Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Congratulates Executive Vice President Ebony Stocks, CEcD

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Congratulates Executive Vice President Ebony Stocks, CEcD

CEcD designation is the highest certification available to economic development professionals

LARGO, MD — Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly announces that its Executive Vice President, Ebony Stocks, has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation, the highest certification available to economic development professionals. This prestigious certification is a testament to Ebony's extensive knowledge, expertise, and commitment to advancing the economic vitality of Prince George's County.

The CEcD certification, awarded by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), is a testament to Ebony's dedication and hard work. It is a rigorous and comprehensive program that requires candidates to demonstrate a mastery of economic development skills, including business retention and expansion, real estate development and reuse, and economic development finance. With this certification, Ebony Stocks joins an elite group of professionals who have achieved the highest standard in economic development.

As Executive Vice President, Ebony Stocks has been instrumental in driving initiatives that have led to significant economic growth and development in Prince George's County. Her new certification not only validates her expertise but also reassures us of her ability to lead and implement strategic initiatives that will continue to support the county's economic prosperity.

"I am honored to have achieved the Certified Economic Developer designation, which represents a significant milestone in my career," said Ebony Stocks. "This certification not only deepens my understanding of the complex dynamics of economic development but also equips me with the latest tools and best practices to better serve Prince George's County. I am excited to apply this knowledge to further the mission of PGCEDC and contribute to the continued growth and success of our community."

PGCEDC President & CEO David Iannucci also praised Stocks' accomplishment, stating, "Ebony's achievement of the CEcD certification is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her dedication to excellence in economic development. Her leadership and expertise have been vital to our organization, and this certification will only enhance her ability to drive positive change and growth in Prince George's County."

This accomplishment underscores PGCEDC's commitment to fostering a highly skilled leadership team dedicated to advancing economic development efforts in Prince George's County. With Ebony Stocks' enhanced expertise, the organization is poised to continue its trajectory of success, supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and creating a vibrant economic environment for all residents.

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 Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

Governor Moore Announces Recipients of Maryland Department of Commerce ‘Build Our Future’ Grants

Governor Moore Announces Recipients of Maryland Department of Commerce ‘Build Our Future’ Grants

LARGO, MD - Governor Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce had awarded 11 grants totaling $9 million through the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program. The recipients represent projects that will support innovation infrastructure development in eligible technology sectors. With some Prince George’s County based tech companies as grant recipients, Expansion Starts Here for the tech sector. The announcement was made late last month.

“To make Maryland more competitive, we need to turbocharge those areas of our economy that are producing fresh ideas and innovative new technologies,” said Gov. Moore. “These grants will not only help individual businesses grow, but will also help establish tools and resources to support growing industries.”

The Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program—part of the Governor’s Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023—provides grants of up to $2 million to private companies, nonprofit entities, local governments, or colleges and universities. Eligible industry sectors include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, blue technology, cybersecurity, defense, energy and sustainability, life sciences, quantum, and sensors and robotics.

“This proves yet again that Prince George’s County is the Capital of Quantum with this investment growing the county’s tech ecosystem,” said Mayank Kapur, PGCEDC Director of Business Development, I.T. & Cybersecurity. “With the region making an international impact in the tech sector, this investment from the Department of Commerce will further cement Prince George’s County as an industry leader in technology.”

After a two-phase application process, the Department approved 11 projects for funding:

CraniUS – $1,000,000 to establish a Device Innovation Lab to prototype and test implantable medical devices, enabling direct delivery of medicine to the brain. (Baltimore City)

Early Charm Ventures – $500,000 to retrofit the HEAT Center in Aberdeen into an innovation center, including wet labs, safety features and instrumentation for the materials industry. (Harford County)

InventWood – $1,000,000 for constructing a pilot manufacturing and innovation center to produce MettleWood®, a 100% wood material that is 50% stronger than steel while providing meaningful carbon sequestration benefits. (Frederick County)

