Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, present, and future of Black entrepreneurship and its impact on the U.S. business landscape and economy. Black business ownership has provided generations of families the opportunity to build wealth, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
In Charles County, we recognize Black History Month as an opportunity not only to honor legacy but to reaffirm our commitment to expanding access, removing barriers, and supporting Black entrepreneurs at every stage of business growth.
Black entrepreneurs represent significant economic strength and opportunity. The Charles County Economic Development Department supports Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year.
Our Business Development Loan Fund targets minority-owned businesses, providing funding for business growth and expansion. The Economic Development Department also administers the Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) programs to help business owners, including Black entrepreneurs, become certified and better compete for government contracts. A recent addition, the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal, further strengthens these efforts by increasing transparency and streamlining access to county procurement opportunities.
We recognize that Black-owned businesses may continue to face barriers unique to entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities. The Economic Development Department is committed to ensuring all entrepreneurs have access to the funding, education, and technical support needed to grow and succeed in Charles County. These programs are designed to help close opportunity gaps by connecting Black entrepreneurs with capital, contracting opportunities, and technical support.
Here's a closer look at the programs and resources available to Charles County small businesses.
Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal
Charles County recently launched the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal, a centralized resource designed to expand opportunity and strengthen participation in county procurement.
The portal supports Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE) by streamlining certification, improving compliance tracking, and increasing transparency throughout the contracting process.
Based on recommendations from the County’s 2021 disparity study, the portal helps ensure fair and equitable access to contracting opportunities. By simplifying how businesses engage with county contracts and improving accountability across projects, the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal reinforces Charles County’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and equitable access to opportunity.
Learn more and register through the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal.
For questions about the portal, contact Small and Minority Business Development Specialist Chastity Durham-Miller at DurhamMC@MeetCharlesCounty.com.
Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program
Charles County supports the vitality of small businesses by encouraging them to participate in county contracts and other procurement opportunities.
To qualify for the SLBE program, businesses must first be certified in the State of Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program, then be certified by the County Purchasing Office as a "local" business. Once registered, firms are eligible for procurement preferences under the SLBE Program.
SLBE Requirements:
- Must be a for-profit business that is independently owned.
- Registered with the Small Business Reserve.
- Registered with eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).
- Headquartered in Charles County – or – maintains a satellite office in Charles County that:
- Generates at least 25% of annual gross sales, and
- Employs at least 25% of full-time equivalent employees who reside in Charles County.
Ready to get started? Apply for SLBE certification here.
The SLBE program is open to all Charles County-based businesses. For local minority- and Black-owned companies, certification can provide a competitive advantage when pursuing contracts alongside larger firms located outside the County.
Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program
The MWBE Program encourages women, people of color, veterans, and entrepreneurs with disabilities to participate in the County’s procurement process. The program promotes inclusive business participation by providing technical assistance with certification, networking opportunities, and visibility as subcontractors on county projects.
Charles County conducts its own MWBE registration and recognizes certification from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), as well as Federal 8(a) certification.
To qualify as an MWBE, applicants must own at least 51%of their business and identify within one or more of the following categories:
- African American
- Asian American
- Native American
- Hispanic
- Disabled American Veteran
- Person with a Physical or Mental Disability
- Woman
MWBE firms benefit from the certification, networking, and revenue streams made possible by the program.
Download the MWBE application here.
Learn more about Charles County’s procurement process.
Local and Minority Business Tools
For e-businesses and traditional businesses alike, the College of Southern Maryland’s Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs move from concept to profitability. The Maryland APEX Accelerator provides no- or low-cost counseling to small business owners seeking to compete for government contracts and respond to RFPs.
For more information on how the Charles County Economic Development Department can support your business growth, visit the Business Support section on our website or contact our team at BizServices@MeetCharlesCounty.com.
