TEDCO and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen Announce Funding for Innovative Maryland Program

TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced today that its Open Institute for Black Women Entrepreneur Excellence program was selected by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending funding at a level of $418,000 – a direct federal funding request sponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). The funding for TEDCO’s 10-month leadership development program was included in the FY23 Omnibus Spending bill recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden.

TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland.

“As Chairman of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I have long been committed to leveling the playing field for our underserved entrepreneurs. Small business is a path of self-determination for many, especially Black women entrepreneurs,” said Senator Cardin. “TEDCO has demonstrated its ability to reach these small business owners and help their businesses grow and thrive. I’m proud we have secured $418,000 in direct federal investment for this project, which will foster the entrepreneurial spirit within Maryland’s HBCU community.”

“We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of Senators Van Hollen and Cardin, the Maryland congressional delegation members, and Congress for supporting and funding the Open Institute for Black Women Entrepreneur Excellence in this year’s FY23 Omnibus Spending package,” said Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “This funding supports local entrepreneurs in building critical skills, expanding their networks, and successfully growing their businesses—and the Maryland economy.”

The first year of the Open Institute for Black Women Entrepreneur Excellence is underway, starting as a pilot program in collaboration with Howard County Government, with plans to expand across the state. The program leverages the unique expertise of Maryland’s four HBCUs including Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These Maryland HBCUs work with the cohort to determine their needs at the intersection of research, tech transfer and education. Another major component of the program is helping cohort members collaborate as a community and build their local and statewide networks.

“We know that women-owned start-ups, particularly those led by Black women, face an array of challenges, including the all-important access to capital,” said Linda Singh, executive director for TEDCO’s Women Entrepreneur Leadership Programs. “Our Open Institute for Black Women Entrepreneur Excellence will give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to collaborate, grow their networks, and navigate the local innovation ecosystem together. It’s a winning combination for the leaders, their companies and the state of Maryland.”

About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

Media Contact
Tammi Thomas, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, TEDCO, [email protected]