Ion Storage Systems – $1,000,000 for buildout of solid-state battery research and development and manufacturing facility. The batteries use a ceramic solid-state electrolyte structure and are meant to replace lithium-ion batteries. (Prince George’s County)

Johns Hopkins University Remington Energy Accelerator Labs – $1,250,000 to equip a 12,000 square-foot advanced materials discovery and manufacturing process center. The “R.Labs” New Energy/Tech Infrastructure Hub will focus on innovations in energy transition, including carbon management, energy storage, wind power and grid optimization. (Baltimore City)

Maryland Association of Community Colleges – $935,680 for the creation of the Maryland Cyber Workforce Accelerator with the purchase of eight BCR Cyber Series 3000 cyber ranges to serve 16 community colleges. (Anne Arundel County)

QC82 – $200,000 for construction of a 1,000 square-foot integrated photonics, testing and packaging facility for its unique detectors and quantum optics devices, part of an investment to build room-temperature quantum computers. (Prince George’s County)

Quantum Space – $1,000,000 for the construction of Maryland’s first spacecraft assembly, integration, test, and engineering facility dedicated to satellite constellation manufacturing. (Location to be Determined)

Saft America – $996,120 for the conversion of 4,700 square-feet of office space into a conditioned “dry room” environment specifically designed for lithium-ion cell production with the installation of automated production equipment. (Baltimore County)

The Mill of Black Horse LLC – $1,000,000 for the construction of a 16,000 square-foot fertilizer plant for precision blended fertilizers using climate smart technologies serving over 1,000 farmers in the region. (Harford County)

University of Maryland Advanced Quantum-Centered Experience for Startups and Students (AQCESS) – $118,600 for the implementation of a “shared lab” concept for quantum technology startups – equipment, platforms, and training – at the Quantum Startup Foundry. (Prince George’s County)

“The Build Our Future Program is a bold new way to accelerate growth in the innovative sectors where Maryland is poised to lead and dominate,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “These grants will support innovation and spur economic growth across Maryland and help make sure we’re competitive in these key industries.”

PGCEDC Celebrates TEDCO Investment in Prince George's County Based Company: OmniSpeech

PGCEDC Celebrates TEDCO Investment in Prince George's County Based Company: OmniSpeech

College Park, Maryland-based AI company receives dual investment from TEDCO’s Funds

Largo, MD - TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $500,000 investment in OmniSpeech. This investment was made in two parts, with $300,000 coming from TEDCO’s Venture Funds and the remaining $200,000 coming from TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds.

"After decades of research and development, we are excited to expand our reach to improve more apps and devices with AI/ML-powered speech,” said Carol Espy-Wilson, founder and chief technology officer at OmniSpeech. “With TEDCO’s generous investments, we are excited to advance our innovative AI and machine learning technologies.”

OmniSpeech, located in College Park, Md., is dedicated to improving any speech enabled device or application with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). To-date, their core noise suppression technology is used to eliminate background noise and improve voice intelligibility on apps and devices from leading manufactures.

“OmniSpeech is part of Prince George’s County’s growing tech ecosystem,” said Mayank Kapur, PGCEDC Director of Business Development, I.T. & Cybersecurity. “With the region already making an impact as the Capital of Quantum, this investment from TEDCO will further cement Prince George’s County as an industry leader in technology.”

Leveraging their team’s expertise in speech science, AI, and optimizing ML algorithms for leading DSP platforms, OmniSpeech is expanding its R & D efforts to include improving automatic speech recognition (ASR), deep fake AI voice detection, voice biomarker identification and more. Earlier this year, OmniSpeech was announced as a winner of the Federal Trade Commission’s Voice Cloning Challenge.

“OmniSpeech’s innovative thinking includes promising solutions to supporting the growing needs of today’s voice powered technology and we hope this investment supports their continued growth,” said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director of TEDCO’s Venture Funds.

TEDCO’s evergreen Venture Funds are dedicated to funding and growing the next generation of early-stage businesses in Maryland. Learn more at https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/venture-funds.

