If you own a small, minority, or woman-owned business in Charles County, you may be missing out on a major opportunity: working with our county government.
Many small businesses assume that government contracts are out of reach, but in Charles County, that’s not the case. Right now, over 700 (and counting) small, local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses are already registered through the county’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program.
To make procurement even more accessible, the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) hired an MWBE/DBE Compliance Manager, Anthony Twyman, and a Small and Minority Business Development Specialist, Chastity Durham-Miller, who are dedicated to making it easier for small and diverse businesses to compete for local government contracts. The county is also launching the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal, a new online tool that will help businesses stay up to date with events and apply for certification.
Still, some businesses hesitate to apply because of common misconceptions. We’re breaking down the myths vs. facts about MWBE and SLBE certification to explain why now is the perfect time for your business to take advantage of these resources.
Misconception #1: "Government contracts are only for big businesses."
Reality: Many contracts are set aside exclusively for small and local businesses.
Charles County reserves all informal procurements under $50,000 for SLBE-certified businesses, as long as at least three qualified firms are available to bid. Even for larger contracts, SLBE and MWBE businesses can receive price advantages or extra evaluation points, increasing their chances of winning.
Misconception #2: "The county doesn’t buy what my business offers."
Reality: The county buys a wide range of goods and services.
Charles County Government purchases a range of goods and services, including construction and trade services, office supplies and furniture, technology and IT services, professional services, and catering and event services. If a business sells something the county might need, getting MWBE or SLBE certified can help it compete for these contracts.
Businesses that get certified are listed in the county’s vendor directories, making it easier for government buyers to find them. With the new Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal, county employees will be able to search for vendors by name and keyword, making it even easier for businesses to connect with potential buyers.
Misconception #3: "The application process is complicated."
Reality: If you’re already state-certified, the county process is simple.
To qualify for MWBE or SLBE certification, businesses must first be certified through a state program. MWBE eligibility requires a Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program certification, while SLBE eligibility requires a Maryland’s Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program certification.
Once state certification is in place, applying with Charles County is straightforward. Soon, businesses will also be able to apply for MWBE and SLBE certification through the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal, streamlining the process further.
Misconception #4: "These programs won’t help me that much."
Reality: Businesses that register gain a competitive edge and more opportunities.
Right now, 600+ MWBE firms and 250+ SLBE firms are already benefiting from these programs. Certification helps businesses win more contracts, get a competitive edge, be seen by county buyers, and grow with government partnerships.
Misconception #5: "Government contracting is too confusing and complicated."
Reality: The county is expanding resources to help businesses navigate the process.
The county is investing in new resources to help businesses take advantage of procurement opportunities, including expanding our Small and Minority Business Development team to provide direct support and launching the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal—which will be released in stages throughout 2025.
"We understand that government contracting can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easier for local businesses to succeed,” says Anthony Twyman, the EDD’s MWBE/DBE Compliance Manager. “Our team is committed to providing the resources and support businesses need to compete for county contracts. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out, and we’d be happy to guide you through the process."
If you’re a small, minority, or woman-owned business in Charles County, now is the time to explore these opportunities. Don’t let misconceptions or uncertainty hold your business back! Take the first step toward new opportunities today.
Learn more and apply: MWBE Program | SLBE Program
Questions? Contact Anthony Twyman, MWBE/DBE Compliance Manager, at TwymanA@MeetCharlesCounty.com, or Chastity Durham-Miller, Minority Business Development Specialist, at DurhamMC@MeetCharlesCounty.com.
