BALTIMORE, MD – The Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development (SMBA&D) is proud to announce a new partnership with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC). This collaboration is designed to expand awareness and access to the diverse resources available through both organizations for small, minority, and women business enterprises (M/WBEs).
“Expanding our partner network is critical to the success of Baltimore businesses,” said Stephen Campbell, Deputy Director of SMBA&D. “We are excited to partner with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and bring additional resources to the business community here in Baltimore.”
SMBA&D has a strong history of collaborating with institutions like Truist Bank and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to present over 135 webinars annually. Through this new partnership with USBC, they plan to increase that number by incorporating educational sessions hosted by USBC and highlighting tools such as the ByBlack Certification Program—a national, no-cost certification designed to support and elevate Black-owned businesses.
“I'm proud of Deputy Campbell for forging such a meaningful partnership for Baltimore's Black business community,” said Christopher R. Lundy, Esq., Director of SMBA&D.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Ron Busby, Sr., President & CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., shared,
“Partnerships like this are essential to building a stronger economic foundation for Black business owners. We’re proud to work with Baltimore City to ensure Black entrepreneurs are certified, connected, and given the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can ensure greater access to opportunities that lead to long-term, generational impact.”
The first collaborative event was a virtual business webinar titled "Unlocking Opportunities: Certification and Contracting with ByBlack and Baltimore City." It took place on Thursday, June 26th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and was co-hosted by Alicea Gay, Vice President of External Affairs and Certification at USBC, and Deputy Director Stephen Campbell of SMBA&D.
About USBC
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is committed to empowering Black-owned businesses through visionary leadership, advocacy, and access to critical resources that foster economic growth and generational wealth. As the national voice of Black business, USBC works to strengthen and support local Black Chambers and business organizations across the country. Through programs focused on capital access, contracting, entrepreneurial training, and community reinvestment, USBC is dedicated to building sustainable Black-owned enterprises nationwide. To learn more and become a member, visit www.usblackchambers.org.
About SMBA&D
The Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development exists to support the various needs of small and minority businesses in Baltimore City. The agency’s duties include (but isn’t limited to) reviewing all City contracts over $50,000 for MBE/WBE utilization goal setting, reviewing requisitions under $50,000 for award to small & minority businesses, examining contract compliance requests, evaluating new, renewal, and expansion certification applications, and investigating potential violations of the City Code. For more information, visit our website.