Maryland Women's Business Center

MWBC Office Closed - New Year's Day
2026-01-01
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of New Year’s Day.

MWBC Extended Hours
2026-01-05 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-04 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
MWBC is open from 5:00pm, to 7:00pm the first Monday (except holidays) of every month.

Business Financial Basics
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
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In this course, led by Lydia Faleye, Banking Officer and Financial Inclusion Leader at Truist Bank, you’ll learn key elements of business finance basics to manage your cash flow, explore ways to expand your business, and understand insurance for your business.

MWBC Office Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-19
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Scaling Your Service Based Business
2026-01-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
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Scaling a service-based business requires more than great delivery—it demands strategy, systems, and smart growth planning. Join AsrorJon Shukurov, founder and SBA’s 2023 Maryland Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year, as he shares proven strategies to take your service business to the next level. In this session, you’ll learn:
How to identify scalable aspects of your service model
Key systems and processes that support sustainable growth
Tips for building a strong team and leveraging technology
Common pitfalls to avoid when expanding your services
Whether you’re ready to grow or planning for the future, this workshop will give you actionable insights from an award-winning entrepreneur who has successfully scaled his own business.

Doing Business with GSA
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
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Learn how to position your small business for success with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). This session, hosted by GSA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), will cover the agency’s mission, contracting opportunities, and tools available to help small businesses compete for federal contracts. Participants will gain insight into the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), subcontracting strategies, and resources designed to support socioeconomically disadvantaged businesses.

Building Your Digital Home: Website Basics for Beginners
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business—make it count! In this hands-on session, Margaret Doan of PIXLink Studios will guide you through the fundamentals of building a professional, user-friendly website. You’ll learn:
How to choose the right platform for your business
Key elements of an effective website design
Tips for organizing content and creating a smooth user experience
Best practices to ensure your site reflects your brand
Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing site, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to create a website that works for you.

The Role of a 3-Statement Financial Model in Clear Forecasting and Growth
2026-02-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
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This presentation explores how small businesses and startups can leverage a 3-statement financial model—integrating the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement—to gain a clear, interconnected view of their financial health. It highlights how accurate forecasting supports decision-making, risk management, and investor confidence. Attendees will learn the key steps in building an effective model, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to use scenario analysis and performance tracking to drive sustainable growth. Designed for founders and financial leaders, this session offers both strategic insight and practical tools for turning numbers into actionable business intelligence.

Connect & Cultivate [Prince George's County]
2026-02-02 18:30 - 20:00 | MWBC Shop Local – Bowie Town Center, 15402B Emerald Way, Bowie, MD, 20716, United States
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Join us at MWBC Shop Local in Bowie Town Center for Connect & Cultivate, a monthly networking experience designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives in Prince George’s County. Each session features a short, high-impact learning opportunity—whether it’s a guest speaker, mini workshop, or expert panel—followed by open networking to spark new connections and collaborations.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this is your space to learn, share, and grow alongside a vibrant community of local changemakers.

From Maker to Money-Maker: Pricing and Profit Basics for Creators
2026-02-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
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Turn your passion into profit with confidence. In this session, an experienced accountant will guide participants through how to price products, track expenses, and understand when a hobby becomes a business. This webinar will be led by an expert from LeMay & Company.
Hosted by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia, this webinar is in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center
Zoom details will be provided upon registration.

Rule Ready: What's New for Small Biz in 2026
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join Ginny Bonifacino, founder of Maryland’s first Certified B Corporation™ law firm, for a focused webinar on upcoming 2026 regulations, compliance updates, and policy changes impacting small businesses. Ginny will break down what’s new and what entrepreneurs need to do to stay compliant—so you can start the year informed, prepared, and on the right foot.

Separating Business and Personal Finances
2026-02-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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In this course, led by Lydia Faleye, Banking Officer and Financial Inclusion Leader at Truist Bank, you’ll learn the whys and hows of separating your business and personal finances that can set you and your business up for success.

MWBC Office Closed - Presidents Day
2026-02-16
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Presidents Day.

Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce﻿ ﻿Business & Community Expo
2026-02-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Lakewood Country Club, 13901 Glen Mill Road, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
Put your best foot forward and showcase your company at the GRCC’s 2026 Business Expo! This free event is a excellent opportunity to connect with other local business leaders, spotlight your company, and accelerate your growth.

Utilizing SBA Resources to Help Your Business Succeed
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, Economic Development Specialist with the SBA Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, for this free quarterly session to learn how SBA programs and resources can help you start, grow, and scale your business. Attendees will gain an overview of access to capital, contracting opportunities, counseling and training, and tools designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage.

