Maryland Women's Business Center

How to Do Business with Montgomery County [Webinar]
2024-04-16 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
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Learn how to do business with Montgomery County! Hosted quarterly with Montgomery County Office of Procurement. During this free webinar, hear about:

Overview of how to register your business with Montgomery County
Where to find solicitations on Montgomery County website
Overview of Montgomery County compliance programs – Local Small Business Reserve Program and Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned (MFD)

Connect & Conquer: How to Network Your Business [Webinar]
2024-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or making small talk at events; it’s about building meaningful connections that can propel your business forward. Join us for a free webinar about how to utilize networking events to grow your business.

Financing Your Business [Webinar]
2024-04-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
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Learn about financing options for your startup, growing venture, or mature business with this webinar by SBA Business Opportunity Specialist, Roderick L. Johnson.
Attendees will learn about:

Business financing stages
Starting your business
Lending requirements
Business plan essentials
Traditional financing
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Bank loans
Non-traditional financing

Speed Meet: Virtual Networking for Prince George's County
2024-04-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join us for this speed-dating style mixer on Zoom and meet other entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County (though all are welcome)!
Attendees will be broken up into small Zoom breakout rooms to connect with each other. We will mix up the groups every few minutes and everyone will get a chance to network! Meet new people and use those connections to develop local professional relationships.
Sessions hosted every third Wednesday of the month unless stated otherwise.

Please note the “Add to calendar” button below does not register you for the training/event. Please click the REGISTER button above.

Speed Meet: Virtual Networking for Montgomery County
2024-04-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
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Join us for this speed-dating style mixer on Zoom and meet other entrepreneurs in Montgomery County (though all are welcome)!
Attendees will be broken up into small Zoom breakout rooms to connect with each other. We will mix up the groups every few minutes and everyone will get a chance to network! Meet new people and use those connections to develop local professional relationships.
Sessions hosted every fourth Tuesday of the month unless stated otherwise.

Please note the “Add to calendar” button below does not register you for the training/event. Please click the REGISTER button above.

Taxes for Entrepreneurs in the Creative Industry [Webinar]
2024-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join us for a free webinar where Laura Gutierrez from the Comptroller of Maryland will cover a tax overview for business owners in the creative industry!
About the Speaker
Laura Gutierrez
Small Business & Community Development Director
Comptroller of Maryland
Laura Gutierrez is the Director of Small Business and Community Development at the Comptroller of Maryland and the MBE/VSBE/SBR liaison for the agency. She advocates for small and minority owned businesses, and reviews at internal processes to develop programmatic and policy initiatives to support small business and community development, as well as helping businesses navigate state resources, and find new pathways for local businesses to grow and prosper in Maryland.

Coffee & Connections Frederick County: Hiring Your First Employee
2024-04-24 10:00 - 11:30 | City Hall of Frederick, 101 N Court St, Frederick, MD, 21701, United States
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Whether you are just starting your business or already took the plunge, surround yourself with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Join MWBC Senior Business Consultant, Karen Kalantzis, for networking with other women business owners in Frederick County during our monthly Coffee and Connections meeting. Our speaker for April is Kennedy Moon from ADP!
Attendees will learn:

How does payroll work?
The benefits of HR for small businesses
Open for questions from the group to lead conversations

About the Speaker
Kennedy Moon

Kennedy works for ADP as a small business consultant. She helps businesses with payroll, HR services and benefits. She works great with businesses that are looking to hire their first employees but also can help evaluate existing businesses with their processes. The best part is that she lives locally and works in the Frederick area!

Please note the “Add to calendar” button below does not register you for the training/event. Please click the REGISTER button above.

Become a Pitch Pro: 2-Part Series [Webinar]
2024-04-24 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Gain the skills and confidence needed to captivate any audience and secure vital opportunities for your venture with this free 2-part webinar series.
Part 1: Learning How to Pitch
Learn the fundamentals of crafting and delivering the perfect business pitch.
Part 2: Pitch Practice
Put your pitching skills to the test in a supportive and constructive environment. Spots are limited!
Note: Part 2 (Pitch Practice) is optional, but you MUST attend Part 1 (Learning How to Pitch) to attend Part 2.

Vendor Connection Summit
2024-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, United States
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Meet with more than 50 prime contractors, government agencies and local resources at this expo-style event.

Questions? Contact Bethany Manimbo, Supplier Diversity Engagement Manager at bethany.manimbo@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Hosted by our partners at the Montgomery County Office of Procurement.

