PRESS RELEASE - Vegetable And Butcher To Relocate Headquarters To Prince George's County

Vegetable And Butcher To Relocate Headquarters To Prince George's County

Economic Development Incentive Fund Recipient Proves Expansion Starts Here

Largo, MD – Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce Vegetable and Butcher, a subscription-based food delivery service's, decision to relocate its headquarters to Prince George's County. The company is moving from Washington, D.C., to a 32,000-square-foot Class A industrial space at 6001 Fallard Drive in Upper Marlboro, MD.

"We are Prince George's Proud that Vegetable and Butcher has chosen Prince George's County as the new home of their headquarters and manufacturing facility," said Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in a statement. "Throughout our administration, we have remained committed to bringing quality businesses and amenities to our County, as well as providing meaningful employment opportunities for our residents right in their own community. We also recognize that our residents should have access to a range of healthy food options, and we are pleased that Vegetable and Butcher will offer a variety of healthy choices to Prince Georgians."

Congratulations were also given via a statement from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin A. Anderson about the relocation to Maryland and State assistance provided to the company.

The Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $480,000 conditional grant through Advantage Maryland to assist with project costs. Vegetable and Butcher is also eligible for various other incentives and tax credits, including the More Jobs for Marylanders program and the state's Job Creation Tax Credit. Additionally, Prince George's County's contribution to the project included a $480,000 conditional loan through its Economic Development Incentive Fund to help the company complete the project.

"Vegetable & Butcher's expansion to Prince George's County has been exciting and purposeful," said PGCEDC Financial Service Program Manager Andre Plummer. "As designed, the Economic Development Incentive Fund assists businesses like Vegetable & Butcher in expanding their business operations here in Prince George's County. Vegetable & Butcher was well-suited for the EDIF as a result of its Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing division, which aligns with the County's most recent Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, focusing on industry sectors that promote economic and employment development, create high-quality jobs that diversify and grow the County's tax base while helping support improved quality of life for County residents."

Vegetable & Butcher's move to Prince George's County is another example of why Expansion Starts Here. The company employs 56 workers and plans to create 184 full-time jobs over the next three years. Formed in 2016, Vegetable and Butcher delivers ready-to-eat meals to approximately 150 zip codes in the Mid-Atlantic region. The company offers two chef-inspired meal types – plant-based or with animal protein – and are always dairy and gluten-free. Since its launch, the company has delivered more than 1 million meals to people in the area and currently donates hundreds of meals each week to assist those in need.

"We've spent an incredible amount of energy streamlining a vertically integrated approach to our business, and we aspire to take our approach much further," said Vegetable and Butcher Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer Ariane Valle. "When we commit to securing a regional farmer's harvest, we create impact. When we build embedded supply chains that support local communities, we become a catalyst for change. And when we let our values lead the way, we can completely redefine what it means to be a food ecosystem."

For more information about the EDI Fund and the services the Economic Development Corporation provides to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

About Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

Celebrating 40 years, the mission of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) 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.

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For more information contact:

Rhett Butler

240.427.7926 Direct

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

Marketing & Communications Manager

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

PRESS RELEASE - PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CONGRATULATES 2U, INC. FOR BEING NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 100 PUBLIC COMPANIES

2U, Inc. Named One Of The Top 100 Public Companies

Prince George's County Based Company Makes The Washington Business Journal List

Largo, MD – Prince George's County-based company, 2U, Inc., was announced as one of the Top 100 Public Companies List entrants by the Washington Business Journal. Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) assisted 2U, Inc. in receiving investment from the Economic Development Incentive Fund.

The company retained 650 jobs and added 665 jobs to Prince George's County.

"2U, Inc.'s expansion project in Prince George's County was the ideal candidate to receive funding from the Economic Development Incentive Fund (EDIF)," said PGCEDC Financial Service Program Manager Andre Plummer. "The EDI Fund is designed to assist on eligible expansion, attraction, or retention projects providing significant full-time employment. Additionally, 2U's expansion project produced important local, county, and state tax receipts with a significant economic impact."

The EDI Fund is structured to support the County's economic strategic action plan, in which four industry sectors are prioritized to maximize overall economic impact (federal government, hospitals & health services, research-intensive technologies, and information technology). 2U's industry sector classification (information technology) and total capital expenditure, job retention, and expansion ideally illustrate how "Expansion Starts Here" in Prince George's County.

As the parent company of edX, 2U, Inc. works with top-tier partners to offer high-quality online education and services that span free courses to degree programs. With a mission-driven, student-focused culture, 2U is driven to help partners thrive in the digital age.

