Maryland Women's Business Center

MWBC Shop Local: Everything You Need to Know Before Applying
2024-10-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
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Discover how MWBC’s retail incubator program supports entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and shared retail space. The session will provide an overview of the program, outline eligibility criteria, and guide you through the application process, followed by a Q&A to address any questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how MWBC Shop Local can elevate your business!

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Elements of Entrepreneurship: Building a Strong Business Foundation [WEBINAR]
2024-10-03 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.

MWBC Shop Local: Todo lo que necesita saber antes de presentar su solicitud
2024-10-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
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Descubra cómo la incubadora de negocios de MWBC apoya a los emprendedores de la industria del retail, a través de capacitación, tutoría y espacios minoristas compartidos. La sesión brindará una descripción general del programa, describirá los criterios de elegibilidad y lo guiará a través del proceso de solicitud, seguido de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas para responder cualquier pregunta. ¡No pierda esta oportunidad de aprender cómo MWBC Shop Local puede impulsar su negocio!

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Elements of Entrepreneurship: Creating Your Business Blueprint [WEBINAR]
2024-10-10 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.

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Launch Your Business [WEBINAR]
2024-10-17 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.

Speed Meet: Virtual Networking for Montgomery County
2024-10-22 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.

Overview of SBA Programs and Services [Webinar]
2024-10-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
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Join Economic Development Specialist of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, for this free quarterly info session covering SBA programs and services.

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Coffee & Connections Frederick County: Boosting Your Business with Philanthropy
2024-10-24 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 October is Joshua Pederson!
Joshua will cover some of the basics of nonprofits and philanthropy in Frederick and then provide some simple ideas that small business owners can use to make a difference in their communities while also boosting their brand and revenue.
About the Speaker
Joshua has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit industry for nearly 30 years. He led the implementation of the 211 hotline throughout Utah, served as Director of Services for the Utah Food Bank, as Vice President of United Way of Northern Utah, CEO of United Way of Frederick County, President & CEO of 211 Maryland and Senior Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide. Today Joshua is Director of Grantmaking for the Ausherman Family Foundation.
Joshua has served on multiple boards including the Frederick County Healthcare Coalition, Catholic Community Services, Murray City Arts Council, the Utah State Commission on Volunteers, Salt Lake Community College Center for Service & Learning, and as board president for both the Utah Nonprofits Association and Maryland Nonprofits Association. He was appointed by Governor Hogan to the Maryland Commission on Service & Volunteerism and was also a Trustee for the Ausherman Family Foundation.
Joshua has a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Weber State University.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
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Elements of Entrepreneurship: Business Development Strategies [WEBINAR]
2024-10-24 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.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Information Session [Webinar]
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Learn about how you can qualify for a $10,000 small business grant!
To be eligible for this grant, you simply need to complete any 2 classes on the VSBDR platform by December 13, 2024. These classes will unlock your grant application and set you up for success.
Don’t miss this chance to get all the information you need to successfully apply for the grant and support your business.

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How to Do Business with Montgomery County [Webinar]
2024-10-29 10:00 - 11:00 | 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)

MWBC Office Closed - Election Day
2024-11-05
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed for Election Day.

Maximizing the Use of Square Terminals [Webinar]
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join Martin Guerrero of Square‘s Policy Partnerships and Community Impact team for a free webinar to help business owners and entrepreneurs unlock the full potential of Square Terminals. Learn how to streamline transactions, enhance customer experiences, and leverage powerful features to improve efficiency and grow your business. Whether you’re new to Square or looking to optimize your operations, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical tips.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
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MWBC Office Closed - Veterans Day
2024-11-11
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed for Veterans Day.

Speed Meet: Virtual Networking for Prince George's County
2024-11-13 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 (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.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
Click the REGISTER button above to complete your registration.

