News Release, Governor’s Coordinating Office
Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs Draws 70 Entrepreneurs
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs hosted its signature Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop today at the Maryland Department of Transportation’s headquarters in Hanover. Over 70 small, minority, women, and veteran business owners attended the event to learn how to do business with state agencies.
The workshop highlighted business opportunities with state agencies and included insightful tips for navigating the procurement process while accessing the contracting pipeline. Buyers from 10 state agencies identified what they are buying right now, and what they expect to buy in the near future. Vendors had the opportunity to meet with the buyers one-on-one during the open networking session that followed the program. Ten small business resource organizations also participated, providing access to managerial and financial resources.
“Maryland is open for business, and these entrepreneurs have a big impact on the communities they serve,” said Jimmy Rhee, special secretary of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. “We take the time to showcase some of the local superstars at each event as we move around the state. Their stories are both inspiring and motivational.”
The following business owners received a Governor’s Citation in recognition of their contributions to Maryland’s small business community and the community at large:
- Carolina Seledes, CEO of ITnova
- Roy White, President of Diverse Concepts, Inc.
- Diane Whittles, President of ServPro Annapolis/Severna Park
The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs conducts the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshops at locations around the state. In 2019, the workshop series will be held in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Carroll counties, as well as Baltimore City. For more information, visit: https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/Pages/Ready-Set-GROW.aspx.
