the SBDC’s Small Business Programs, supporting the SBDC, APEX Accelerator, Maryland Business Opportunity Center, (MBOC), Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs.
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His work spans IT operations, vendor management, process improvement, procurement, grant administration, financial analysis, training, and organizational strategy, requiring the ability to bridge technology, business operations, and leadership.
Brown has been described by his peers as an “integral Maryland SBDC team member” who “embodies the spirit of the SBDC network through his collaboration, professionalism, and dedication to helping others succeed”.
State Star awardees will be formally recognized at the 47th Annual America's SBDC Annual Training event, held this fall in Atlanta, GA. Please join us in congratulating Alvin Brown for his continued dedication towards the SBDC and Maryland’s small business community.
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Build Your Business. Expand Your Opportunities.
Start with BRIDGE
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The BRIDGE (Business Resource Information, Development & Guidance Ecosystem) program, funded by TEDCO, connects Maryland entrepreneurs and small businesses to trusted organizations that provide the specialized resources needed to start, grow, and scale a business!
You’ll receive a personalized assessment, and get connected to the partners and services that best fit your business goals.
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Through BRIDGE, You May Receive
Support For:
- Financial Readiness & Credit Building
- Business Consulting & Growth Strategy
- Legal Services
- Government Contracting & Proposal Development
- Back Office & Financial Systems
- Women's Entrepreneurship Programs
- Innovation & Commercialization Resources
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To Apply
To begin the process, click the button below.
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Inc. 5000 names Maryland’s fastest growing companies in 2026 | | | |
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A total of 120 Maryland businesses have been named among the fastest-growing companies in the country, according to the latest Inc. 5000 rankings.
The recent announcement, which includes industries ranging from construction to IT services to legal, features nine Maryland companies named among the top 500 in the nation.
Click here to continue reading.
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SBA Mid-Atlantic Matchmaker Prep Series
Presented by SBA's Baltimore, Delaware, and Washington Metro Area District Offices
Opening doors to federal agency decision-makers is easier when you have an effective capability statement. Join the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Mid-Atlantic Matchmaker Prep Series.
Upcoming Sessions (In Person and Virtual):
Aug. 20 | Session 1: Build a Capability Statement that Opens Doors (Hybrid;Ellicot City, MD)
Aug. 27 | Session 2: Know Your Market, Win the Contract (Virtual)
Sept. 03 | Session 3: Pitch Like a Pro - From Nervous to Notable (Virtual)
Sept. 10 | Session 4: Maximize Business Development Opportunities & Series Recap (Virtual)
| | No Matter Where You Are on Your Business Journey,
Maryland SBDC Is Here to Help You Succeed | | Confidential,
No-Cost Consulting | Whether you're just starting out, growing your small business, or looking to sell, our expert consultants are here to provide practical solutions and real-world knowledge. | | Gain valuable insights, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and build valuable skills. Sign up today and take the next step toward business success. | | Resources for Your Venture | Discover free resources in Maryland, including snapshot reports for numerous popular industries, competitor research, market research, and more. | | Resources for SBDC Clients | | | |
Maryland SBDC is excited to partner with Posture, Inc. to bring our clients an affordable solution to cybersecurity.
Get 12 months of Posture Starter, free for SBDC clients, to boost your cyber hygiene and protect your data. Get Posture
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Cybersecurity Guidance For Small Businesses
ASBDC and North Star have developed resources for small businesses that cover a variety of topics and can help your small business navigate the sometimes overly complicated subject matter of cyber and data protection. Click here to learn more.
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SBDC Training Programs
"Designed with You in Mind"
The SBDC offers a comprehensive range of training courses and programs to help you develop the planning, management, and financial skills necessary to make your business thrive.
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No-Cost Confidential Consulting
"Practical Solutions for Your Business Needs"
Whether you need help identifying local markets for your business, are developing a strategic business plan and want a second opinion, or have compliance issues you'd like to clarify, our consultants are ready to help you successfully grow your business.
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The SBDC has more than
20 service locations throughout Maryland.
Click below to learn more.
| | Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. | | |
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Maryland SBDC
Maryland’s Catalyst for Small Business Success -
One Entrepreneur at a Time
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