The Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of Shop Local Bowie at Bowie Town Center. Over the past 12 months, the retail incubator initiative has served as a launchpad for small businesses, providing local entrepreneurs with the platform to test products, expand their customer base, and build sustainable revenue.

Powered by MWBC, Shop Local Bowie supports community-based economic development by combining entrepreneurial training, access to funding resources, and strategic one-on-one business counseling with hands-on retail experience.

To commemorate this milestone, regional entrepreneurs, community supporters, and local leaders gathered to recognize the program’s initial impact and celebrate the founding vendors. Among the attendees were City of Bowie Councilmembers Clinton Truesdale, Sr. and Wanda Rogers.

In her remarks, Councilwoman Rogers emphasized the program’s role in the local business ecosystem:

“MWBC represents opportunity… a place to build confidence, gain customers, and turn dreams into financial success.”

Each vendor of the inaugural cohort was presented with a certificate of recognition:

  • Susanna Anderson (A Perfect Shirt)
  • LaKeisha Wells (Storytellerz Boutique)
  • Paulette Mpouma (The Africa Memory Game)
  • Patience Moore (Patiently Crafted)
  • Stephanie Amponsah (YAA Chic)
  • Karen Robinson (Speaklife Nutrition)

 

Impact at a Glance

MWBC Shop Local Bowie’s first  year of results demonstrate steady progress for participating businesses:

  • 17 Vendors Supported: Provided local small businesses representing skin care, clothing, etc. with dedicated retail space.
  • $127,805 in Total Sales Generated: Cumulative revenue generated as of April 2026.
  • 25 Trainings & Workshops Delivered: Trainings focused on practical skill development for long-term operational success.
  • 80% of Vendors Increased Sales: High rate of business growth among MWBC Shop Local cohort members.

 

A Framework for Retail Success

MWBC Shop Local’s model integrates live marketplace operations with structured technical assistance to prepare business owners for long-term stability:

  • Retail Access: Entrepreneurs gain practical experience managing a physical storefront and analyzing real customer behavior.
  • Business Support: MWBC consultants deliver targeted 1:1 counseling on pricing, marketing, financial management, and operational efficiency, allowing vendors to apply classroom learning directly to their day-to-day retail operations.
  • Community & Visibility: Participants gain exposure to resource partners across the City of Bowie and Prince George’s County while establishing a network of peer support within the cohort.

Paulette Mpouma, founder of The Africa Memory Game and a member of the first cohort, noted the practical value of the program:

“This program is an incredible opportunity for women entrepreneurs. I’ve had my business for 10 years, and this is the first time I’ve been able to experience a retail environment. It’s truly been an eye-opener. Thank you to MWBC for this opportunity.”

 

Looking Ahead to Year Two

MWBC Shop Local Bowie will focus on scaling its economic impact across Prince George’s County as it enters its second year. Future initiatives include targeted efforts to increase vendor revenue, enhance cohort support structures, and introduce specialized training in e-commerce, wholesale strategies, and strategic corporate partnerships.

Interested in supporting local entrepreneurs or learning more about upcoming vendor cohorts? Visit the storefront at Bowie Town Center or explore program details at mwbcshoplocal.com.