Annapolis, MD – The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs conducted its signature Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop today in Howard County. The event, which featured 17 state purchasing units and five county government purchasing units, drew more than 150 small, minority, women, and veteran business owners and entrepreneurs interested in contracting opportunities.
Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman delivered the keynote address regarding the benefits of Maryland Tax Connect, the state’s new online business tax portal, and emphasized the importance of connecting businesses with opportunities available through working with the state.
“Our small businesses drive our state’s economy. They generate jobs, anchor our communities, and spur economic growth and innovation. The state can support our small businesses by being mindful of how we spend our state tax dollars and who we contract with,” said Comptroller Lierman. “The Office of the Comptroller is committed to providing more efficient procurement systems, leveraging our data, and sharing our expertise to create a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous Maryland.”
Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs Special Secretary Y. Maria Martinez provided an overview of the state’s three socioeconomic procurement programs and insights on how to do business with the State of Maryland.
“This event provides a pathway to help small, minority, women, and veteran business owners understand how to navigate procurement processes so they can compete with greater confidence in both the prime contractor and subcontractor arena,” said Special Secretary Martinez. “The vendor community is always looking for opportunities to connect with buyers from state agencies, and we are pleased to conduct this workshop each quarter at locations throughout Central Maryland.”
During the program, four successful entrepreneurs were recognized for their contributions to Maryland’s small business economy with a citation from Governor Wes Moore.
- Maria G. Anderson – Anderson Fire Protection, Inc.
- Jennie Kwon – Blowfish Poke and Grill, LLC
- Kal Bhatti – Mimar Architects & Engineers, Inc.
- Jesse Murphy – Mimar Architects & Engineers, Inc.
Following the program, vendors met with state and county buyers during an open networking session. Each purchasing unit identified what they are buying now and what is in the pipeline. In addition, attendees were able to meet with several prime contractors who work in both the county and state arenas.
The workshop was hosted by the Howard County Economic Development Authority and The Howard Hughes Corporation. The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs conducts four Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshops annually.
For more information about upcoming workshops, visit the Ready, Set, GROW! webpage at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov.
