Washington Business Journal SBA rolls out new grant program focused on American manufacturing

The Small Business Administration is rolling out a new grant program to help spur American manufacturing efforts.

The $1.1 million grant program, part of the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, will award up to three organizations funding to help provide training and technical assistance to support small manufacturers within SBA’s Empower to Grow Program. That could include free business courses, hands-on training or one-on-one consulting to support their growth, operations, hiring and regulatory compliance. 


By Andy Medici READ FULL STORY HERE

PGplanning.org M-NCPPC Neighborhood Planning Academy Spring 2025 Cohort

Thursday, May 1, 2025

M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes the Neighborhood Planning Academy Spring 2025 Cohort with Graduation Ceremony

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission hosted a graduation ceremony to celebrate the Spring 2025 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters. Designed specifically to engage Prince George’s County residents and community stakeholders, the Neighborhood Planning Academy explains the County’s planning framework, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions.


READ FULL STORY HERE

Governor Moore Announces Additional State Support for the Maryland Craft Beverage Industry

​Governor Moore Announces Additional State Support for the Maryland Craft Beverage Industry

 

Governor Wes Moore today announced the latest round of Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund and Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Programawards, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism Development. In total, 52 applicants received more than $2 million in funding for expansions, promotions, and agricultural projects to further develop Maryland’s craft beverage industry.

“Maryland’s breweries, wineries and distilleries play a vital role in our state's economic growth,” said Gov. Moore. “These grants will uplift our local businesses, while also fostering new investment opportunities across Maryland. Together, we are making Maryland more competitive, creating new jobs, and growing our economy one business at a time.”

READ FULL STORY HERE

Prince George’s County Celebrates the Grand Reopening of Marlow Heights Community Center with Ribbon Cutting

Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Celebrates the Grand Reopening of Marlow Heights Community Center with Ribbon Cutting

 

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, along with elected officials and the community, celebrated the grand reopening of the new Marlow Heights Community Center on Saturday, April 19, marking a new chapter for a beloved neighborhood hub.

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks from Maryland State Sen. Nicholas P. Charles, Maryland State Del. Karen Toles, Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha, Peter A. Shapiro Chairman of M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County Planning Board, Bill Tyler Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, and other community leaders. Speakers emphasized the importance of inclusive, modern public spaces that support recreation and wellness for residents of all ages.

READ FULL STORY HERE ON PG PARKS AND REC

The 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit at National Harbor

The 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit at National Harbor

 

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) are among the first wave of global business leaders and U.S. governors who are scheduled to participate in the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit that will take place from May 11-14 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is a platform for new announcements by foreign investors detailing their expansion plans in the U.S. and economic development organizations (EDOs) spotlighting new investments in their local area. 

READ THE FULL STORY BY JAMES WRIGHT JR HERE

Washington Buisness Journal Luminis Health eyes fall groundbreaking for Lanham pavilion

Washington Buisness Journal Luminis Health Eyes Fall Groundbreaking for Lanham Pavilion

 

Luminis Health has locked in more funding than expected from the state of Maryland for its Prince George’s County hospital’s campus revamp — positioning a major component of the project to move forward after some cost-related pivots.

That’s according to Deneen Richmond, president of the system’s Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, who said a planned women’s health pavilion — a facility for inpatient obstetrics services, labor and delivery, and postpartum care — is poised to break ground this fall. The hospital had paused plans to begin construction last summer, because of some unforeseen expenses that drove up the price tag of other site work, requiring a redesign to keep it all within the budget.

READ FULL STORY BY SARA GILGORE HERE

PGCEDC Co-Hosts Climate Tech Hackathon to Spark Sustainable Innovation in ISBI

PGCEDC Co-Hosts Climate Tech Hackathon to Spark Sustainable Innovation in ISBI

 

By Rhett Butler, PGCEDC

On Saturday, May 3rd, PGCEDC and the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA) hosted a full-day Climate Tech Ideation and Hackathon at Innovation Station Business Incubator. From 9 AM to 7 PM, aspiring and early-stage founders collaborated to develop innovative business ideas addressing climate challenges such as ag tech, green buildings, HVAC efficiency, and data center sustainability.

Participants pitched ideas, formed teams, and worked with mentors—including PGCEDC’s Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Alicia Moran, and members of the MEIA team—to refine their concepts. Special guest Kobby Osei-Kusi of Pirl Technologies delivered a keynote on entrepreneurship, emphasizing mindset and resilience.

Judges Faith Davis (Exelon Ventures) and Michael Dreben (Grenadier Management) awarded $900 across three standout teams. PGCEDC was also pleased to welcome back former EDC leader Joe Joseph to support the event.

Special thanks to MEIA for organizing the program and to FSC First for funding support. Prince George’s County continues to lead in clean energy, climate tech, and innovation.

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC Supports the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs at the 8th Annual Bulldog Pitch Competition

PGCEDC Supports the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs at the 8th Annual Bulldog Pitch Competition

 

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) was proud to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at Bowie State University during the 8th Annual Bulldog Pitch Competition. Our Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Alicia Moran, participated as a first-round judge, providing valuable feedback and industry insight to help student entrepreneurs strengthen their business ideas and presentation skills.

This exciting event showcased the creativity, resilience, and potential of Bowie State’s brightest student innovators. One of the standout finalists was Jade Ford, daughter of ISBI member Katoshia Ford—an inspiring example of entrepreneurial talent running in the family.

PGCEDC remains committed to empowering the next generation of business leaders by fostering real-world connections, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources. By showing up and investing in these young visionaries, we’re helping build a stronger, more inclusive business ecosystem right here in Prince George’s County.

Expansion Starts Here!

Co-warehousing Firm WareSpace Buys Second Building in D.C. Region, Eyes More

Co-warehousing firm WareSpace buys second building in D.C. region, eyes more

WareSpace LLC, a co-warehousing company that targets small businesses, recently bought a commercial building on the D.C.-Maryland line, a key step toward its goal of roughly doubling its portfolio by the end of 2025.

It’s the 7-year-old firm’s second location in Greater Washington; the other — WareSpace's first ever — is in Lanham.

A third regional acquisition in Northern Virginia is on the horizon, as the company aims to increase its nationwide portfolio from 1.7 million to 3 million square feet this year, co-founder and Chief Operation Officer Joseph Ely said to the Washington Business Journal.

WareSpace, based in Columbia, Maryland, acquired the roughly 83,000-square-foot, two-story, 1960s-era warehouse at 3342 Bladensburg Road in Brentwood, right on Prince George’s County’s border with D.C., for about $10.5 million on March 19.

WareSpace plans to modernize the building, including upgrading its mechanical systems, and split it into 80 to 100 spaces suitable in size and accessible in rental cost for small businesses, with an anticipated opening in the fall, Ely said.


Read more of the article from the Washington Business Journal HERE

WTOP New parking at New Carrollton’s Metro station

Commuters eager to find more parking at the New Carrollton Metro station in Prince George’s County, Maryland, may find themselves closer to a coveted open parking space soon. On Sunday, a new parking garage will be opening.

On April 27, the P1 Garage at New Carrollton will open and the existing bus loop will move to the first level. The bus loop currently runs outside of the P1 Garage.

Commuters may want to map out the changes coming their way between now and summer.

READ FULL STORY BY KATE RYAN HERE

Baltimore Sun Maryland launches multi-million dollar quantum computing partnership

Maryland is partnering with a Department of Defense agency in a multi-million dollar effort aimed at making College Park the global “capital of quantum,” an emerging field of computer science that some believe could be revolutionary.

Gov. Wes Moore, who unveiled the initiative on Monday, pitched quantum computing as an economic development engine that will help Maryland attract and retain employers in fields such as life sciences, information technology, and aerospace and defense industries.

READ FULL STORY BY lorraine-mirabella HERE

Cision PR Newswire Self Storage Plus Expands Footprint with New Facility in Clinton, MD Developed by Arcland

CLINTON, Md., April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Self Storage Plus, a leading provider of third-party self-storage management services, is proud to highlight its newest managed location in Clinton, Maryland. Developed by Arcland Property Company, the facility opened during the second week of March, adding to Self Storage Plus' growing presence in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Going Global with Barbara Celebrates 100th Student Milestone in Paris

A homegrown educational travel company, Going Global with Barbara, is making international dreams a reality for local youth—and now celebrates a major milestone: their 100th International Youth Leadership Program student will travel to Paris, France on April 12, 2025.

Founded in 2019 by retired Navy officer and leadership development professional Barbara Eubanks, Going Global with Barbara was born from a simple but powerful mission: to close the access and opportunity gap for students from underserved communities seeking international educational experiences. Eubanks’ passion for leadership development and global education stems from her own experiences in the military and corporate sectors, where she witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of travel and exposure to diverse perspectives.

“Throughout my career, I saw the positive outcomes that international experiences can have. Yet, most students in our communities never have the chance to participate in study abroad programs due to barriers like financial access and lack of awareness,” said Eubanks. “I founded Going Global to help close that gap—one student, one trip at a time."

Read Full Press Release Here

GWHCC Business Expo

PGCEDC was honored to participate in the 2025 GWCC Business Expo—one of the region’s premier events for connecting minority-owned businesses with new clients, strategic partners, and essential resources.

With over 1,000 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors, the Expo is a dynamic platform for showcasing innovation, building relationships, and supporting inclusive business growth. PGCEDC connected with entrepreneurs and organizations aligned with our mission to drive economic opportunity in Prince George’s County and beyond.

We’re excited to keep the momentum going.

See More Photos HERE

Expansion Starts Here!

Prince George's Latino Affairs Hosts Rio Grande Entrepreneurs Program

PGCEDC Supports Latino Entrepreneurship in Prince George’s County!

PGCEDC was proud to attend and support the recent four-day intensive training program dedicated to empowering Latino entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County. This impactful initiative provided participants with the knowledge, resources, and hands-on tools needed to successfully launch or scale their businesses, all at no cost.

By eliminating financial barriers to business education and support, this program reflects our shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive and thriving local economy. Participants gained insights into business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and accessing capital.

At PGCEDC, we believe that Expansion Starts Here, and that includes ensuring all communities have access to the support they need to succeed. We are honored to help champion initiatives that uplift Latino business owners and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Prince George’s County.

See More Photos HERE

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC Hosts Successful Korea Trade Mission Information Session

Martin U. Ezemma, Director of International Business & Jose Burnes

Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Warehousing hosted a successful Korea Trade Mission Information Session at PGCEDC Headquarters!

Local businesses and entrepreneurs gathered to learn about exciting opportunities to expand into global markets through the upcoming Korea Trade Mission.

The session provided valuable insights into international trade, market entry strategies, and how Prince George’s County businesses can position themselves for global success. Attendees engaged with experts, asked questions, and explored how this mission can open new doors for growth beyond the U.S.

Thank you to everyone who joined. For more information about the Korea Trade Mission, contact Martin Ezemma at MUEzemma@co.pg.md.us

Expansion Starts Here!

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