Maryland SBDC at UMD Receives $30,000 Grant from Capital One to Fund Programs for Entrepreneurs

Maryland SBDC at UMD Receives $30,000 Grant from Capital One to Fund Programs for Entrepreneurs

The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Maryland (UMD) has been awarded $30,000 by Capital One bank to fund programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses.  The funds will be used in FY19 to support three programs offered by the SBDC.  

The first, Encore Entrepreneur/Baby Boomer Start-Up, is a multi-week workshop series designed for individuals looking to turn a lifetime of skills into a successful business.  "Older students are more focused and ready to work," says Jennifer Funn, program facilitator.  Funn saw a need and worked with other SBDC resource partners to develop the comprehensive program.

Encore Entrepreneur was launched in 2018 and provides training to participants in areas including marketing finance, business planning and more.  Experts from Capital One, State Farm Insurance, DLLR, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) provide additional resources and insight.  The program culminates in a pitch competition where the top prize of $500 goes to the entrepreneur who best describes their business and plan for success.

Other programs supported by the grant include a women's business conference and the SBDC Growth Accelerator, and Technology Accelerator programs.   

The SBDC specializes in providing management and technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, and existing small businesses. In addition to its core service offering, the Maryland SBDC at UMD also offers specialized services including retail and restaurant, market growth, government contracting, business continuation, technology and more.

For more information about the Maryland SBDC, visit www.marylandsbdc.org

October 1, 2018