Wall Street has been positive on 2U Inc. (Stock Ticker Symbol: TWOU). On average, analysts give 2U Inc a Buy rating and expect the stock to increase by 150.37% over the next twelve months. That average ranking earns 2U Inc. an Analyst Rating of 33, which is better than 33% of stocks based on data compiled by InvestorsObserver.

For more information about the EDI Fund and the services the Economic Development Corporation provides to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

About Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

Celebrating 40 years, the mission of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) 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.

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For more information contact:

Rhett Butler

240.427.7926 Direct

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

Marketing & Communications Manager

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary  

With a sustained mission to cultivate and promote a strong local economy PGCEDC celebrates 40 years of Expansion Starts Here

LARGO, MD - Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) celebrates 40 years of serving the business community of Prince George's County, MD. Since its founding on June 13th, 1983, the organization has been dedicated to promoting economic growth and prosperity in the region.

With a mission to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs' and businesses' growth and prosperity, dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation, PGCEDC has been at the threshold of the county's economic abundance.

"Over the past 40 years, we've seen Prince George's County transform dramatically, away from a bedroom community, to a county that led the country in job growth for six consecutive years," said David Iannucci, President & CEO of Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. "A county that brought exciting new employment opportunities and industry sectors, everything from quantum computing to aerospace to IT to healthcare, but also creating a better quality of life for all Prince George's County residents."

See David Iannucci's 40th Anniversary Video Testimonial HERE

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation has played a vital role in helping businesses thrive. From providing assistance with financing and real estate to offering economic development programming, specific industry sector support, and business resources, the organization has been a valuable partner for companies looking to establish or expand operations in the region.

As Prince George's County has grown and evolved, so has the Economic Development Corporation. Today, the organization continues to drive the county's economic success, working tirelessly to attract new businesses, create jobs, and foster a vibrant and diverse business community.

"One of the most exciting things about Prince George's County is the transformations we've seen over the last 40 years is the creation of a skilled, educated, diverse workforce, one of the county's strengths," Iannucci continued. "It is one of the leadership opportunities we bring to the entire region. We want the Washington Metropolitan area to understand the exciting economic opportunities in Prince George's County, both in the private and public sectors; this is the place to be: Prince George's County."

PGCEDC recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of Innovation Station Business Incubator (ISBI), the county's elite business accelerator agent and entrepreneurial ecosystem hub. This dynamic business resource has a host of successful company graduates and members that continue to operate in the county community and the global marketplace. The celebration was on February 28th, 2023, five years from its founding.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years of service to the business community of Prince George's County," said Ebony Stocks, Executive Vice President of Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. "Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support of our partners and stakeholders over 40 years. We look forward to continuing to serve the county for many years to come."

As the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation marks this important milestone, it is a time to reflect on the organization's many achievements and to look forward with optimism and excitement to the future.

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

PGCEDC's 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.

Join the conversation:

#PGCEDC40

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Media Contacts:

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

240-427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

PRESS RELEASE - PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LAUNCHES CREANDO EXITOS' 2023 SEASON ON APRIL 13th

New 8-episode season provides informational programming geared toward the Latino Business Community returns

LARGO, MD -Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) announces the launch of the 2023 season of Creando Exitos or "Creating Success" on April 13th, 2023. Now entering its fifth season of production, the Spanish language Creando Exitos is an informational program for the Latino Business Community designed to promote the services offered by PGCEDC and highlight other business resources available in Prince George's County to support and grow their companies.

"We are excited to return with a new season of Creando Exitos to our emerging Latino business community of Prince George's County," said David Iannucci, President & CEO of Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. "The program provides a platform for Latino businesses to learn more about the County's Economic Development Incentive Fund, FSC First, Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), banking services, and other programs to help them create success and showcase why Expansion Starts Here."

Nearly 20 percent of Prince George’s population is Hispanic, and the county has the second-largest number of Hispanic-owned businesses in Maryland, according to U.S. Census data.

"We are excited to bring a new season of Creando Exitos where we interview successful Latino entrepreneurs who have found opportunity and create a business right here in Prince George's County," said host Rocio Treminio-Lopez, Latino Business Liaison of PGCEDC.

The program will air weekly on Thursdays on the PGCEDC YouTube channel with topics for the Spanish language community that include:

• Financing/Access to Capital

• Properties/Permits

• Business registration

• Purple Line Project

• Tax Incentives

• Work Services

The first episode will feature Karla Bermudez, Assistant Vice President of M&T Bank. Bermudez along with Rocio Treminio-Lopez manage the Latino Business Accelerator Program. The seven-week Latino Business Accelerator Program, a partnership between M&T and PGCEDC, will focus on business planning, establishing credit, managing bank accounts, marketing, branding and licensing. Sessions will be led by representatives of M&T and PGCEDC and held entirely in Spanish – the first such program M&T has offered in a language other than English.