The Power of Capital featuring JP Morgan Chase [Webinar]
2024-04-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
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The Capital Readiness Program, powered by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), operated by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC), invites you to join this virtual discussion on “The Power of Capital.”
This discussion will be targeted towards our socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Our presenter will discuss how to think strategically about cash flow and determine if you need to borrow, important financial data to provide to lenders, and what your credit options are.
Hosted by our partners at Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC)

National Small Business Week
2024-04-28 - 2024-05-04

Applying to WOSB/EDWOSB [Webinar]
2024-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Learn about eligibility and the application process for the Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Program with this quarterly webinar by SBA Business Opportunity Specialist, Roderick L. Johnson.

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Building a Strong Business Foundation [WEBINAR]
2024-05-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
The first “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Building a Strong Business Foundation, provides participants with the essential knowledge on what to consider before starting a business.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify your inspiration for starting a business.
Distinguish characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
Explore market feasibility of your business idea.
Describe options to cover startup expenses.
Understand how MWBC can support your business dream.

Whether you’re considering starting a small business to create a stable revenue stream or launching a startup that you can scale quickly, this webinar will provide you with the tools and skills necessary to make informed decisions before taking the next step.

How to Do Business with the City of Rockville [Webinar]
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
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Learn how to do business with the City of Rockville! During this free informational webinar, we will be covering:

Difference between city vs. county
Procurement process
Procurement path by threshold

Speaker:
Pat Ryan, CPPB, MBA
Principal Buyer
City of Rockville
Procurement Division

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Creating Your Business Blueprint [WEBINAR]
2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
The role of planning is crucial for any successful business. The second “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Creating Your Business Blueprint, educates participants on how to create an effective business design, including key elements and best practices to consider for long-term success.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain a problem in the marketplace that your business solves.
Begin to articulate the business’s target market, competitors, and unique selling proposition.
Recognize key financial documents needed during business startup.
Identify operational considerations for starting the business.
Determine when and why businesses need a business plan or pitch deck.

Investing time to comprehensively map out your business blueprint before you launch will save you valuable resources in the long run. It will also raise important questions for you to consider as you move forward in creating a sustainable business.

SHE Means Business
2024-05-14 11:00 - 14:30 | The Arc of Frederick County, 555 S Market St, Frederick, MD, 21701, United States
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Calling all female entrepreneurs and business-savvy ladies – this event is made for you!
Join us for SHE Means Business, a round table discussion on topics that matter to you as a woman in business. This event aims to empower women, teach new skills, and connect you with professionals in a variety of areas to help guide discussions on the hard-hitting questions that come up when running a business. Plus, lunch is included in your ticket!
What to expect:
– You will join two different round table discussions led by experts in the topic to do a deep dive on taking the next steps, creating strategies, and growing your business.
– A take home packet of resources and action items for every discussion topic, not just the ones you join in on!
– Time to network enjoy lunch
– Contacts and connections with our 10 fabulous leaders
– An amazing and supportive environment to work through entrepreneurship greatest questions and woes
Topics to choose from:
– How to Navigate a Changing Workforce
– What is SEO & Why It Matters for Your Business
– So …What’s Next? When & How to Grow Your Biz
– Retirement Planning for Entrepreneurs
– Business Tips for Mompreneurs
– How to Use Social Media to Build Your Business
– How to Leverage Your Email Marketing Strategy
– Profit First: Embracing Profit & Paying Yourself
– How to Sell (Without Feeling Salesy)
– How AI Can Help Your Small Business
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a form to fill out to choose the topics that most interest you for the round table discussions. This will need to be completed as soon as possible. While we will do our best to put you at the tables you want most, we can’t guarantee placement based on interest and attendance.

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Launch Your Business [WEBINAR]
2024-05-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
With so many moving parts and unknowns, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. The third “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Launch Your Business, aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to successfully launch your business.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Compare characteristics of common business structures and determine the best choice for your business.
Recognize factors that impact the business’s name.
Locate state and local resources to pay taxes and obtain professional or organizational licenses for the business.
Register a business in the state of Maryland.
Identify professional experts, organizations, and operational systems to support your business launch.

Once you complete this webinar, you’ll confidently understand the key steps to legally register and launch your business, the importance of surrounding yourself with expert advice and support resources, and some of the initial systems needed to successfully launch your business entity.

Marketing for Entrepreneurs in the Creative Industry [Webinar]
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Marketing and selling your creative works can be challenging in today’s crowded marketplace. Join marketing expert Chris Martin from Convoy Creatives who will walk you through marketing strategies and tactics that can help you reach your desired target audience so they get to know, like and trust you and eventually become customers.

