MWBC Opens Nominations to Honor Maryland’s Female Entrepreneurs

ROCKVILLE, Md. – July 16, 2019—Maryland Women's Business Center (MWBC)—an initiative of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI)—is pleased to announce it is accepting nominations to honor women entrepreneurs from across the state who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their businesses and communities this year. Nominations will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019. Awards will be presented at MWBC’s Annual Awards Luncheon, which will be held at The Universities at Shady Grove on October 17, 2019.

Maryland remains a top state in the nation for women entrepreneurs. According to a 2018 survey conducted by Paychex entitled “Business Owner Diversity: A Look at Certified Business Enterprises in the U.S.,” Maryland has the highest rate of per-capita women business ownership in the United States, with nearly 18 female owners per 100,000 residents.

“MWBC’s Annual Awards Luncheon continues to be an inspiring community event that celebrates the incredible achievements of Maryland’s female entrepreneurs,” said Kiesha Haughton, MWBC’s Managing Director. “Recognizing women who have overcome obstacles and persevered to achieve success is the luncheon’s signature focus and we always complement the awards presentation with a dynamic, successful female keynote speaker. The Annual Awards Luncheon is also an opportunity to thank our sponsors and volunteers that help Maryland businesses continue to grow and prosper.”

“Supporting Maryland’s female entrepreneurs remains the core of our Women’s Business Center initiative,” said Cynthia Stewart, REDI’s Executive Director. “Women-owned businesses contribute to the economic health of our state and we are proud to applaud their accomplishments and, hopefully, inspire new female entrepreneurs.”

Award recipients will be selected in six categories, with defined criteria for nominee in each category:

· Woman Entrepreneur of the Year

· Woman Exporter of the Year

· Woman Innovator of the Year

· Woman Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year

· Woman Rising Star of the Year

· Minority Woman Business of the Year

Online nominations are encouraged and nominations will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on August 30, 2019. Award winners will be notified by mid-September.

Learn more about MWBC’s annual awards and how you can nominate a woman entrepreneur or business at http://marylandwbc.org/our-services/annual-awards-luncheon/ and contact Kate Vendemio at (301) 315-8091 or kate@marylandwbc.org with any questions.