“TEDCO’s investment in OmniSpeech exemplifies our diverse portfolio of companies with technology-based innovations,” said Jean-Luc Park, senior director of TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds. “As with all of our portfolio, we hope to see the company’s continued growth and development benefit the Maryland’s ecosystem.”

The Social Impact Funds were created to support underrepresented entrepreneurs throughout Maryland. For information about TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds, visit https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/social-impact-funds.

About TEDCO

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

About OmniSpeech

OmniSpeech is a leading developer of AI/ML-powered libraries that can be embedded to improve the performance of any speech-enabled app or device. Renowned for its small CPU footprint integrations, low latency near real-time processing, and low power consumption, OmniSpeech technology is available in a wide array of hardware and software configurations. OmniSpeech is a graduate of the Venture Accelerator program at the University of Maryland and since its founding, has garnered a number of prestigious technology awards and licensing contracts with Fortune 500 companies. Learn more at http://www.omni-speech.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 Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

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Media Contact

Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@tedcomd.com

Carmen Burke, Administrative Assistant, OmniSpeech, burke@omnispeech.io

Rhett Butler, Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC, rbutler@co.pg.md.us

M&T Bank and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Graduates Latest Spanish-Language 0-100 Business Accelerator Program Cohort

M&T Bank and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Graduates Latest Spanish-Language 0-100 Business Accelerator Program Cohort

M&T’s 2nd Spanish Language 0-100 Business Accelerator Program Highlights Spanish Leaders in Diverse Industries

COLLEGE PARK, MD – July 17, 2024 — A women-owned construction company, a government contractor, and a property management company were announced as the winners of M&T Bank’s (NYSE:MTB) 2nd Multicultural Small Business Lab pitch competition in Maryland, in partnership with Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGEDC).

The winners, who were awarded a total of $8,000, were selected following a pitch competition held at the College Park Aviation Museum. The winners were selected by a panel of judges including representatives from M&T and PGEDC, and include:

• Will Avila Watson, Clean Decisions, LLC (First Prize, $4,500)—A government contractor dedicated to providing employment and resources to formerly incarcerated individuals.

• Maria Kery Phipps, Phipps Construction, LLC (Second Prize, $2,500)—A women-owned and environmentally friendly construction company.

• Arianne Desiree Munoz, Lunita’s Properties (Third Prize, $1,000)—A property management company.

“The mission of the Multicultural Small Business Lab is to create a more resilient community and this competition is an example of how M&T shows up to help communities where we live and work,” said Vickie Mejia, Retail Sales Manager, and co-developer of the program in Prince Georges, County, MD. “At M&T, we are committed to the sustainability of our diverse small businesses, and we are excited to see these winners spur economic activity and create generational wealth.”

“The impact of the Business Accelerator Program and Pitch Competition is immeasurable as it transcends traditional business lines into authentic cultural ones,” said Rocio Treminio-Lopez, Latin Business Development Manager of Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. “This year’s program was specialized, providing more growth while strengthening business opportunities. With the assistance of PGEDC’s Grow Prince George’s umbrella of programs, participants benefited from one-on-one mentoring sessions and much more.”

The Accelerator Program provides Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs the guidance and skills to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George’s County, and help build generational wealth.

“I am grateful to M&T and PGEDC for conducting this competition, as this was such an invaluable experience,” said Will Avila Watson, Owner, Clean Decisions and first prize winner. “I feel energized, and so ready to take my business to the next level.”

The seven-week program, which began on April 25, featured courses on business planning, establishing credit, managing bank accounts, marketing, branding, and licensing. Sessions were collaboratively led by M&T Program Lead Karla Bermudez, Bilingual Sr. Branch Manager, Marcelo Loredo, Bilingual Branch Manager, and Prince George’s County officials. All workshops were held entirely in Spanish.

Participants had to complete an online application, be fluent in Spanish, be based in Prince George’s County, and be in good standing. Qualified applicants were enrolled in the free program on a first-come, first-based basis.

To learn more about M&T Bank’s Accelerator Program, please visit Accelerator Program | M&T Bank (mtb.com), and M&T’s efforts to support small business diversity, visit: M&T Multicultural Banking.