Bookkeeping Basics [Webinar]
2024-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join us for a free webinar to learn about what is considered “bookkeeping” and how to read financial statements.
About the Speaker
Katie Hanna, CB is the Owner & CEO of Details Matter Bookkeeping & Advisory. She is a Certified Bookkeeper & Elite QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She has 13 years of experience in the accounting industry and 8 years of experience as a small business owner. She has a passion for educating small business owners and showing them that numbers don’t have to be scary! She was born and raised in Walkersville, MD and currently lives there with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs.

Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business and the Arts
2024-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Rockville Economic Development, Inc., 51 Monroe St, PE-20, Rockville, MD, 20850
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Meet Baltimore based visual artist, Terry Thompson, at this Artist Talk and gallery night. FREE TO ATTEND!
Join Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) and Explore Rockville on Tuesday, May 21st at 5:30pm for an Artist Talk with Terry Thompson led by Julie Ann Cavnor – Executive Director of Art Connection in the Capital Region.🎨
Thompson, a self-taught American artist born in Chicago, Illinois, now based in Baltimore, Maryland effortlessly blends creativity with discipline in his roles as a successful banker and a recognized visual artist. Alongside his work in corporate America, Thompson is a renowned veteran club DJ, producer, and promoter, with releases on the London-based label Defected.
Thompson began his art career with small shows, drawing influence from Romare Bearden, Picasso, and his friend, Spanish painter Salvador Bru. His unique artistic style now reflects inspirations from dance culture, fashion, and dreamscapes. ✨
This Artist Talk is generously supported by Chesapeake Framing Company, a small business that provides art installation, framing, art consultations and more.

Terry Thompson: The Intersection of Business and the Arts was curated by Julie Ann Cavnor and is on display at REDI’s office (51 Monroe Street, PE-20, Rockville, MD 20850) from May 20 – July 26, 2024.
The show is open to the public during the following days/times:

Wednesdays: 2pm – 5pm
Fridays: 1pm – 3pm

PHOTO DISCLAIMER: By registering for this event, you acknowledge that photographs and/or video images taken at this event may be used by the organizers (Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) and/or Explore Rockville) at their discretion for social media/marketing purposes.

Small Business, Big Impact: Harnessing HR Excellence for Growth [Webinar]
2024-05-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
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Join us for an insightful webinar tailored for small business owners and managers who aspire to maximize their impact through effective human resources management. In today’s competitive landscape, strategic HR practices are pivotal for sustainable growth and organizational success.
Precious Middleton of HR Boutique will share proven techniques to optimize HR processes, encompassing talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, and development. During the event, we will present firsthand accounts and real-world scenarios showcasing the transformative power of effective HR practices in small businesses. Through engaging case studies and examples, we will dissect success stories and learn from challenges overcome by companies in a similar position to yours.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights and practical takeaways that can be applied directly to their HR strategies. The session will feature inspiring narratives of small businesses harnessing the potential of HR excellence to drive growth, foster innovation, and build thriving organizational cultures.

Balancing Act: Scheduling & Time Management for Business Owners [Webinar]
2024-05-22 13:00 | Virtual
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Discover how to navigate the intricate dance between your 9-5 career, entrepreneurial aspirations, and family commitments like a seasoned pro. From understanding the nuances of time management to crafting efficient systems for business growth.
Prepare to be inspired as Britney shares captivating stories, relatable anecdotes, and valuable lessons learned from her own diverse career paths as a civil servant, realtor, sister, daughter, mentor, author, and coach. Get ready to laugh, learn, and leap into action as you uncover the keys to success in both your professional and personal life.
About the Speaker
Britney Butler is a dynamic figure with a passion for empowering individuals to reach their highest potential. With a diverse background spanning civil service, real estate, mentorship, a coaching and an author, Britney brings a wealth of experience in time management, business scaling, and work-life balance to the table.
Originally from Sicklerville, NJ, she currently resides in Anne Arundel County MD. Britney is an alumnus of both Virginia State University and Capella University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public administration. She is a loving daughter, the eldest of three and a new auntie!
Real estate is her passion, not only serving clients, but being involved on committees that serve her clients and the community. Britney has served on the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® education committee, a graduate of the Maryland REALTORS® Leadership academy, she is the current chair for the Maryland REALTORS ® Global Business committee and serves as Membership Director for Women’s Council REALTORS® Anne Arundel County Network. In addition to a host of designations and certificates.
With a strong commitment to community service and a track record of leadership, Britney has earned recognition for her contributions to public service, embodying values of integrity and innovation. As a seasoned coach, Britney specializes in guiding dual career agents to navigate the complexities of balancing professional ambitions with personal fulfillment.
Britney inspires audiences to take charge of their time, implement efficient business strategies, and foster a harmonious blend of work and home life. Join Britney on a journey to unlock your full potential and achieve sustainable success in today’s competitive landscape.

