SLBE/MWBE Business Programs

Small Local Business Enterprise Program (SLBE)

Charles County Government buys local!  Charles County supports the vitality of small businesses by encouraging them to participate in County contracts and other procurement opportunities.

To qualify for the program, businesses must first be certified in the State of Maryland's Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program, and then apply and be approved for Charles County SLBE designation.  SLBE firms are eligible for preferences in County procurement subject to the SLBE Program.

• Download our SLBE application.
  If you are a minority or woman-owned business, you might also qualify for our MWBE Program. Download an MWBE Addendum and submit it with your SLBE application to be considered for both programs.
• Learn more about Charles County’s procurement process here.
• Download our SLBE directory.

Minority & Women Business Enterprise Program (MWBE)

Charles County Government (CCG) spends millions of dollars in goods and services with a goal to ensure that minority and woman owned businesses in the marketplace are properly represented in these purchases.  Buyers from all CCG departments rely on our MWBE list to keep county government on track in successfully meeting these goals.

If your business sells products that local governments buy, sign up for our Minority & Woman Business Enterprise Program and add your company to the list of minority & women owned companies available to do business with Charles County Government.

• Download our MWBE application.
• Learn more about Charles County’s procurement process here.
• Download our MWBE directory.
• Download our combined MWBE and SLBE directory and search by industry.

*MWBE firms are strongly encouraged to apply for Maryland MDOT certification.

Local and Minority Business Tools

For emerging businesses, the College of Southern Maryland's Small Business Development Center connects the dots between product development and profit.

Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) provides counseling services at no or low cost to Maryland small business owners who want to do business with government and re"bla>The College of Southern Maryland’s Diversity Institute holds workshops and networking opportunities relevant to the modern workplace.

The Velocity Center at Indian Head, a 15,000-plus-square foot development project aligned with base initiatives, will heighten innovation and entrepreneurship in the local technology community.

Veterans Corner is Charles County’s resource for local veterans seeking career support and opportunities.

Maryland Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs - The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs looks to create a culture of openness and accessibility to underrepresented business owners in Maryland. It connects the small business community to economic opportunities in both the public and private sectors.