Maryland Women’s Business Center Designated a SBA Women’s Business Center

The Maryland Women’s Business Center and Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) announce the award of a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership.  The grant recognizes the Maryland Women’s Business Center as a federally-designated host of an SBA Women’s Business Center, part of the SBA’s vast network of business support.

 The designation and related grant of $136,514 per year for five years, helps the Maryland Women’s Business Center’s to support women in starting and growing successful businesses throughout the region.  The Maryland Women’s Business Center plans to expand its reach into Prince George’s, Howard and Frederick Counties.

 “Women make this country run as business owners, entrepreneurs, politicians, mothers and more. The women that come to the Maryland Women’s Business Center are smart, creative, and unique entrepreneurs. These funds in the federal checkbook will help ensure these entrepreneurs can turn their business ideas into reality, supporting jobs today and jobs tomorrow,” said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Economic recovery and job creation go hand in hand with small businesses’ success.  I’m committed to ensuring Maryland businesses have the tools they need to succeed.”

 "I am pleased to have played a part in securing federal funding from the Small Business Administration for the Maryland Women’s Business Center in Rockville. This is a perfect example of the valuable role that targeted federal funding can play in generating local capacity," said Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee. "As a Marylander I am proud of the role that entrepreneurs play in driving our economy and I am confident that this funding will enable our future job creators to overcome the challenges associated with starting and growing a business."

 “I am very proud of the Maryland Women’s Business Center, which has done outstanding work to strengthen women-owned enterprises since its inception in 2010. I was pleased  to work with the MWBC and our congressional delegation in support of this important SBA designation. This designation and grant will allow them to expand their reach to a broader and more diverse group of women and ensure that new small businesses have the knowledge, resources, and contacts they need to succeed. MWBC’s success is a win for both the state and national economies, fostering growth, innovation, and job creation in our community,” said Congressman Chris Van Hollen.

 “As a former entrepreneur who believes strongly that we should expand opportunities for women in business, I am heartened to see that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering significant support to the Maryland Women’s Business Center,” said Congressman John K. Delaney.  “This is good news for Maryland and good news for the many talented businesswomen in our region, especially because funding from the SBA will help the Maryland Women’s Business Center further expand into Frederick County. I believe strongly in developing the I-270 Corridor as a regional economic engine, and look forward to working with the Maryland Women’s Business Center to help Maryland businesses grow.”

 Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes commented, “I am very pleased that the Maryland Women’s Business Center is being formally recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  Expanding small business ownership helps grow our economy and expand job opportunities. The SBA has tremendous resources to help women business owners succeed across the State of Maryland.”

 “We are very pleased that the first expansion of the Rockville-based Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) program will be to Prince George’s County and to our newest business incubation program, the Bowie Business Innovation Center (Bowie BIC) at Bowie State University,” said Prince George’s County Council Member Ingrid M. Turner (District 4).  “The availability of MWBC programs at Bowie BIC will be a catalyst for the increased development and growth of women-owned businesses in Prince George’s County.”

 “SBA support will enable us to reach and help more women,” says Lori Gillen, Managing Director of the MWBC.  “Collaboration with other women’s organizations, business groups, funders, government, professional service providers, and volunteers has enabled us to build a program that helps women develop strong businesses positioned for long-term growth in our community.”