Maryland Small Business Development Center

06/08/2026

Have you registered for the 2026 Baltimore Region Women’s Conference? Don’t miss Legal Strategies to Safeguard Your Business

The Legal Blueprint: Safeguarding Women-Owned Businesses is the 2026 Baltimore Region Women’s Conference dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs with the legal knowledge needed to protect, grow, and sustain their businesses.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, expert-led panel discussions, and direct access to State, County, and City resources committed to supporting women-owned businesses. Offered at no cost, this conference creates an inclusive space for learning, networking, and building a strong legal foundation for success.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/CEB9NNV

06/03/2026

Small Business Owners JOIN US!!
SBA Lending Options…which loan program is best for my small business?
Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10am - 12pm

Discover features, advantages and benefits of all three types of SBA loan programs. MEET WITH 7A, 504, and Microlenders.

Please join us if:
✓ You are starting a new business
✓ You are growing or expanding your business
✓ You want more info about which financing serves the needs of your business best

RSVP by date at: [email protected]
All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

05/26/2026

Our SBDC Small Business newsletter is a treasure trove of resources, tips, and insider knowledge tailored specifically to help your venture thrive!

Read this month's issue to see how we're supporting entrepreneurs in your community: https://buff.ly/0T3fEOp

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed for our nation. We thank our fallen heroes for their courage and service.

SBDC offices will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

05/22/2026

$1M is available to small businesses through a new pitch competition.

05/18/2026

Press Release: Maryland SBDC and HCEDA Host AWS AI Pitch Competition Showcasing Innovation Across Maryland

Columbia, MD — The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), proudly hosted the Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI Pitch Competition on April 21, 2026, at the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) in Columbia.

Sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and PREDICTif Solutions, the event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and public officials to highlight how small businesses across Maryland are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation.

The competition featured a dynamic group of finalists who presented AI-driven business concepts to a panel of judges, sharing innovative solutions designed to address real-world business challenges.

Distinguished Speakers and Attendees: The event included remarks from several distinguished leaders, including Dr. Candace Pruett of the Maryland SBDC, Jennifer Jones of HCEDA, Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, Delegate LaToya Nkongolo, Jim Spencer of the U.S. SBA, and Jonas Bull of PREDICTif Solutions. The event was attended by a wide range of community stakeholders, including local elected officials, resource partners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, with Delegates Gabriel Moreno and Terri Hill from the Maryland House of Delegates also in attendance.

Pitch Competition Highlights: Finalists showcased a variety of innovative AI applications across industries, demonstrating how technology can streamline operations, improve decision-making, and scale businesses, with judging provided by Pauline Shiu of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, Brandon Mason of the Maryland SBDC, and Jonas Bull of PREDICTif Solutions.

Award Winners: The competition awarded a total of $145,000 in professional services credits to support AI implementation. Virtual Guardian AI earned first place and received $50,000 in AWS and PREDICTif (nCloud) services, while KLEENUP and Express Underwriter tied for second place, each receiving $35,000. Visurraga Enterprises LLC placed third and was awarded $25,000 in professional services.

Driving Innovation Through Partnership: “This event is a testament to the power of collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors,” said Dr. Candace Pruett, Director of the Corridor Region, Maryland SBDC. “We are proud to support entrepreneurs as they explore and implement emerging technologies like AI to strengthen their businesses and compete in today’s economy.”

The event was made possible through strong partnerships with HCEDA, the Maryland Innovation Center, AWS, PREDICTif Solutions, and community sponsors, including Capital One (Innovation Partner) and TEDCO (Community Champion).

About Maryland SBDC: The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost, confidential consulting and training to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Through a statewide network, the SBDC connects business owners with the resources, tools, and expertise needed to succeed.

Media Contact:
Candace Pruett, DBA Director, Corridor Region
Maryland Small Business Development Center [email protected]
(301) 624-3528

Community Sponsors included:
Capital One (Innovation Sponsor) and TEDCO (Community Champion)

04/27/2026

Start May strong with specialized business training from Maryland SBDC. Get in-person and on-demand classes covering topics like cybersecurity best practices, social media marketing, funding your venture, and much more. View the full schedule here: https://buff.ly/xO9LPxT

04/23/2026

Are you subscribed to our newsletter? If not, you're missing out on expert news, advice, and resources to help your business thrive!

In this month’s issue: See how Maryland SBDC is supporting entrepreneurs in your community through AI initiatives and manufacturing support, plus an in-depth Q&A with our SBDC Corridor Region Director.

Read more: https://buff.ly/gj16wHt

04/18/2026

From no-cost consulting and expert-led training, to access to vital business resources, Maryland SBDC is helping small businesses start, grow and succeed across the state.

Ready to take the next step for your business? Connect with us today! https://buff.ly/N1p36vv

04/14/2026

Many thanks to the Office of Governor Wes Moore Maryland State Innovation for joining our SBDC Tag-Up meeting this morning to share information about the Maryland Community Business Compass. Learn more about this new online tool created to help entrepreneurs find business opportunities, funding, and connections statewide:

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