A full complementary continental breakfast will be provided for business networking attendees.

Plenary Session

The opening plenary session will feature remarks from Ricky D. Smith, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration and keynote remarks from Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford.

Presenters

Accessing Capital and Growing your Business – Maryland Room

With the exception of the SBA, these lending institutions outlined below, provide a unique insight and history in funding small minority owned businesses in the Baltimore/Washington area. Some of the issues and ideas that could be discussed: What innovative steps are they taking to embrace technology and better service future clients, including what new banking trends are in the near future. Are their lending application processes becoming more streamlined favoring technology? Keeping in mind lenders are known to be conservative, will they consider providing/offering a smart lending app. Lastly, the SBA plays an important role in funding small & minority owned businesses, as it has funding programs guaranteeing through lending institution or banks, requested funds on their various programs.

Presenters:

Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification – Delaware Room

Find out if certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and/or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is right for your business. The Application Assistance Workshop demystifies the certification process and provides valuable information to firms considering certification as a strategy to grow their business. The workshop covers the benefits of certification, four steps to certification, the five certification eligibility standards, and other key certification information. This information session empowers participants to better position themselves to move through the certification process with confidence.

Presenters:

Innovative Marketing Strategies: Does your business have what it takes to win a contract? – Pennsylvania Room

Business growth is contingent upon innovative marketing strategies. Learn how to stand out in a crowd using innovative marketing strategies that take your business to the next level.  What marketing is most effective for your company? How do you communicate to your target markets about your products and services? Are you seeing an ROI on your marketing efforts? What creative elements are worth your investment? Are you using all your resources and tools to market your business? Web site, social media, networking…

Presenters:

Accessing Resources To Win Contracts – Maryland Room

These organizations work with various minority owned businesses and their respective communities and the challenges confronting them today. This forum is about ensuring the attendees of the event learn about the resources and services available through these organizations offering to assist small and minority owned businesses in “Accessing Resources To Win Contracts”, including but not limited to what they do, what are the resources and opportunities they offer to Small and Minority Owned Businesses in the Baltimore/Washington region.

Presenters:

Exploring Airport Concessions Opportunities – Delaware Room

Airport concessions are businesses that include food and beverage, retail and services that sell goods and services to the traveling public here in BWI Airport. Minority and women-owned businesses must be certified as Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) by the Maryland Department of Transportation to operate these concessions and/or participate in them in order for MAA to claim participation credit. This panel will discuss certification, the types of concessions operating at BWI Marshall and the process through which concessionaires are selected.

Presenters:

How to Submit a responsive Government Bid and Avoid the Fatal Flaws…You Won the contract; now time to successfully perform! – Pennsylvania Room

Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration’s Procurement Officers and Contract Managers will discuss relevant procurement and Contract compliance. Instructors will provide tips and resources to help avoid the most common pitfalls – “fatal flaws,” explain how to properly submit the required paperwork/forms and discuss contract management expectations.

Presenters:

Synergy business networking attendees are encouraged to attend and connect with one another, discuss information gained during the sessions and engage with BWI executives.

Power Hour: Business Connections Luncheon

The centerpiece of the day will be the Upcoming Contracting Opportunities panel, hosted during the luncheon. Entrepreneurs will learn how to do business with MAA and hear about open contract opportunities.

Presenters:

Business matchmaking is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their products and services in brief, business-to-business meetings coordinated with current MAA contractors looking to increase their supplier lists.

Speed lending is a great option for starting your small business. Get in front of funding institutions/banks friendly towards working with and funding small and minority-owned businesses. Interested attendees will give a 60-second business pitch on why they are looking for funding and a featured funder will make an onsite decision as to whether to go on to the next step or not.

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