Maryland MBDA Business Center 2024 Grant Symposium

Agenda

JSEZA ReLAUNCH PROGRAMME

9:00am – 9:15am

Welcome(15 mins)

Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness
Minister Aubyn Hill

9:15am – 9:45am

Introductory Remarks (30 mins)

Chairman | Mr. Christopher Levy
COO | Mr. Gary Scott

9:45am – 10:45am (60mins)

Sustain-A-Livity Launch

Panelists: Amorley Hibbert, Sanvia Martin Bailey, Licia Grant, Ainsley Brown

10:45am – 11:15am (30mins)

International Partnerships

UK and JSEZA Partnership – Creating Economic Impact through partnership

HC Asif Ahmad, CMG | High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Jamaica

Developing Smart Cities: Innovating Against the Force of Nature (JapGov)

His Excellency Masaya Fujiwara | Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica

11:15am – 12:00pm (45mins)

L U N C H

12:00pm – 12:45pm (45mins)

Partnership with Singnapore on Jamaica’s Global Logistics Hub Initiative

Panelists: Mr. Daniel Seah, Dr. Liu Thai Ker, Mr. Forrest Yap

12:45pm – 2:00pm (75mins)

Managing the SEZ Investor

Panelists: Kevon Farquharson, Novia Hines, Krissan Meredith, Jahnoy Leith

2:00pm – 2:10pm (10mins)

JSEZA Partnership with JTB

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett

2:10pm – 2:20pm (10mins)

Partnership with World Free Zones Organisation

Speaker – Dr Hamrouni CEO WFZO

2:20pm – 2:30pm (10mins)

Closing

What is a Virtual Grant Symposium?

A virtual grant symposium is an online event designed to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools to navigate the grant-seeking process successfully. Through interactive webinars, expert-led exhibits, and virtual networking sessions, attendees can gain insights on grant research, proposal writing, and relationship-building with funders. This digital format eliminates geographical barriers, enabling participants from across the country to connect with leading experts and peers.

Why Attend?

Minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses should attend the virtual grant symposium to gain a competitive advantage in securing funding opportunities. The symposium will provide invaluable insights into grant research, proposal development, and building relationships with funders, specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by minority entrepreneurs. By attending, you'll gain the tools and knowledge necessary to craft compelling grant applications, increase your chances of success, and ultimately fuel the growth and impact of your business.

Who should attend?

Individuals and organizations eager to unlock funding opportunities should attend the virtual grant symposium. This includes:

Minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses seeking to navigate the grant landscape and secure financial support for growth and expansion
Entrepreneurs exploring grant options to launch or scale their ventures
Researchers and academics looking to acquire funding for innovative research projects and academic initiatives
Community leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities through grant-funded projects

About Us

Funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, working on behalf of the nation’s 9.7 million Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (S/EDBE), the Maryland MBDA Business Center located in Baltimore, Maryland is owned and operated by L. S. Caldwell & Associates, Inc. (LSC). The Center is part of a national network of forty-six (46) funded Centers located in major cities throughout the U.S. and works with various resources to increase access to financing, contract opportunities and creation and retention of jobs for S/EDBEs.

Vision:

Economic prosperity for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Enterprises.

Mission:

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Enterprises.

Who We Serve:

Our clients are U.S. Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Enterprises (S/EDBEs) averaging over $500 Million annually in gross sales.

Core Business Services:

Access to Capital
Identification of domestic and global financing opportunities, equity financing, brokerage of financial transactions, merger and acquisitions.

Access to Contracts
Identification of procurement opportunities, solicitation analysis, bid and proposal preparation, negotiation and closing, research contract award histories.

Access to Markets
Government procurement assistance, private sector contract identification, specialized Federal, State and Local certification assistance and market research assistance.

Strategic Business Consulting
Sales consulting and forecasting, market feasibility studies, operations management and quality control, bid preparation, construction bonding and facility leasing.

Events and Training
Procurement series, monthly webinar series, strategic partnership events and federal procurement education and training.

For the latest information on the Maryland MBDA Business Center and MBDA programs and announcements, please visit www.marylandmbdacenter.com and www.MBDA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

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1What is a Small Business Grant?

