Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Challenge

The Maryland Business Ready Sites Program (MBRSP) aims to accelerate investment by growing our inventory of shovel-ready sites across the state. By providing financial support to defray the costs of site characterization and site improvements and providing collaborative marketing support, this program will enable significant investment across Maryland from the leading industries of today and tomorrow. MBRSP was created by Governor Wes Moore on December 19, 2024 by Executive Order, which reimagined how the State of Maryland fosters economic growth. MEDCO is proud to implement this program in close coordination with state, county and municipal economic development officials across Maryland.

The Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology to meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. NE has identified the following goals to address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, help realize the potential of advanced technology, and leverage the unique role of the government in spurring innovation: - Enable continued operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors - Enable deployment of advanced nuclear reactors - Develop advanced nuclear fuel cycles - Maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technology NE strives to promote integrated and collaborative research conducted by national laboratory, university, industry, and international partners under the direction of NE’s programs, and to deploy innovative nuclear energy technologies to the market and to optimize the benefits of nuclear energy.

The City of Wagoner has announced the availability of three small business grants aimed at stimulating local economic growth and supporting entrepreneurs. These grants are designed to assist both new and existing businesses in enhancing their operations and contributing to the community’s prosperity. -Start-Up Business Grant: Provides financial assistance to new businesses aiming to establish themselves in the area. -Existing Business Grant: Supports established businesses seeking to expand or improve their current operations. -Innovation Grant: Encourages businesses to implement innovative ideas or technologies that can lead to increased efficiency and competitiveness.

Underrepresented communities continue to fuel entrepreneurship nationwide, with historically excluded founders driving innovation and economic growth. Despite this momentum, systemic barriers still prevent many from accessing the funding they need to scale. That is why we are excited to announce the return of the Dream Makers Founder Grant in 2025! This $1 million grant fund, established by Nancy Twine, is dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and elevating the talents and innovations of historically excluded founders. As part of this multi-year commitment, the Pledge will award $125,000 annually, distributing five $25,000 grants each year to outstanding business owners.

Applications for the popular Agricultural Micro Grant Program 6.0 – which offers up to $25,000 in grants to Maui County small farmers and ranchers – will be available January 2026. The $3 million Maui County – funded program, administered by Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Center, is open to food producing farms on 12 acres or less, and livestock ranches up to 40 acres, possessing a State of Hawaii general excise license as of July 1, 2025. Preference will be given to women and Native Hawaiians. A limited number of grants will be set aside for flower/plant, lei making farms.