Additional Creando Exitos guests include Jessica Rios, Board member of the newly created Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Prince George's County promoting the sustainability of Hispanic commercial activity in Prince George's County and many more.

View previous seasons here: https://youtube.com/@pgcedc

About Creando Exitos

Creando Exitos is an informational program for the Latino business community promoting the services offered by PGCEDC while informing about available business resources in Prince George's County, MD. This is a platform for the Latino businesses to learn more about the EDI Fund, FSC First, DPIE, and more.

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

PGCEDC's 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.

Join the conversation:

#CreandoExitos

Media Contacts:

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

240-427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

M&T BANK, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. LAUNCH LATINO-OWNED BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Watch the Latino Business Accelerator Launch Event: https://youtu.be/glXKe8sgT0o

LARGO, MD; March 21, 2023 — M&T Bank and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) are looking for as many as 25 Latino-owned businesses to participate in a new business accelerator program designed to provide entrepreneurs with the guidance and skills needed to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George’s County and help build generational wealth for their families.

The seven-week Latino Business Accelerator Program, a partnership between M&T and Prince George’s EDC, will focus on business planning, establishing credit, managing bank accounts, marketing, branding and licensing. Sessions will be led by representatives of M&T and Prince George’s EDC and held entirely in Spanish – the first such program M&T has offered in a language other than English.

The Latino Business Accelerator Program launches April 20, with courses held Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Prince George’s EDC, 1801 McCormick Drive, Largo. It will conclude June 8 with a graduation and award ceremony.

First Prize will consist of a $3000 check. Second Prize will consist of a $1,500 check. Third Prize will consist of a $500 check. The total value of all Prizes is $5,000.

Latino entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program must complete an online application by April 14, be based in Prince George’s County and be in good standing.

Qualified applicants will be enrolled in the free program on a first-come, first-served basis.

“M&T Bank looks forward to partnering with Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation for the Latino Business Accelerator and offering this program for entrepreneurs whose preferred language is Spanish,” said Julio Roque, manager of M&T’s College Park branch and an accelerator program instructor. “By offering this program entirely in Spanish, we hope to break down an important obstacle for Latino business owners and provide them with information and resources they need to start and grow successful businesses in Prince George’s County.”

Nearly 20 percent of Prince George’s population is Hispanic, and the county has the second-largest number of Hispanic-owned businesses in Maryland, according to U.S. Census data.

“Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. is proud to take the lead in promoting the Latino Business Accelerator program to provide support and resources to the Latino business community,” said Rocio Treminio-Lopez, Latino Business Liaison for Prince George’s County EDC. “Our mission is to help companies identify their capabilities, potential growth opportunities and diagnose the administrative, financial, technological, and market barriers, because expansion starts here.”

In Maryland, M&T has partnered with Baltimore City and Montgomery, Howard and Frederick counties to offer similar English-language business accelerator programs to minority-owned businesses in those locations. The bank and Prince George’s EDC also are planning an English-language version of the business accelerator program to be offered to minority entrepreneurs this year.

To apply for the Prince George’s Latino Business Accelerator Program, click here.

About M&T Bank

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.

About Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation

PGCEDC’s 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.

© 2023 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

Media Contact:

Scott Graham

(410) 409-4803

sgraham1@mtb.com

Rhett Butler

(240)427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

For more information, please visit: https://youtu.be/glXKe8sgT0o

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION CELEBRATES 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ITS PREMIERE BUSINESS INCUBATOR

Innovation Station Business Incubator is the Agent of Change for Many Innovative Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation is celebrating the 5th anniversary of Innovation Station Business Incubator (ISBI), the County's elite business accelerator agent and entrepreneurial ecosystem hub. This dynamic business resource has a host of successful company graduates and members that continue to operate in our community and in the global marketplace.

The celebration is on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, five years from its founding.

"Five years ago, we invited our ecosystem partners and community members to join us for the grand opening of this new collaborative co-working space," said David Iannucci, President and CEO of Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. "We got off to a powerful start with two of our early co-working member companies winning the Start-Up Maryland Competition in 2018 and 2019. They, along with others, now have product sales online, internationally, and in big box retailers and so much more. It takes a village to grow a company and we have a mighty powerful village."