“Who Can Help” Vendor Resource Fair
2024-05-23 08:00 - 17:00 | New Spire Arts, 15 W Patrick St, Frederick, 21701
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Are you a registered vendor with the City of Frederick? Do you own or operate a business with products or services that our City Government might purchase? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for your business. In an effort to provide access to information and resources that can help your business succeed and become more competitive in the government contracting arena, we are hosting the “Who can help” Vendor Resource Fair on May 23rd. This resource fair will feature exhibitors who can provide services, programs, and information that can put your business in the best possible position to provide services and products not only to the City, but at the County, Sate, and Federal levels as well. You are invited to attend this Resource Fair and meet with the amazing group of exhibitors we have assembled. Some of the resources available will be:
Banks with diverse & business focused lending programs:

Truist
Fulton Bank
M&T Bank
Woodsboro Bank

Insurance and Bid Bonding Providers:

Assured Partners
WLR Insurance Solutions

City Departments:

Purchasing
Economic Development

Certification Agencies:

MDOT Office of Small, Minority & Disadvantaged Businesses
WBENC

And State Departments:

MBOC (Maryland Business Opportunity Center)
Comptroller’s Office

Attendance is FREE!

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Business Development Strategies [WEBINAR]
2024-05-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
Growing your business beyond the startup phase can be challenging. Scaling your business requires strategic planning, resources, effective execution, and forecasting for the future. In the fourth “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Business Development Strategies, we will discuss the key elements required to successfully expand your business.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe your ideal client.
Identify components of successful unique value propositions and business brands.
Discuss strategies to expand your network of clients.
Express a vision for your business’s future.

This webinar will dive deeper into several facets of business growth, such as successfully building your brand, engaging with ideal clients, and nurturing business relationships. It will prepare you to overcome some of the challenges that women entrepreneurs face, while also inspiring you to continuously dream about and implement expansion strategies.

MWBC Office Closed - Memorial Day
2024-05-27
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Memorial Day.

Say Goodbye to Fear: Discover Your Confidence in Selling [Webinar]
2024-05-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
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This free webinar will help you discover how to release the stereotypical salesman mindset that may be holding you back from selling confidently. You’ll learn how to build relationships to become a trusted expert plus learn basic sales techniques that will help you fine-tune your sales approach.
In this presentation you will learn:

Techniques for creating a positive sales mindset
Tips for expanding your network and building relationships
Key components of the sales process and a sales strategy

About the Speaker
Jean Wright, sales confidence coach, speaker, and author of Selling Your Confidence specializes in coaching women entrepreneurs by helping them say goodbye to their sales fears and be more successful with their businesses.
With a colorful history spanning industries like personnel agencies, sports entertainment, and even the wild world of television, print, and digital media, Jean brings a refreshing zest to the sales game. She climbed the ladder to management-level positions through her sheer dedication and exceptional customer service.
As the former president of a local women’s business organization, Jean noticed a gap in the market and decided to fill it with her debut book, “Selling Your Confidence: Forging a Successful Sales Career from Mint Cookies to Martinis.” From her early days peddling Girl Scout Cookies to her triumphant adult sales career, Jean’s story is packed with valuable insights and helpful tips on how to present your unique package and conquer the sales world with style.
Today, Jean is selling confidence! As a sought-after speaker and sales confidence builder, she’s on a mission to empower women’s groups and solopreneurs alike, showing them how to tap into their unique strengths and use their authentic style in the world of sales. Jean lives in Frederick Maryland with her husband Tom.

Montgomery County Quarterly Career & Resource Fair
2024-05-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Hyatt Regency Bethesda, 7400 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814
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Get connected with top employers looking to grow their teams!
Jobseeker Registration: bit.ly/JuneQJF OR via MWE: mwejobs.maryland.gov
Event ID #107017
WIOA Participant Event Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
General Public Jobseeker Event Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Bring multiple copies of your resume, your best business attire, and a smile 😊 See you there!

Coffee & Connections Frederick County: Using Events to Promote Your Small Business
2024-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 | To Be Announced
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Whether you are just starting your business or already took the plunge, surround yourself with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Join MWBC Senior Business Consultant, Karen Kalantzis, for networking with other women business owners in Frederick County during our monthly Coffee and Connections meeting. Each session includes an educational topic and an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business.
The speaker for May is Dani Gurrie, Owner of Promo Circus & Host of Good Morning Frederick streaming weekdays at 9am on YouTube!
Creative Motion Events by Fay,
721a W Potomac St, Brunswick, MD 21716
