What to expect
Procurement Opportunities of $100k or Less is an in-person, meet-the-buyers morning for small businesses that want to sell to state and county government. Hosted by the Howard County Economic Development Authority with the Maryland Department of Commerce, it brings procurement representatives from 19 public organizations to explain small-dollar contracting opportunities, purchasing and vendor requirements, and how to build relationships with buyers. The tagline sums it up: meet the buyers, discover opportunities, get contract ready.
Who should attend
Founders and small business owners who are new to public-sector sales, especially those whose products or services fit contracts under $100,000. These smaller purchases are often a practical first step into government work before larger bids.
Agenda and participating buyers
- 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM: Registration
- 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM: Welcome and opening remarks
- State and county presentations follow
Participating organizations include UMD Procurement and Business Services, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore City Community College, Bowie State University, Howard Community College, the Maryland Departments of Labor, Commerce, Housing and Community Development, Health, and Human Services, the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland State Police, Maryland School for the Deaf, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Howard County Procurement, WMATA, WSSC Water and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Resource partners include the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility, FNB Bank, the Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce.
Venue and access
Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. The event runs 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
How to register
Register on Eventbrite. Note that registering allows your contact information to be shared with event sponsors, and photos or recordings may be taken.