Eligible businesses located in BGE’s service area can apply for a $20,000 BGE Energizing Small Business Grant.

This grant program is part of BGE’s comprehensive Customer Relief and

Energy Infrastructure Investment Plan, designed to help the state’s economic

recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

BGE Energizing Small Business Grants will prioritize companies operated by

historically underrepresented groups that are pivoting their business in

response to the pandemic.

The Maryland Department of Commerce has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The federal grant comes from the American Rescue Plan and will be matched with $396,000 from the state’s Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund (MEAF). The funding will be used to assist Maryland small businesses through MEAF’s revolving loan fund, with priority consideration given to businesses in Baltimore City and rural regions across the state. 

The revolving loan fund will aim to assist small underserved businesses that do not qualify for traditional financing or lending sources, and help them recover from the pandemic, create new jobs, and grow in Maryland. The funding is expected to create 250 new jobs, retain 110 jobs, and generate $210,000 in private investment, according to EDA’s announcement.

The Central Maryland Chamber alongside The Business Monthly has begun the process of updating and printing our new Business Directory and Relocation Guide. As part of your membership, every Central Maryland Chamber member receives a listing in the Business Guide. You will receive a copy of the “Relocation and Business Resource Guide” for no charge in November.

Please head to your current member profile and select 'Update Profile' to verify and update any information by August 26th. (If you have any trouble accessing your account, please email info@centralmarylandchamber.org .)

The Central Maryland Chamber “Relocation and Business Resource Guide” is an opportunity for us to stand united as a business community and to network with one another and to reach new opportunities!

The war, inflation and hot temperatures are just some of the factors causing rates to hit a 50-year high! As Bloomberg News reported, “The U.S. Energy Department Secretary Jennifer Granholm was spot on with where oil and gas are going — and it isn't staying at home. Nearly 75 percent of natural gas produced in the United States is being sold to Europe. Many countries in Europe have higher prices for gas than the U.S.” Natural gas is the major producer of electricity. 

CQI Associates will continue to watch the market and seek creative ways to provide protection, stability and savings for our customers. Clients with agreements, ending between now and May 2023, should contact Sean Corcoran, CQI representative at Sean@CQIAssociates.com to assure their paperwork is up to date. This will allow us the opportunity to jump on any opportunities that present themselves between now and then. 

On this splendid cultural journey, trace 5,000 years of Greek history while exploring the country’s archeological treasures. Walk in the footsteps of Socrates on the Acropolis and examine artifacts of Athens’ Golden Age at the outstanding Acropolis Museum, sail through the scenic Corinth canal, and enjoy the insights of a local guest speaker on the contemporary Greek economic and social scene.

Join industry professional, Jacqueline Duncan of Leading Ladies of Integrity for an interactive discussion including:

Jacqueline R. Duncan is a renowned inspirational speaker, pastor, author, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about health, and self care and is committed to providing others with the tools of information, education, and inspiration to achieve a healthier, purposeful lifestyle. Jacqueline is the founder and CEO of Leading Ladies of Integrity Inc., and Purpose Pusher Inspire Coaching LLC. She is a Certified Life Coach, a Therapon, Board Certified Belief Therapist, Self-Care Health Advocate, and the host of The Jacqueline Renee Show. Pastor Jacqueline, along with her husband Apostle Phillip Duncan, pastor In His Presence Praise and Worship Temple in Maryland. A Clarksville, Tennessee native, Pastor Jacqueline is the proud mother of one adult daughter, Shekinah.

Members may post job openings to the board for free. 

Weekly Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Awareness Conversations

Historically many of the policies designed to increase fairness at work have revolved around the hiring process: for example, removing candidates’ names from resumes so hiring managers aren’t influenced by their presumed gender or ethnicity, or setting strict pay bands to ensure employees at the same level are paid the same rate. But in reality, most employees’ perception of fairness relates more to their day-to-day experiences — and these perceptions have a significant business impact. Perceptions of fairness improves employee performance by up to 26% and retention by up to 27%. To create a higher-fairness experience for all employees, organizations need to ask themselves four key questions: 1) Do your employees have the information they need to succeed at their jobs and advance their careers? 2) Do they feel supported? 3) Does everyone get a fair chance at internal opportunities? 4) Do leaders and managers recognize employee contributions?

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