Minority Business Resources

Annapolis is a growing community consisting of an increasingly diverse population. This diversity provides for a vibrant community that promotes growth. The City believes that all of its citizens should benefit from this economic growth, without regard to race, color, religion or economic status. To that end, the City is committed to creating an environment that expands the prosperity of minority- and woman-owned businesses, cultivates mutually beneficial partnerships, and engages the community to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the city.

Workshops and Seminars 

The following trainings are specifically targeted towards the needs of the minority business community. Please check the training calendars for SCORE Southern Maryland and the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for additional training opportunities. 

August Trainings 

Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

Procurement Opportunities  

Annapolis City Dock Project

Drew Lewis, Senior Project Manager, Whiting-Turner - 443-829-3278  

The Hillman Garage rebuild and City Dock Construction project will offer opportunities for small and minority business participation. 

The second phase of the project will be the renovation of the City Dock area which includes converting a portion of the existing surface parking lot to an elevated green park that will also provide flood protection measures for this vulnerable, low-lying area. The project also includes a new waterfront promenade as well as a new pump station to improve storm drainage for this downtown area.

City of Annapolis

Information on current bids through the City of Annapolis are posted through our Central Purchasing Office. For more information email bids@annapolis.gov. 

Minority Business Financing and Opportunities 

Inclusive Ventures Program

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation - 410-222-7410

Inclusive Ventures Program (IVP) aims to assist small, minority, women and veteran entrepreneurs in Anne Arundel County with education, mentorship and access to capital. Business owners must apply to the program. Upon acceptance, entrepreneurs will participate in the program’s signature component, the Virtual Entrepreneurship Cohort and Seed Fund. This online experience is a three-hour class once a week for six weeks. During the seventh meeting, each participant will receive a certificate of completion and a $5,000 grant to be used for working capital.

Minority Owned Business Certification

Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, & Women Business Affairs - 410-697-9600 

MBE certification is a very valuable tool for minority- and women-owned businesses seeking State procurement and contracting opportunities. MBE firms are able to distinguish themselves from their competitors because, while any business may perform on a State contract, only MBE certified firms can fulfill minority participation goals. Small, minority- and women-owned firms that meet the eligibility standards of the MBE Program are encouraged to seek certification. 

Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA)

MD Department of Commerce, Office of Finance Programs - 877-821-0099

MSBDFA promotes the viability and expansion of businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Specialized financing and incentive resources are available for small businesses, veteran-owned businesses and minority and women-owned businesses. MSBDFA uses may include working capital, supplies and materials, machinery and equipment acquisition, land acquisition or real estate improvements. 

VOLT Fund

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation - 410-222-7410

Small and minority, women and veteran owned businesses in Maryland may be eligible for loans through the VOLT Fund. Loans are between $25,000 to $500,000 for purposes such as business and commercial real estate acquisition and expansion, lease-hold improvements, equipment, and working capital.

Minority- & Woman-Owned Business Support 

The links below provide a few organizations in the region and beyond dedicated to supporting and assisting minority- and women-owned businesses.

Minority Business Development Agency

Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council

Maryland Governor’s Ethnic Commissions

Maryland Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs

Maryland Veteran Entrepreneurs

Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association

Morgan State University Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center (EDAC)

National Minority Business Council

U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Women’s Business Ownership

Recursos del Negocio

The City of Annapolis is pleased to connect Spanish speaking entrepreneurs with helpful resources. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact the City’s Economic Development Division with any questions. 

Abriendo Un Negocio en Annapolis  (video en español) 

Center of Help

Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Latino Economic Development Center

Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Maryland Small Business Development Centro Hispano de Negocios

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce