Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Honored to Host Successful Federal Professionals’ Entrepreneurship Fair at Bowie State University
Photo Credit: Justin Gibbs / PGCEDC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/18/25
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Honored to Host Successful Federal Professionals’ Entrepreneurship Fair at Bowie State University
Largo, MD – The Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC), in partnership with Employ Prince George's, FSC First and Bowie State University, hosted more than 150 transitioning federal professionals and newly retired government employees at the Federal Professionals' Entrepreneurship Fair on July 16, 2025, at Bowie State University's Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. The event provided participants with expert business guidance, access to vital resources, and valuable networking opportunities.
Federal professionals—including recent retirees, agency departures, and former contractors—participated in large numbers. Many attendees had already begun taking steps toward business formation in high-growth sectors such as information technology, professional services, and consulting. PGCEDC estimates that over 60% of attendees left with actionable follow-up plans and resource commitments.
"Our goal with this Entrepreneurship Fair was clear: to equip these leaders with practical start-up expertise and help them launch successful ventures locally," said PGCEDC Interim President & CEO Ebony Stocks. "We hope the fair helped them discover how to transition from employee to business owner by providing access to the resources and connections needed to build and grow their own business. As federal workforce compositions evolve, we recognize the deep well of transferable skills our professionals bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
Event Highlights
Expert Consultations: Attendees received one-on-one advice on business formation, licensing, market research, and strategy development.
Tailored Resource Booths: Support organizations focused on veteran-, minority-, and small-business startups provided specialized guidance.
Strategic Networking: Federal professionals connected with peers, financial experts, and potential mentors.
Take-Home Guides: Comprehensive resource packets included local support contacts, funding options, and step-by-step implementation tools.
What's Next
This Fair represents one of many new event series being launched by PGCEDC. The Federal Professionals Entrepreneurship Fair will return on November 13th at a location to be announced.
PGCEDC is also launching a new series of monthly mini events under the Procurement 360 banner, with the first event scheduled for July 22nd. "Procurement 360: Targeting Opportunities" will be a focused version of the larger Procurement 360 event that debuted in March of this year. To bring resources directly to businesses throughout the County, this event will be held in northern Prince George's County at the College Park City Council Chambers. Participants will learn how to pursue contract opportunities with the University System of Maryland, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, and Prince George's County Office of Procurement.
Registration for the July 22nd event can be found at https://www.pgcedc.com/procurement360
About Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation
PGCEDC's mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs' and businesses' growth and prosperity. The organization is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information on business development and investment opportunities in Prince George's County, please visit www.pgcedc.com.