Government Contracting for Beginners [Webinar]
2024-11-14 10:00 - 11:00
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RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 6 TO NOVEMBER 14
Join Economic Development Specialist of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, for this free quarterly webinar covering the basics of government contracting.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
Click the REGISTER button above to complete your registration.

Business Insurance 101 [Webinar]
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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In this free webinar, Blakeley Barker of WLR Insurance Solutions will discuss the different types of business insurance. Hear real world claim examples to recognize where your business may be vulnerable.
About the Speaker
Blakeley has spent 15 years in the commercial insurance industry, where she has learned the many nuances of different businesses and owners. Implementing a higher level of service to each client has enabled her to truly make a difference in the insurance industry. Blakeley’s passion for helping people comes from a deep-rooted belief in the Laws of Karma. By acting with integrity and intent, she sets a moral standard that guides her through difficult decisions.
Blakeley grew up in Shepherdstown, WV, before moving to Hagerstown, MD, where she started working as a Patient Care Coordinator/Marketing Director for a physical therapy group. By immersing herself in the community, she learned that service would set her apart from her peers. From there, she was offered a position in the commercial insurance industry – and she never looked back. In December 2019, Blakeley was appointed to the Maryland Property and Casualty Producer Licensing Advisory Board. Working alongside the Maryland Insurance Administration through the navigation of COVID-19 proved to be invaluable for her growth. She realized there was going to be a huge shift in how consumers would pursue insurance in the future.
Blakeley was introduced to Mr. Randall Simpson and his amazing staff at WLR Automotive Group in 2017. After diving in as their commercial insurance agent, Blakeley was able to help facilitate a risk-conscious culture, which merged with the overall company culture. The new perspective has evolved into her current position as Agency Director of WLR Insurance Solutions. She’s excited about stepping into this role and helping introduce a new concept to commercial insurance consumers in and around Maryland.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
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MWBC Office Closed - Thanksgiving
2024-11-28 - 2024-11-29 | Maryland Women’s Business Center, 51 Monroe St. PE-20, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Thanksgiving.

Is Your Business Lender Ready? [Webinar]
2024-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join David Hincapie, Lender Relations Specialist/Veteran Business Development Officer at the SBA Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, for this free quarterly webinar to help you find out if you’re ready for a business loan.
David will be covering:

Business tax documents, such as a Schedule C, and why lenders always ask for them
The three financial statements (income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet)
The business model, its profitability, and how it helps the lender understand your business

TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo 2024
2024-12-04 08:00 - 19:00
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Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
202 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
MWBC is an exhibitor.

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SBA’s Certificate of Competency Program: Winning a Federal Government Contract [Webinar]
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Come learn about the SBA’s Certificate of Competency Program (COC) and your second chance at winning a Federal Government Contract. This will be facilitated by Roderick Johnson of SBA’s Office of Government Contracting & Business Development.
Attendees will learn:

How the Certificate of Competency Program works
Who initiates the COC process: the federal government agency or the government contracting firm bidding on the contract
Learn the difference between responsiveness and responsibility for a federal government contract when bidding on a federal government contract
What are the appeal options for a COC
What financial information is needed from the government contractor for the COC process
How long the COC process takes

This webinar is hosted by the WBC of Northern Virginia in partnership with WBC at ODU, and Maryland Capital Enterprises WBC.

Cards & Connections Frederick County: Spreading Holiday Cheer
2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:30 | JoNa’s Outdoor Furniture, 217 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, United States
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Please join us for our last Coffee and Connections of the year and our last in-person event until March 2025! Let’s celebrate the holidays while we do something good for our community.
Meet us at JoNa’s Outdoor Furniture for holiday cheer and a card-writing activity to benefit lonely senior citizens living in senior homes in Frederick. This event ties in with our October event where we learned how to boost our brand with philanthropy. Bring your left over holiday greeting cards, pens, markers, and stickers and together we will create messages that will undoubtedly brighten someone’s day. If you don’t have any of those items, don’t worry just bring yourself.

