As we close out Black History Month, Charles County is proud to recognize and celebrate the Black entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses that have chosen to start and grow their businesses in the county. Black History Month is not only a time to honor history and achievement, but also an opportunity to highlight the businesses shaping the local economy.
Across Charles County, minority-owned businesses continue to grow and thrive, supported by initiatives designed to expand opportunity. Through programs such as the Minority Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) programs, along with the Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal, Charles County is committed to creating pathways for growth, visibility, and long-term success. These resources help ensure that minority-owned businesses are positioned to grow and scale in Charles County.
T12 Technologies, a Veteran, Service-Disabled, Minority-owned business led by Owner and CEO Tamika Chance, is located in White Plains. The business brings more than 30 years of combined professional and personal experience delivering integrated services and solutions to the federal government, Department of Defense, state agencies, and local businesses.
T12 Technologies relocated to Charles County from neighboring Prince George's County just over a year ago, a strategic decision that was rooted in both business growth and community investment.
“When thinking through moving to Charles County, one of the main things was trying to keep the skills and talent in Charles County,” says Chance. “I always thought that there is so much talent here, so why should people have to travel? If they are interested in the information technology space or logistics, moving to Charles County gave us the opportunity to have local residents grow in those spaces. While we are still small, as we grow with the community, we are looking forward to offering those positions within the county as opposed to outside of the county.”
Since relocating, T12 Technologies has taken steps toward that vision through partnerships across the county. The company has partnered with the College of Southern Maryland to help build a pipeline for the next generation workforce through internship opportunities. They have also developed relationships with county businesses and organizations, as well as financial institutions such as Cedar Point Bank and Wells Fargo in La Plata.
Charles County’s Circle of Services partners, including the Small Business Development Center, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Department, have played an important role in that growth. From making introductions and identifying potential collaborators to connecting T12 Technologies with businesses in need of their services, these relationships have helped Chance see a promising future for her business in Charles County.
Chance also offers advice for other entrepreneurs considering starting or expanding their business in Charles County. “Grow where you know, start where you know, and grow with the community. I think that's the first thing I would say… start here,” she shares. “And the second thing is, Charles County has a wealth of business education. Take advantage of it.”
That mindset of growing with the community continues to shape T12 Technologies’ approach. Whether connecting with fellow business owners, exploring new partnerships, or participating in local networking opportunities, T12 Technologies remains focused on building relationships that strengthen both its operations and Charles County’s business ecosystem.
As Black History Month comes to a close, T12 Technologies represents a strong example of what happens when talent, opportunity, and community align. Charles County remains committed to fostering a community where minority-owned businesses can start strong, grow confidently, and contribute to a thriving and inclusive local economy.
To learn more about T12 Technologies, visit their website.