Innovation Station Business Incubator is directly connected to the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation and its mission of growing the County's tax base and economy by supporting job creation, business attraction, business expansion, and retention efforts. By supporting tech and creative entrepreneurs and innovators as they commercialize their product and service offerings, ISBI is fostering sustainable growth-focused technology-enabled businesses in our community.

To Date, ISBI has Facilitated:

• Special Minority Business Development Agency programs, one-on-one meetings and information sessions to our minority-owned business members.

• Grant-funded CEO Meetup Series fostering peer-to-peer learning.

• SBDC CEO Accelerator Program

• SBIR proposal training, ICorp Programs, and Maryland Business Innovation Association funding

"Innovation Station was a vital partner that helped support the early growth and success of Wave Welcome by providing my team and me affordable access to centralized space, resources, and opportunities that were critical and otherwise inaccessible during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Vennard Wright, President/CEO, WAVE Welcome, a former ISBI graduate.

ISBI tenants are connected to the extensive PGCEDC services and receive access to collaborate with other business incubators and entrepreneurial resources in the County, state, nation, and world.

"Innovation Station has been an excellent resource for information on educational programs, funding opportunities, and business coaching including access to the MD PTAC and SCORE," said Katoshia Ford, President/CEO of FORD Management Services. "They have shared information about opportunities in Prince George's County and throughout the Washington Metropolitan region."

Powered by Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, Innovation Station Business Incubator is another reason Expansion Starts Here in Prince George's County.

For more information about ISBI, please visit www.pgcedc.com/innovation-station

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Congratulates Chef Tobias Dorzon

Chef Tobias Dorzon is the Owner of Huncho House Located at 6541 America Blvd. in University Town Center, Hyattsville, MD

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation congratulates Chef Tobias Dorzon for his selection to Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions IV on the Food Network. The fourth season begins on Sunday, February 19, at 8p EST. Dorzon is the owner of Huncho House restaurant in Hyattsville, MD, an upscale American fusion restaurant that opened in August 2022. Dorzon worked with Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation's Nicole Hall, who oversees Business Development in the Restaurant and Retail sector.

"It has been a pleasure working with Chef Tobias," said Hall. "I am so happy for all his success and thankful for the delicious cuisine he has brought to Prince George's County with Huncho House in Hyattsville. All of Prince George's County is routing for Chef Tobias to bring home the championship!!"

Dorzon is a former professional football player that played for the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring from the sport in 2012. He then studied at the Culinary School at the Art Institute of Washington and in Sicily, eventually working as head chef for an upscale Houston restaurant and winning several Food Network competitions hosted by Fieri.

In last year's Tournament of Champions, Dorzon finished third in the country overall. He returns with some of the most talented chefs from the East and West coasts to the bracket-style culinary competition. After eight weeks and 31 grueling head-to-head battles, one talented chef will win it all and be crowned champion.

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation is Prince George's Proud of Chef Tobias Dorzon for his example that Expansion Starts Here.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE FOOD TRUCK LEGISLATION

Eliminates Food Truck Hubs and Allows Vendors to Operate in Numerous Locations Within the County

The Prince George’s County Council recently passed the most comprehensive Food Truck legislation in the history of the County. The legislation (CB-053-2022) eliminates food truck hubs and allows vendors to operate in numerous locations within the County, with explicit permission from the property owner or property manager.

The Food Truck Committee was instrumental in escalating the concerns of accessibility for food truck operations in Prince George's County. The committee worked tirelessly with the Economic Development Organization, County agencies, and elected officials to advocate for the legislation that brings more food access to Prince George's County and economic development to our food and beverage service community.

Councilmember Jolene Ivey (Councilmanic District 5) spearheaded the effort, noting that the County’s food truck hub system significantly limited operational access for the food truck community. This initiative took nearly four years, with many meetings and negotiations by the County’s Food Truck Hub Oversight Committee, various departments, agencies, and the County Executive’s staff.

The new legislation, which takes effect in early December (45 days after passage of the legislation), allows, with permission from the property owner or manager, food trucks to operate in:

• Office and Business Parks

• Industrial and Employment Parks

• Commercial Areas and Retail Shopping Centers

• Properties of Faith-based Organizations, Membership Pools, and Non-Profit Organizations

• Agricultural Facilities such as Wineries, Farms, and Orchards (with adequate running potable water & sewage disposal)

• Food Halls, Farmers Markets, and Other Temporary Food Associated Venues

• Active Construction Sites

• County, State, and Federal Facilities Open to the Public

• Golf Courses and Dog Parks

All food truck vendors are still required to acquire a Mobile Food Permit and have their vehicles inspected by the Fire and Health Departments prior to vending in the County. Operation of food trucks in any public right-of-way not expressly authorized by the legislation is still strictly prohibited.