Financial Confidence for Entrepreneurs
2026-02-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
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Strong financial foundations lead to strong business growth. Feel more confident making money decisions in your business. This session covers how to evaluate your idea, understand your finances, and plan for steady profit and growth. This webinar will be led by an expert from LeMay & Company.
Hosted by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia, this webinar is in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center
Zoom details will be provided upon registration.

The Black Business Bazaar Powered by HCEDA
2026-02-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046, United States
Join us at The Black Business Bazaar for a day of supporting local entrepreneurs and discovering unique products!

In honor of Black History Month, the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) hosts this vibrant marketplace experience designed to celebrate Black-owned businesses in the region with a spotlight on Howard County through visibility, commerce, and connection.
Learn more and register here.

Automation/Automating Tools to Run Your Business Smoothly
2026-03-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Running a business doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself. This webinar will introduce you to automation tools and systems that help streamline daily operations, save time, and reduce overwhelm—without requiring advanced tech skills.

It’s Sales, Not Rocket Science – Simple Sales Tactics to Close More Sales
2026-03-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
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Many sales professionals are good at a few of the steps in the selling cycle, but fail to perform them all or perform them all well. Then they wonder why they are not successful. Each and every step in the cycle must be performed and performed well to bring about true and lasting sales success…but it’s not rocket science!

That's Awesome! Be Yourself to Create Clients!
2026-03-11 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
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The difference between connecting with the right people and acquiring new clients comes down to a consultant being themselves. This presentation discusses establishing credibility and trust, actions to engage with a potential client, and perfecting your own process.
Our webinar speaker is Laura (Dallas) Burford!
Hosted by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia, this webinar is in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center.

Borrowing for Small Businesses
2026-03-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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In this course, led by Lydia Faleye, Banking Officer and Financial Inclusion Leader at Truist Bank, you’ll learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome.

How to Escape the "Money Fog" and Create a Life You Love
2026-03-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
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Do you feel caught in a never-ending circle between debt, expenses, and the pressure to work more and more—to pay your debt and your expenses? And do you fear not saving enough money? Are you tired of this vicious circle? In this masterclass, Mikelann talks frankly about the impact this “money-life drain” has on us—all the way to our physical and spiritual health. And yes, she talks about the way out. As you will see, it is the “money fog” that blocks our way and impacts our ability to create a healthy relationship to money. Money fog is often experienced as bouts of stress and anxiety caused by financial vagueness. But when you exit the money fog, money becomes a powerful resource that can give you what you truly desire in life. Join master money coach Mikelann Valterra to dispel the fog, leave financial anxiety behind, and rise to higher levels of prosperity and deep purpose. We will cover:

The three kinds of savings everyone needs for a healthy money relationship
A new perspective on credit
How to use short term savings effectively to unplug from the debt cycle
The three key questions that have the power to vanquish the money fog forever
The connection between money and life purpose

Our speaker is Mikelann R. Valterra, MA, AFC® www.mikelannvalterra.com
Hosted by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia, this webinar is in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center.
Zoom details will be provided upon registration.

EmpowHER: Building Bold Businesses in a Changing Economy
2026-03-19 09:00 - 13:30 | The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
Maryland Women’s Business Center is proud to present EmpowHER: Building Bold Businesses in a Changing Economy, in partnership with the Universities at Shady Grove.
EmpowHER is a small business conference and resource fair that aims to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and professionals to come together and exchange ideas, network, build community, and share strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success in today’s business landscape.

Thursday, March 19, 2026
9:00am – 1:30pm
The Universities at Shady Grove – Building II
$40

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

REGISTER

MWBC is offering 20 free tickets to federal workers impacted by staffing changes in 2025/2026. If you are interested in claiming one of these tickets, please fill out this form.

Your ticket to EmpowHER 2026 includes:
A Content-Filled Agenda
Learn from a dynamic group of industry professionals as they share their expertise and advice on how to adapt and thrive when faced with new challenges.

9:00am – Networking
9:30am – Welcome
9:40am – Opening Remarks | Monique Ashton, Mayor – City of Rockville
9:50am – Keynote | Margarita Womack, Founder – Latin Goodness, LLC/MasPanadas
10:15am – Panel Discussion | Building Bold: Founders on Risk, Change, and What it Takes | Aisha Khadar, CEO – Sha’s Organic Skin Care & Medspa; Nurith Berstein, President – Next Level Rentals & Realty; Mercedita Roxas-Murray, CEO – Montage Marketing
11:00am – Founders Rising Business Pitch Competition powered by NEXT/My NEXT Raise | Supported by Montgomery County Business Center and Shulman Rogers
12:00pm – Workshop | Building Your Digital Home: Website Basics for Businesses led by Margaret Doan, Managing Partner – PIXLink Studio
12:45pm – Pitch competition awards
1:00pm – Networking

Networking Opportunities
Engage with entrepreneurs at every stage of business and build invaluable connections.
An Exhibitor Hall with Dozens of Local Vendors and Partners
Discover, support, and network with local businesses and resource partners as they showcase their products and services to help your business.

