BALTIMORE, MD – Following an electrifying night hosted in partnership with the West North Avenue Growth Authority (WNADA), the Better Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce (GBBCC) is retaining the momentum going because it prepares for its subsequent main initiative: The MBE Expertise: Racing Towards Financial Empowerment, an revolutionary occasion going down throughout the historic one hundred and fiftieth Preakness Stakes and The Preakness Competition.

Credit score: Unsplash / Cytonn Pictures
A latest occasion on the World Commerce Middle introduced collectively WNADA Govt Director Chad Williams and Maryland Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker Jr. for a robust fireplace chat with GBBCC President Devin Jackson. Collectively, they introduced WNADA’s upcoming 2025 Request for {Qualifications} (RFQ), set to be launched on Thursday, Could 1, 2025, which is a crucial step in revitalizing the West North Avenue Hall and increasing entry to growth alternatives for native minority-owned companies.
Now, with the help of Hutch and The Fearless Institute, GBBCC is continuous its cost towards systemic change within the procurement house. The MBE Expertise is designed to be the catalyst for long-overdue progress, addressing long-standing disparities in contracting entry for minority enterprise enterprises (MBEs) throughout Maryland.
Occasion Particulars
The MBE Expertise: Racing Towards Financial Empowerment
Date: Thursday, Could 15, 2025
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Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: CFG Financial institution Enviornment (Baltimore, MD)
Why This Occasion Issues
• $8 Billion Missed: From 2017–2021, MBEs in Maryland missed out on practically $8 billion in public contract alternatives because of systemic limitations. (Baltimore Instances)
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• Targets Unmet: Maryland’s 29 % MBE participation aim stays unmet, with precise inclusion charges starting from 15–21 %.
• Metropolis Disparities Persist: In Baltimore, though 41 % of companies within the native market are MBEs or WBEs, they obtain solely 29 % of complete contract {dollars}. (Baltimore Enterprise Journal)
This occasion will carry collectively MBEs, company procurement leaders, prime contractors, policymakers, and financial growth stakeholders to reshape how Baltimore and the state approaches.
“Procurement has constantly been one of many best obstacles to closing wealth and alternative gaps throughout Maryland’s economic system,” mentioned Devin Jackson, president of the Better Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce. “This occasion is about eradicating these limitations, bringing all key gamers to the desk, and shifting from discuss to tangible outcomes whereas additionally accumulating crucial information to reimagine and reshape the procurement course of all through Baltimore Metropolis and all the state of Maryland.”
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About GBBCC
The Better Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing Black entrepreneurs and companies by championing entry, schooling, and advocacy. By means of strategic partnerships and revolutionary programming, GBBCC drives efforts to create a stronger, extra linked financial future for Baltimore and the broader area.
To RSVP or be taught extra, go to: thembeexperience.eventbrite.com
SOURCE: Better Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce
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