To learn about Grow Prince George’s, visit https://www.pgcedc.com/grow-prince-georges.

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.

Media Contact:

Mid-Atlantic Region (Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania):

Neil Dhillon

(202) 768.1071

ndhillon@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 Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

Media Contact:

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

(301) 345.5334

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

Grow Prince George's Initiative Celebrates Success with Completion of ARPA-funded Programming

Grow Prince George's Initiative Celebrates Success with Completion of ARPA-funded Programming

Largo, MD – Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly announces the successful completion of its Grow Prince George's initiative, marking a significant milestone in fostering economic growth and inclusivity within the county. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this initiative has empowered local businesses through tailored programs designed to propel their growth and competitiveness.

Over the past year and a half, Grow Prince George's has positively impacted over 1050 businesses and facilitated the creation of an estimated 115 jobs across diverse sectors of the country's economy. This initiative has been pivotal in supporting BIPOC and women entrepreneurs, ensuring equitable access to essential skills and growth opportunities.

David Iannucci, President and CEO of PGCEDC, emphasized the initiative's impact: "Grow Prince George's has not only strengthened our local economy but has also created a pathway for businesses to thrive amid evolving challenges. The success stories we've heard from our participants highlight the transformative power of economic development."

Under the Grow Prince George's umbrella, several flagship programs have driven notable outcomes:

AI for Small Business with the R.H. Smith School of UMD: This program provided hands-on training in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business operations and customer engagement, impacting 50 businesses with strategies for AI-driven growth.

CertifyPG & Prosper Certification Training Program: Over 80 businesses gained expertise in navigating government contracting, underscoring the importance of procurement in fostering local business growth.

0 to 100 Accelerator Program (Latino Small Business Development Program): In partnership with M&T Bank, this program delivered essential training entirely in Spanish, benefiting 15 businesses and creating an estimated ten new jobs within the Latino community. This initiative aims to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George's County, and help create generational wealth.

Participants have shared their success stories, illustrating the impact of Grow Prince George's.

"I am grateful to M&T and PGEDC for conducting this competition, as this was such an invaluable experience," said Will Avila Watson, Owner of Clean Decisions and first-prize winner. "I feel energized and so ready to take my business to the next level."

As PGCEDC looks toward the future, plans are underway to expand the initiative's reach and offerings. Future cohorts and enhanced partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders will continue to drive innovation and competitiveness in Prince George's County.

Visit www.PGCEDC.com for more information on how your business can benefit from future programming like Grow Prince George's.

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.

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

240-427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

https://pgcedc.com

XPO Opens New Service Center in Landover, MD to Strengthen Service to Customers Across the Washington, DC-Baltimore Metro Region

Landover, MD - XPO (NYSE: XPO), a leading provider of LTL freight transportation in North America, today announced the opening of a major new freight transportation center in Landover, MD. The new site enables faster service to customers and more efficient routing of freight across the Washington, DC-Baltimore Metro region.

David Iannucci, President & CEO of the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, and Jose Burnes, PGCEDC Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Warehousing, were in attendance along with local leadership.

Dave Bates, Chief Operating Officer of XPO, said, "We're pleased to continue opening our new service centers on schedule and to be deepening our presence in Prince George's County. We're excited about the opportunities this location creates for our customers and the elevated service it will enable us to provide in the region."

This newly renovated 20,000 square foot service center is located approximately 10 miles east of Washington, DC and 30 miles southwest of Baltimore. This center will reduce travel times to customers in the region and expand capacity to meet growing freight demand across the area.

About XPO

XPO, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation in North America. The company's customer-focused organization efficiently moves 18 billion pounds of freight per year, enabled by its proprietary technology. XPO serves approximately 52,000 customers with 610 locations and 39,000 employees in North America and Europe, with headquarters in Greenwich, Conn., USA. Visit xpo.com for more information, and connect with XPO on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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.

