Minority Business Enterprise University - Capital Region (Montgomery County)

Governor Martin O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown invite Maryland's minority and women business owners to join them for the Capital region (Montgomery County) stop on the MBE University Tour.  The theme, “Collaborations: Teaming Small and Minority Businesses with Public/Private Sector Opportunities,” highlights today’s business concerns and provides real-time resources for businesses to be able to thrive in every environment.

Interested in doing business with the State? MBE University is the place for you.  Designed to support small businesses, this is a full-day free event hosted by the State's Minority Business coordinating agencies. The robust curriculum educates business owners about the State’s procurement process and provides information about upcoming contracting opportunities in both the public and private sectors.  Companies certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), as well as business owners seeking certification, should attend. 

MBE University includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, free parking and plenty of networking opportunities.  Space is limited, so register TODAY!

Event Overview:

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ~ Continental Breakfast - sign in, pick up the day's agenda, and enjoy breakfast while you start networking!

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ~ Plenary Session 
Remarks by:

Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor (invited)
Luwanda Jenkins, Specal Secretary, Governor's Office for Minority Affairs
Isiah Leggett, County Executive, Montgomery County Government
Kenneth Clark, President, MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council (invited)

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. ~ Concurrent Workshops:

~Sponsors' Workshops - Our sponsoring companies will conduct information sessions about how to access opportunities. 

~Meet the State - learn how to strategically do business with the State of Maryland.  Hear from representatives of the Governor's Office for Minority Affairs, Department of Business and Economic Development, Department of General Services, and Department of Housing and Community Development. These experts will discuss tips, resources, and financial programs designed for small and minority businesses.

~Maryland's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Opportunities with Intelligence Agencies and Related Security Clearance Issues - Learn exactly what it takes to break into the intelligence agency market and do business with the FBI, CIA, NSA, and others.

~Emerging Markets: Doing Business with Educational Institutions.  Build capacity and compete for viable opportunities.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ~ Concurrent Workshops:

~Demsytifying the MBE/DBE Certification Process.  If you are interested in becoming MBE certified, or expanding your current status, this workshop is for you.

~Niche Marketing: Procurement Opportunities in the Medical Field.  Learn what it takes to be included on the vendor list of preferred providers. 

~Women's Panel Discussion - Entrepreneurship from the Woman's Perspective.  Discover resources to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power.

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m:
LUNCH - FEATURED SPEAKERS

Exhibitors' Gallery will be open from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for networking with public/private sector vendors.  (Exhibitors, please set up starting at 11:30 a.m. and be ready by 12:30 p.m.)