PGEDC Partnering with Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce for National Black Business Month in August

Month-long highlight of Black businesses and programing 

Showcasing why Expansion Starts Here For Black Business

The Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce are partnering to celebrate National Black Business Month in August, extending the EDC's tagline to Expansion Starts Here For Black Business.

Black-owned businesses in Prince George's County will be highlighted all month long on the organizations social media platforms, in addition to online and in-person events during the 31-day observance that shines a light on these companies.

"National Black Business Month is a moment to feature several of the many successful businesses based in Prince George's County," said Ebony Stocks, Executive Vice President of Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. "We are delighted to be able to partner with the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce to highlight the accomplishments of these businesses while also providing access to the EDC’s resources and programming, which fulfill our extended promise that Expansion Starts Here For Black Business."

The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce will host a webinar on August 17 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm as part of their 2022 Summer Learning Series, Scaling and Preserving Your Business. The event will be held virtually on Zoom and hosted by Maryland Black business owners. Attendees will learn the resources needed to scale and protect their business from the best experts.

“It is important to celebrate and recognize Black Owned businesses and the impact they have on the economy,” said Kenneth White, Board Chair of the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce. “This month we are highlighting black owned businesses and sharing their many successes here in Prince George’s County. I hope our collaboration inspires new entrepreneurs and provides strategic support for starting, sustaining and growing successful black owned businesses in the County.”

As a culmination to the month of celebration, a networking Happy Hour-style event will be held on Wednesday, August 24, at a soon-to-be-announced venue in Prince George's County. Details will be forthcoming.

 The EDC and Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce continue their commitment to helping small and minority-owned businesses through the August focus on black-owned companies.

Recently, the EDC graduated the first cohort of its Step Forward Initiative on Monday, July 25. This inaugural cohort of ten minority women entrepreneurs completed a program that began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and further demonstrating the EDC’s commitment to preparing minority companies for the vibrant Prince George's County economic landscape.

The six-month program featured workshops with guest speakers that covered various topics to prepare the cohort to thrive in the market. Topics included business planning, marketing, business process, and legal business formation, all explained by industry experts.

National Black Business Month now provides yet another outlet to showcase how Expansion Starts Here For Prince George's County Businesses.

The Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation's (PGCEDC) mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy that supports the growth and prosperity of entrepreneurs and businesses, dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about the services the Economic Development Corporation provides to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce mission is to educate, connect, and advocate for black businesses all across Maryland. The vision of the MBCC is to offer strategic support for starting, sustaining and growing successful black businesses in Maryland. We do this by offering networking opportunities, affinity groups, resources, and partnerships with organizations which provide training, workshops, coaching, and funding assistance. For more information about the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, visit www.marylandbcc.org.