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Receives a $25,000 Grant from Truist Bank to Support Small Businesses

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Receives a $25,000 Grant from Truist Bank to Support Small Businesses

PGCEDC continues is stellar track record of grant awarding to fund programs across various business industry sectors

Largo, MD - Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) is pleased to announce that it has received a $25,000 grant from Truist Bank to support small businesses in Prince George's County. The grant will be used to fund the new Catalyst 360 program, which will provide support to tenants of PGCEDC's in-house incubator, Innovation Station Business Incubator (ISBI) beginning in July 2024.

In addition to the Catalyst 360 program, the grant will also be used to continue current programs like the Entrepreneurs and Experts in Residence program, which is currently facilitated within ISBI. The grant will also provide monetary awards to help ISBI's incubator business tenants, with three awards of $1,000 each.

The successful acquisition of this grant was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the PGCEDC Executive Vice President, Ebony Stocks, who led the grant team. Her instrumental role in securing funding for PGCEDC from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a testament to her commitment to the economic development of Prince George's County. The ARPA funding has paved the way for the Grow Prince George's umbrella of programs, which provides support for small businesses in Prince George's County by industry sector.

"We are incredibly grateful to Truist Bank for their generous grant, which will allow us to continue supporting small businesses in Prince George's County," said Ebony Stocks, Executive Vice President of PGCEDC. "The upcoming Catalyst 360 program and the Entrepreneurs and Experts in Residence program are vital resources for our incubator tenants, and this grant will help us to expand and enhance these initiatives. We are committed to fostering economic growth and development in our community, and this grant brings us one step closer to achieving that goal."

PGCEDC is dedicated to promoting and supporting economic development in Prince George's County, and the grant from Truist Bank will help to further that mission. PGCEDC looks forward to using the funds to provide valuable resources and support to small businesses in the community.

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.

Media Contact:

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

240-427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

https://pgcedc.com

PRESS RELEASE - MEDA Announces 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award for PGCEDC Latin Business Show "Creando Exitos"

Up front from left to right: David Iannucci, PGCEDC President & CEO, Lori Valentine, PGCEDC VP of Policy & Public Relations, Rocio Treminio-Lopez-Lopez, PGCEDC Latin Business Manager, Ebony Stocks, PGCEDC EVP

Photo Credit: Justin Gibbs / PGCEDC

MEDA Announces 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award Winner:

PGCEDC Latin Business Show "Creando Exitos"

PGCEDC Original Programming's Spanish-language informational show for the Latino business community wins on eve of sixth production season

Largo, MD - Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) celebrates winning the 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award for Creando Exitos at the 2024 Maryland Economic Development Association Annual Conference on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Cambridge, Maryland.

The Spanish-language Creando Exitos, or "Creating Success," 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. Just last year, around April 13, Creando Exitos entered its fifth production season.

"We are excited to be recognized by MEDA for our marketing efforts regarding our PGCEDC Original Programming: Creando Exitos," said Lori Valentine, PGCEDC VP of Policy and Public Relations. "We are on the eve of production for our sixth season of the Program, and this is truly a full-circle moment for PGCEDC and our Latin Business division."

"We are excited to be recognized by MEDA for the original programming we have to support 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."

Late last month, PGCEDC and M&T Bank launched their second annual 0-100 Business Accelerator Program. The Program gives Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs the guidance and skills to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George's County, and help build generational wealth. In past episodes, Creando Exitos has featured partners for the Program.

"This honor from MEDA is an example of when outreach to the Latin business community is done right," said host Rocio Treminio-Lopez, Latino Business Manager of PGCEDC. "Creando Exitos showcases interviews with successful Latino entrepreneurs who have found opportunity and created a business right here in Prince George's County!"

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

PGCEDC has posted past episodes of the Program on the PGCEDC YouTube channel. The Program covers topics for the Spanish-language community, including Financing/Access to Capital, Properties/Permits, Business registration, the Purple Line Project, Tax Incentives, Work Services, and more.