A small business grant is a sum of money awarded to a small business owner or organization. Several entities, including the federal government, state and local governments and private corporations provide funds for small businesses in specific industries that meet certain eligibility requirements.

Unlike a business credit card or loan, small business grants don’t require repayment. Although grants are considered free money, an organization or individual typically must spend a lot of time and effort researching available grants and writing grant proposals.

In addition, some small business grants come with specific guidelines on how you can use the funds. Failing to adhere to the rules may result in your repaying some or all the money you receive.

2What types of Small Business Grants are there?

There are several types of small business grants, including Covid-19, federal, state, local, regional and specialty grants.

Covid-19 Small Business Grants

Covid-19 grants are available to businesses that have suffered financial loss as a result of the pandemic.

Fiserv + Clover Back2Business Grant Program: This program provides grants to Black and minority-owned small businesses in certain cities that have been affected by Covid-19. To qualify, you must be 18 years or older, own a business that was formed before Jan. 1. 2020 with annual revenue of less than $1 million. Applications are currently closed but additional grants are anticipated in the new year.

Federal Small Business Grants

The federal government awards billions of dollars in funds each year to small businesses that engage in work that benefits the public, such as infrastructure and science research projects. You can find federal small businesses grants by visiting Grants.gov.

When searching for federal small business grants, keep in mind that the federal government doesn’t offer free money to individuals to start a business. If a website promises to give you free money from the government, it’s likely a scam.

State, Local and Regional Small Business Grants

State and local governments also offer funds to small business owners. You can search for these grants online or by contacting your state’s economic development office.

Economic Development Administration (EDA): The EDA—which is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce—funds regional and national economic development projects.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): If you need help finding a small business grant in your state or region, contact your local SBDC.

Private/Corporate Small Business Grants

Private/Corporations, like Visa, offer small business grants to nonprofit organizations, startups and other organizations.

Visa Everywhere Initiative: This is a global competition designed for startups that focus on solving commerce and payment issues. Winners receive free money, as well as global exposure for their business. You can sign up to be notified when 2022 applications become available.

Walmart Local Community Grants: Walmart gives grants that range from $250 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that benefit the community. The application deadline is December 31, 2024.

Nike Community Impact Fund: Nike, in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation of America, awards funds to nonprofits in select metro areas that have a positive impact on communities through sports and other community-focused initiatives.

Specialty Small Business Grants

Some organizations set aside funds for certain groups of business owners who face unique challenges, including minorities, veterans and women.

Black Founder Startup Grant: SoGal Foundation, along with its partners, offer several cash grants that range from $5,000 to $10,000 to Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. To qualify, you must have a legally registered business, identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary person and plan to seek investor funding to scale.

The Veteran Small Business Award: The Street Shares Foundation hosts a pitch contest each year for veteran-owned businesses that have a social impact on the military community. If you qualify, you must create a pitch video and submit an online application. Applications are closed for 2024.

The Amber Grant Foundation: The Amber Grant foundation awards $14,000 each month and $25,000 in December to women-owned businesses. While applying for this small business grant is easy—you only have to fill out a short form—the application fee is $15.

3How do I qualify for a Small Business Grant?

Eligibility requirements vary based on the type of grant you’re applying for. A grantor may require that your business operates in a specific industry, fits its definition of a small business (MBE/WMBE or socially, economically, disadvantaged business enterprise) and meets a minimum annual revenue threshold. Before you apply for a small business grant, review the requirements carefully to ensure you have the best chances of qualifying.

4How do I apply for a Small Business Grant?

The grant application process varies from grant to grant. For instance, if you apply for a small business grant with the Amber Grant foundation, you can complete your application within a few minutes by submitting a short form. However, when you apply for a federal grant, you’ll be required to submit a formal grant proposal and it could take weeks to finish your application.

Here are some documents and information you may need when applying:

Who is eligible for a Grant? Foundations, private, and government websites may be more suitable for MBE/WMBE and small business assistance, or other business opportunities such as government contracting. The website Benefits.gov may also be of help.