The Maryland Minority Business Counts Initiative is designed to identify, promote, support, and encourage current and future Black business owners in our state. Our primary goal is to assist these entrepreneurs in pursuing and securing contracts from the significant annual expenditure of $18.9 billion from Maryland’s budget.

It is in support of Governor Moore’s vision for creating “Work, Wages, and Wealth” through leveraging business opportunities among groups of Black entrepreneurs that have long been impacted by systemic racism that we have pledged to support his administration through this collaboration.

Why Focus on Black-Owned Businesses?

We have chosen to focus specifically on promoting Black businesses because, too often, when goals are set for the broader “minority” category, African Americans are left behind. Our aim is to rectify this disparity and ensure that Black entrepreneurs get their fair share. By participating in our initiative, you are helping us level the playing field and create a more inclusive business landscape.

Identify: Leveraging grassroots networks, we actively seek out and engage Black businesses to include in our database. This enables us to connect them with Maryland State and Municipal Procurement Offices, creating valuable networking opportunities.

Support: We have created a platform to amplify Governor Wes Moore’s Executive Order, which aims to significantly increase MBE utilization by Maryland State Agencies. By supporting this order, we strengthen the support system for Black-owned businesses in the state.

Promote: Through the Maryland Minority Business Counts initiative, we establish connections for Black-owned businesses with growth-focused opportunities. By promoting sustained “work, wages, and wealth” in our communities, we contribute to their long-term success.