To kick off this new legislation, a public event will be held at a later date to welcome back local food truck vendors, many whose sales were dramatically affected by the COVID Pandemic.

“The passage of this historic legislation is great step in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our Food Truck community by expanding the vending opportunities in the County," said David Iannucci, President and CEO, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. Our vendors seek to live, work and play in the County they love, and this legislation provides the pathway to success for our local business. A healthy, thriving food truck community is an integral part of a solid pipeline of commercial development with our food service providers and creates an amenity destination for our county residents.”

Readers can find the entire text of the legislation HERE

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Continues Creating Pathways To Business Success For Minority and Women Owned Businesses Proving Expansion Starts Here

From Pre-to-Post-Pandemic the Continued Outreach Has Helped County Based Businesses “Emerge Stronger” To Take the Next "Step Forward"

While the economic recovery from COVID was uncertain for many, the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation was inspired and busy assisting the rebound of small minority and women-owned businesses. Through a multitude of programs, initiatives, and cohorts, close to 800 entrepreneurs that call Prince George's County their business home found support through various initiatives enacted by the EDC including Pathways to Growth & Expansion The C-Suite Accelerator, Emerge Stronger, and the Step Forward Initiative.

Each program contributed to turning the tide for business owners solidifying the EDC's promise that Expansion Starts Here in Prince George’s County.

"The team at PGCEDC focused not just on COVID relief and recovery efforts, but also worked hard to capture heightened entrepreneurial efforts, including fostering new business startups and expanding businesses in the County," said David Iannucci, President & CEO of PGCEDC. "Providing small businesses - the backbone of the American economy – with insights, resources and tools to help them avoid costly mistakes and pitfalls that could impede their growth potential -is one of many ways we assist our business community. Our business development team members are consistently assisting CEOs, developers, and brokers to find, finance and build job creating businesses here in the County."

The Pathways to Business Growth and Expansion program garnered more than 275 businesses participants. This program offered a series of English and Spanish language programming covering site selection, mergers and acquisitions, financing expansion, sales, communications tools, lease agreement negotiation, and more.

PGCEDC also launched The C-Suite Accelerator program, which assisted more than 80 businesses over a five-month period through a series of multi-session groups and individual business coaching programs. The C-Suite Accelerator program also included intensive C-Suite mentorship sessions for business owners.

"The Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation has been so supportive to my business," said Robin Hamilton from The ARound Robin Production Company. “Being a small business owner can be challenging, lonely, and confusing. Having these resources gave me direction and helped me address blind spots in terms of how I was running my company – and what I could be doing better."

The Webinar Wednesday series was launched in April of 2022, where more than 70 companies attended virtual sessions, conducted in both English and Spanish, providing small business owners with financing information from lending partner FSC First.  PGCEDC resource partners highlighted procurement opportunities from the Prince George's Community College, the Prince George's Library System, and State agencies. Webinars also covered employment strategies and specific workforce information, marketing for growth, and MBE certification process information in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Department of Labor, and the Maryland Small Business Development Center.

In July, PGCEDC graduated its inaugural Step Forward Initiative cohort consisting of ten minority women entrepreneurs that completed a program sponsored by Wells Fargo, preparing them for the vibrant Prince George's County economic landscape.

This intensive six-month program featured workshops and aligned the women-owned business cohort with EDC Financial Services and Small Business Services Managers for financial literacy mentoring and business operations coaching. Guest speakers covered a number of topics to prepare business owners to identify loan package deficiencies/shortfalls, prepare a completed loan application package ready to submit for funding and have loan applications pre-viewed and prequalified by lenders.

"Designed to serve the needs and challenges of established businesses in their quest to obtain access to capital, the Step Forward Initiative quickly grew to be so much more,” said Ebony Stocks, Executive Vice President of the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. “We've encouraged all of our cohort participants and the broader business community to take advantage of our other programs at the EDC. This is just the beginning."

The effect of the programming on Prince George’s County based businesses has been transformative and substantial.

"When I started my business, Savvy Scents, it was the height of COVID-19, and my mortgage-paying job had me traveling a lot internationally; I didn't realize how much of my time was being taken," said Savvy Scents owner, Sherrie Brown. "My sister and I started a business on the side and applying the things I learned from the cohort, I met with a credit union and recently signed contracts to have my products in stores. This really did help me."

For more information about the programs, initiatives and other small business services, the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation offers, visit www.pgcedc.com.