PGCEDC's Original programming line-up includes TakeOut Tuesday, hosted by Nicole Hall, Business Spotlight by Larry Hentz, and the upcoming podcast Expansion Starts Here. Each Program amplifies the business community of Prince George's County by industry sector and is hosted by the PGCEDC Business Development Director overseeing that industry.

About MEDA

The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) enhances the knowledge and skills of its members, encourages partnerships and networking among people committed to bringing jobs and capital to Maryland, and promotes economic development as an investment in Maryland. MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals.

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.

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Supports the Launch Of Prince George's County Small Business Support Program

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Supports The Launch Of Prince George's County Small Business Support Program

Program Offers $500,000 in grant opportunities powered by PNC Foundation and the Greater Washington Community Foundation

Largo, MD - Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) leadership and staff supported the launch of the Prince George's County Small Business Support Program powered by PNC. The program provides small businesses in Prince George's County funding opportunities through their eligibility to apply for up to $20,000 in available grants.

This new program will provide $500,000 in grants and technical assistance to small businesses operating along the Blue and Purple Line corridors, giving them greater opportunities to harness the economic benefits of development in the region.

"The Prince George's County Small Business Support Program is yet another resource that provides county-based businesses with the tools for expansion," said Andre Plummer, Financial Services Programs Manager, PGCEDC. "This is an extension of the County's Strategic Plan that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across industry clusters connecting Prince George's County residents with economic opportunities."

The funds were provided by PNC Financial Services Group Inc.'s PNC Foundation, and the Greater Washington Community Foundation (GWCF) will administer the grant program. GWCF will award 25 grants of $20,000 each plus technical assistance to businesses that apply between April 15 and May 13. The funds can be used for payroll, rent, utilities, marketing, technology, relocation services, capital improvements, etc.

Businesses must have ten or fewer employees and have been operating in the target areas for at least three years to be eligible for the grants. To be approved, applicants must show financial need, compliance with regulations, prospects for growth, and a positive community impact.

Designed in conjunction with several leading business groups in the county, including LISC, Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, Purple Line Coalition, FSC First, Bowie BIC, and PGCEDC, it will support the growth and sustainability of small businesses as key employers and economic drivers in the county.

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.

Media Contact:

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

240-427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

https://pgcedc.com

Numerous Prince George's County Businesses And Residents Recognized By Washington Business Journal's "The List"

Numerous Prince George's County Businesses And Residents Recognized By Washington Business Journal's "The List"

Prince George's County businesses and residents fill many categories of "The List"

LARGO, MD -The Washington Business Journal listed a variety of Prince George's County businesses and influential residents in the March 22-28 edition of "The List." In the Companies Owned By People Of Color category, three Prince George's County businesses made the list: ERP International, LLC (#9), Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (#11), and The Bizzell Group dba Bizzell US (#15).

In the Corporate Diversity categories, County companies made the list in two subsectors. The companies that made the two lists were ranked by the percentage of total employees who are people of color. In the Mid-Size companies subsector (100-999 employees), two Prince George's County companies made the list: Crystal Enterprises, Inc., in Glenn Dale, MD, and Susan Gage Caterers in Landover, MD.

Four county companies made the Small Companies subsector (under 100 employees): Apex Petroleum Corp. in Largo, MD; Fleet Transportation, LLC in Temple Hills, MD; Premier Enterprise Solutions, LLC in Upper Marlboro, MD; and Green Owl Design in Hyattsville, MD.

Four Prince George's County residents also received awards in the Diversity In Business Awards category. Eunmee Shim, a resident of National Harbor, is President of Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center. Kathryn Clay, a resident of Laurel, is the Market Manager of Community Development Banking at PNC Financial Services Group. Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact at Carefirst Bluecross Blueshield, and Melissa Stallings, Director of DMV Initiatives at Capital Impact Partners, are residents of Bowie.

PGCEDC congratulates all the awardees in the Washington Business Journal's Diversity In Business Awards special section.

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.

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Media Contact:

Rhett Butler

Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC

240-427-7926

rbutler@co.pg.md.us

https://pgcedc.com