Capital Bank
City of Frederick Department of Economic Development
City of Rockville Procurement Department
Farallon Bookkeeping
FSC First
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce
Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
Interfaith Works
Labor Credit Union
Lafayette Federal Credit Union
M&T Bank
Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Montgomery County Business Center
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Montgomery County Office of Procurement
Montgomery County Black Collective
MWBC Shop Local
Nazareth Bonifacino Law
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
Rockville Economic Development, Inc.
Rohner Consulting
Stellar 5 Legal
The Universities at Shady Grove
U.S. General Services Administration – Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Verizon Digital Ready
Women Business Owners of Montgomery County

Keynote: Margarita Womack, CEO – Latin Goodness Foods, LLC/MasPanadas
Ph.D. scientist-turned-entrepreneur, Margarita Womack, is the award winning founder of MasPanadas and a champion of Maryland’s manufacturing sector.

Building Bold: Founders on Risk, Change, and What it Takes
Learn from experienced founders as they share real-world insights on taking risks, navigating change, and building businesses that last. Featuring Aisha Khadar of Sha’s Organic Skin Care & Medspa, Nurith Berstein of Next Level Rentals & Realty, and Mercedita Roxas-Murray of Montage Marketing.

Founders Rising Business Pitch Competition powered by NEXT/My NEXT Raise
MWBC’s Founders Rising, an 8-week capacity-building program, helped twenty displaced federal workers develop sustainable business plans and launch their businesses. At EmpowHER 2026, six Founders Rising graduates will pitch to a panel of judges and a live audience for a chance to win over $6,000 in cash prizes. With the support of the Montgomery County Business Center and Shulman Rogers, these entrepreneurs are building their second act through business ownership.

Cheer on and vote for one of the following participants:

Minal Amin – Feenix Collaborative
Mia Bailey – So Respond
Stefany Holguin – Salt Perspectives
Garine Isassi – Love, Books & Music
Paula Malozowski – Vertaz Human Strategies
Bridget Williams-Simmons – Convergent Point Strategies

Building Your Digital Home: Website Basics for Businesses
Perfect for entrepreneurs starting fresh or updating their site! Learn the essentials every business website needs to attract customers:

Key pages every site should have
Clear, conversion-friendly structure
Simple tips to look polished and professional

Donation Drive
We are partnering with Interfaith Works in Rockville, MD to collect donations of new/gently used business attire for job interviews, and laundry detergent to maintain their clothing. Interfaith Works aims to provide vital services and essential needs to Montgomery County residents below the Federal poverty line.

MWBC Shop Local
Learn about MWBC’s retail incubator program and explore and purchase products from our current cohort of vendors.

MWBC Counselors
Explore the services and resources offered by the Maryland Women’s Business Center, meet our business consultant team, and learn how to schedule a FREE counseling session.

Light Refreshments
Enjoy coffee and light breakfast refreshments included in your ticket to EmpowHER.

Parking Included
Parking is included in the ticket fee. The parking validation received at the event is ONLY valid for the Traville Gateway Garage and WILL NOT be redeemable at any other garages/lots. To get to the Traville Gateway Garage, enter the following address into your GPS: 9638 Gudelsky Dr, Rockville, MD 20850
If you enter Universities at Shady Grove into your GPS, it will take you to the campus main entrance. Follow the signage around the campus to get to the Traville Gateway Garage. The easiest way to access the Traville Gateway Garage is from Darnestown Rd.

In partnership with:

Thank you to our Sponsors:

MWBC’s EmpowHER is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. View MWBC’s Funding Disclosure.

Government Contracting for Beginners Pt. 1
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join Economic Development Specialist of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, for part 1 of this free quarterly webinar covering the basics of government contracting.

Government Contracting for Beginners Pt. 2
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join Economic Development Specialist of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, for part 2 of this free quarterly webinar covering the basics of government contracting.

Know Your SBA’s Capital Access Programs
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Need funding for your business? Learn the different types of Capital Access programs that the SBA has to offer. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a dedicated federal agency, with a mission to “aid, counsel, assist and protect” small businesses in the United States (and its territories). The SBA offers an array of funding programs for an array of businesses in various stages. It is important to know these capital access options that are available to your business along its journey. We will highlight debt, equity, and grant-like programs that the SBA offers.