Conflict Management for Transformation [Webinar]
2024-12-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
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Conflict is inevitable in our lives at work and home. Learn some tools to transform your conflict into a classroom for growth and deepening trust in yourself and others.
About the Speaker
Adrien Gehring
Consultant
Watershed Insight
Adrien Gehring is a new consultant and seasoned clergy member with over 20 years of experience in leadership, community engagement, and organizational development. Transitioning from her impactful career in the church, Adrien now leverages her unique insights to help organizations enhance their operations and foster inclusive cultures. Turning people problems into people solutions by understanding the diverse ecosystem of our community.
With a background in theology and social justice, Adrien developed a deep understanding of human dynamics and the importance of equipping teams to understand and nurture themselves
for a common mission. Her tenure in the clergy equipped her with exceptional skills in conflict resolution, community building, and strategic planning.
As a consultant, Adrien specializes in guiding businesses, nonprofits, and volunteer organizations through transformative change, helping them to align their missions with sustainable practices and effective management strategies. She is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with teams to identify challenges and develop tailored solutions.
Adrien is a teacher and facilitator, sharing her expertise on topics such as leadership, diversity, conflict, change, and organizational growth at conferences and workshops. Outside of her
professional commitments, she enjoys hiking, making art, writing poetry and sharing the wonder of our journey as spiritual beings having a human experience.

Doing Business in Bowie: Pathway to Procurement
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Dr, Bowie, MD, 20716
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Join the Maryland Women’s Business Center and the City of Bowie’s Office of Economic Development for another installment of the Doing Business in Bowie!
This event is a comprehensive presentation about starting and growing your business in Bowie through government contracting. Network with other local entrepreneurs and discover the steps needed to secure local, state, and federal government contracts.
Bowie Senior Center
14900 Health Center Drive
Bowie, MD 20716

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
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New Year, New Marketing Budget [Webinar]
2024-12-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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In this eye-opening session, WSI’s digital marketing experts will reveal the secrets to crafting a marketing budget that drives real results. We’ll cut through the noise and show you exactly how to allocate your resources for maximum impact.
Key takeaways:

Master the art of budget distribution across digital channels
Identify high-ROI marketing tactics tailored to your business
Harness data-driven insights to supercharge your campaigns
Discover cost-effective strategies to boost your online presence

You’ll walk away with actionable tips, free tools, and insider knowledge to transform your marketing approach. Whether you’re looking to optimize your paid advertising or leverage organic growth tactics, this session will equip you with the skills to make every dollar count.
Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your marketing strategy and outpace your competition.
About the Speaker
Katheryne Womack
Principal Consultant
15 years of Strategic Military Intelligence experience directing and delivering impactful results through attentive planning and execution. A data-driven professional ready to help your business succeed.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to think strategically and identify opportunities for growth and improvement. I am particularly adept at analyzing data and using it to inform marketing strategies that achieve measurable results.
As a 15-year military veteran and successful business owner in Maryland, I am a dynamic and experienced professional with a passion for small business and a deep understanding of the US economy. Throughout my career, I have held a variety of positions, including analyst, intelligence officer, intelligence instructor, full spectrum cyber operations specialist, and strategic planner. My extensive experience in these diverse roles has given me a unique perspective on the world of business and allowed me to excel in a variety of settings.
In addition to my professional experience, I bring a few fun facts to the table as well. I speak Korean, which has proven to be a valuable asset in a variety of situations. And during my time supporting US Navy Aviation, I had the opportunity to coordinate and execute a jet flyover for a NASCAR race. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget.

MWBC Office Closed - Christmas Eve
2024-12-24 | Maryland Women’s Business Center, 51 Monroe St. PE-20, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Christmas Eve.

MWBC Office Closed - Christmas Day
2024-12-25 | Maryland Women’s Business Center, 51 Monroe St. PE-20, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Christmas Day.

MWBC Office Closed - New Year's Eve
2024-12-31
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of New Year’s Eve.
