Across the nation, both women and minorities are driving the growth of the economy at unprecedented rates.
Check out these local resources that helping women & minority entrepreneurs succeed here in Frederick.
Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs:
This State-sponsored office is committed to connecting the small business community to greater economic opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The office offers subject matter experts in a variety of areas including the Small Business Reserve (SBR) program and the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program.
Check out their calendar of events or explore their resources online here.
Frederick County Minority Vision Program
The Minority Vision Business program provides a supportive environment for small businesses and opens doors to government, public, and private resources. The program features regular networking & informational events, and has introduced a year-long Leadership Development Training initiative.
To get involved, contact Sherman Coleman at scoleman@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Maryland Women’s Business Center
Frederick’s branch of the Women’s Business Center works with women to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. Their services include workshops & seminars, online training, and business counseling.
Learn more here.
Woman to Woman Mentoring
Woman to Woman works to cultivate mentoring relationships between women to provide “guidance, support, and community connections.” The organzation hosts events and connects mentees with mentors to promote confidence, new skills, and new relationships.
Learn more here.
Centro Hispano DE FREDERICK
Centro Hispano de Frederick’s mission is “to inform, refer, and educate the limited English proficient residents of Frederick County in order to promote full participation in the community.” The non-profit organization offers English classes, citizen preparation classes, basic computer courses, legal assistance, translation services, and more.
Become involved here.
Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland
The Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland is an international community services agency. The organization is committed to empowering low-income families and immigrants from diverse backgrounds by promoting self-sufficiency, greater social change, education, and legal rights.
Learn more about the organization here.
Asian American Center
The Asian American Center is dedicated to providing essential tools to the immigrant community members. The Center focuses on citizen integration, health & human services, English as a Second Language courses, and interpreter/translation opportunities.
Explore the Center here.
Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce aims to “promote the establishment, growth, prosperity and retention of Hispanic businesses” in Maryland.
Learn more here.
Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the MBCC is to “educate, connect, and advocate for black businesses across Maryland.” The MBCC offers training and education, programs promoting business growth, and events encouraging networking and creating business partnerships.
Find out more here.
MD Washington Minority Companies Association
The MWMCA offers networking events, training, and advocacy for minority- and women-owned business across Maryland. It also strives to connect small businesses with larger businesses to create opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.
Video Lottery Terminal Fund (VLT)
Created with the small business owner in mind, the state’s Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) fund uses proceeds from video lottery terminals to assist small, minority, and women owned businesses across Maryland through capital financing.
The Maryland Department of Commerce administer the program with the assistance of fund managers who oversee the distribution of funds.
For more information on the program, click here.
Other resources include: Small Business Development Center, Maryland Department of Commerce, SCORE Mentors, Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Frederick Partnership, Golden Mile Alliance, East Frederick Rising, Fort Detrick Alliance, and Tech Frederick.
See a resource not listed? Let us know so we can help keep everyone connected!
Email us at businessinfrederick@cityoffrederick.com