Small Business Summit for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Set for September 23

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- September 8, 2005 - The Calvert County, Md. Department of Economic Development is pleased to partner with the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County and the Governor’s Office of Business Advocacy (GOBA) to host the first annual Small Business Summit on Friday, September 23, 2005, 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Summit, titled “Building Your Business – Building Your Dream,” is designed to help small business owners, particularly women and minorities, gather valuable information about State certification and procurement programs, business licensing requirements, banking and microloan opportunities and the multitude of free business resources and services that are available from State and local organizations. The event will be held at the College of Southern Maryland’s beautiful new Prince Frederick campus at 115 Williams Road.

Linda Vassallo, director of the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, is enthusiastic about the event and the opportunity it provides to bring specific and valuable information to Calvert County’s women and minority business owners. “Nationwide, we know that the number of businesses owned by women and minorities is increasing at a rate that is much faster than the national average. This Summit gives us an excellent chance to reach out and provide concrete, timely and practical information to help entrepreneurs succeed.”

The cost for the half-day Summit is only $15.00 and includes a continental breakfast plus a special lunch featuring a keynote address by Barbara Robinson of STAR Associates, Inc. Ms. Robinson knows what it takes to build a dream. As an author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, lecturer, consultant, educator and radio talk-show host, she has done it all. Her message of perseverance, determination and hard work is delivered in a unique, down-to-earth and dynamic fashion that leaves her audiences energized and inspired.

Advance registration is required by September 19, 2005, and is limited to 100 attendees. For more information about the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County or to register for the Small Business Summit, call 866.517.0477 or send an e-mail to calvertcbw@aol.com.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com