CONNECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2023

From the Director | New Year Exciting Opportunities

As we enter Black History Month, we celebrate the rich history and the contribution of African Americans to our culture and our country. While we celebrate we also recognize the struggle that continues to create a more equitable society. In 2023 we celebrate a number of firsts. One near to my colleagues in Maryland is our State's celebration of our first African American Governor Wes Moore,

Donald R. Cravins Jr.

N. Scott Phillips

who was sworn in on January 18 (pictured). At the national level we celebrate the codification of MBDA and our first Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Development, Don Cravins Jr. In January, Don visited our center and we discussed the number of opportunities for growing businesses of color.

The MBDA Capital Readiness Program, will bring $93 million dollars to the minority community to support minority accelerator and incubator programs. This investment will spur opportunities for startups and assisting existing companies with scaling up. We also discussed the infrastructure bill and the significant opportunities for participating in the supply chain. Opportunities for additional funding can be found in the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) which is funded through the Department of Treasury. We have seen new programs at the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense and many others announced. In Maryland, HB 622 has been introduced this legislative session to establish the Industry 4.0 Technology Grant Program and the Industry 4.0 Technology Grant Fund in the Department of Commerce to assist eligible small and mid-sized manufacturers. Our strategic partners, including the Virginia Manufacturers Association, work with legislators throughout the year to support the industry. The Mid-Atlantic Region general assemblies convened in January.

While the struggle for diversity, equity and inclusion continues, we are seeing more opportunities to level the playing field. We are excited about the opportunities and invite you to join us for MBE Night in Annapolis, highlighted below.

N. Scott Phillips

Director

Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA

Advanced Manufacturing Center - Baltimore

Professional Development & Advocacy

Building an Ecosystem for Black Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

6 pm - 9 pm

The Westin Annapolis

100 Westgate Circle

Annapolis, MD 21401

View Program

MBE Night in Annapolis 2023

This year’s theme is “Building an Ecosystem for Black Entrepreneurs." This conference is designed to explore the opportunities of how talented and highly motivated public and private sector leaders can play a larger role in building an ecosystem that fosters growth for Black-owned businesses. We will conduct important discussions on improving accountability and transparency and ensure effectiveness of supplier diversity programs.

Maryland manufacturers, are you interested in identifying new business opportunities and becoming a supplier to local OEMs, Primes, and Tier 1 Suppliers? Check out the Maryland Supplier Connectivity Forum.

MiHUB Monday Webinars

2023 Season

MiHUB Monday will resume new monthly broadcasts in February! Our 2023 season will include both live and prerecorded sessions on advanced manufacturing topics of interest to stakeholders in the minority manufacturing ecosystem, including Original Equipment Manufacturers, suppliers, industry service and resource providers, and others.

Continue to "Catch the Replay" of prior broadcasts!

MiHUB Opportunity

MiHUB CoOp is accepting applications for membership. Contact Mark Lawrence for information.

Inviting Participation

The MiHUB Cooperative is a member owned and operated entity committed to supporting the shared growth and development of minority manufactures and their communities. Our facility is located in Baltimore at 1100 Wicomico Street. We are co-located with our strategic partner Harbor Design. We provide shared services to include product design, marketing, financing, and administrative support. The self-sustaining co-op leverages member and stakeholder investments to develop systems and infrastructure to support core operations.

The Manufacturing Innovation Hub Cooperative (MiHUB) is located in Baltimore but serves minority manufacturers worldwide. We exist to connect the ecosystem between minority manufacturers and innovation to ensure that the manufacturing industry is diverse to continue to accelerate, grow, and thrive.

Learn more

Interlink

SelectUSA Brazil Roadshow 2023...Winter Germany 2023...Access Africa Now Virtual Event Series...Trade Mission to Saud Arabia and UAE | Virginia Manufacturers Association | February 2023 | For Information

Get Down to Business Event hosted by the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company l Wednesday, February 15, 2023 l For more information

Cyber Awareness Training for Manufacturers...Emotional Intelligence Workshop...Future Leaders Training 2023...Manufacturing HR Peer Group | Maryland Manufacturers Extension Partnership | February - March 2023 | For Information

Level Up with Hopkins Local How to Take Your Business or Career to the Next Level with Johns Hopkins l Friday, February 17, 2023 l For More Information

Cheers to Gears Networking Event | Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership & Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland, Including Program Partner Baltimore MBDA AMC | Baltimore | March 22, 2023 | For Tickets

PLUS | Visit Baltimore City SourceLink

Events, services, resources, more for small businesses operating in Baltimore City.

SourceLink is hosted by our Center's operator, the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Development.

More Events

NATIONAL, REGIONAL & STATE

COVID-19 NOTICE, RESOURCE, SERVICE LINKS

baltimorembda.com