- July 2026 -

To see all of the event pictures, click here to go to the album.

The 2026 Maryland SBDC Women’s Entrepreneur Conference, held on June 16, 2026, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, brought together more than 200 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners for a day of education, networking, and empowerment. Although the conference celebrated and supported women entrepreneurs, it welcomed all entrepreneurs and small business owners, and attendees reflected the diversity of Maryland's small business community. Sponsored by Constellation, the conference featured a vibrant small business showcase in the museum foyer, where local businesses displayed their products and services while connecting with attendees. Maryland SBDC State Director Lora Brown welcomed guests, followed by sponsor remarks from Towanda R. Livingston of Constellation, setting the stage for a dynamic program focused on strengthening and protecting small businesses.

Centered on the theme, The Legal Blueprint: Safeguarding Women-Owned Businesses, the conference offered expert presentations on contracts, intellectual property in the age of AI, wealth-building strategies, and legal protections for entrepreneurs. A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, Common Legal Pitfalls for Small Businesses, featuring attorneys from Gordon Feinblatt LLC, who shared practical guidance on avoiding common legal challenges. Attendees also heard inspiring addresses from Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, who spoke on systems of accountability, and Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson, who delivered closing remarks on systems of justice. In recognition of the conference's impact, the City of Baltimore presented the Maryland SBDC with a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, honoring the conference for bringing together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and business professionals to share valuable resources, foster collaboration, and strengthen the local small business community. The conference concluded with lunch and networking, providing participants with meaningful opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and further strengthen Maryland's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Maryland SBDC's Lead Center has moved to a new location.

As of July 2026, you can find our new office at:

5825 University Research Ct, Suite 3200

College Park, MD 20740

For more information, visit us online at www.marylandsbdc.org

Congratulations to Maryland SBDC client GAP Trail Foods, co-owned by Cory Heyman and Justin Tippen, for winning the Western Region's inaugural Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI Pitch Competition.

Hosted by Maryland SBDC and Frostburg State University at Western Maryland Works on May 14, 2026, and sponsored by PREDICTif Solutions and AWS, the competition celebrated innovative entrepreneurs and emerging AI-driven business ideas.

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)

Maryland announces changes to three Enterprise Zones

by Maryland Department of Commerce

The Maryland Department of Commerce has expanded and redesignated three Enterprise Zones throughout the state.

Created in 1982, Maryland’s Enterprise Zone tax credit program has been one of the most widely used economic development tax credit programs in the state, growing from two to 31 zones over the years. Businesses located in these areas are projected to receive more than $56 million in property tax credits based on investments made in fiscal year 2025.

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