Maryland Capital Enterprises empowers businesses to grow, create jobs, and generate wealth on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and across the state.

Maryland Capital Enterprises is proud to nurture and encourage entrepreneur growth on the Eastern Shore. MCE is now accepting nominations for the 11th Annual MCE Palmer Gillis Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The awards presentation will be held at MCE’s annual celebration being held Thursday, October 13th, at Salisbury University in the Assembly Hall of the Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons Building from 6:00-
9:00pm. Nomination Deadline is 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2022.

The winner will receive the MCE Palmer Gillis Entrepreneur of the Year Award and a
check.

Award Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be a small business owner/majority partner involved in daily operation of the
business
• The business must be located in the Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Kent, Queen Anne,
Talbot, Caroline or Dorchester County
• The company must employ 100 employees or less
• The business must have been established locally for two years
• It must be a “for profit” business
• The business must be good standing with the State of Maryland
marylandcapital.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-Nomination-Form.pdf
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Comptroller Urges Marylanders to Apply for Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit by September 15, 2022

Comptroller Urges Marylanders to Apply for Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit by Sept. 15

More than 40,000 students, graduates have received credit since 2017

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (August 23, 2022) – Comptroller Peter Franchot urges eligible Marylanders to act fast and apply for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit Program for Tax Year 2022. Applications must be submitted by September 15.

“Going to college may seem out of reach for many Marylanders given the huge expense, but tax credits like these help make it possible. I urge everyone to apply now before time runs out,” Comptroller Franchot said. “Any way to bring down the cost of higher education is a big benefit.”

The program, which is administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), provides an income tax credit for Maryland residents making eligible undergraduate and/or graduate education payments on loans from an accredited college or university.

To be eligible, you must claim Maryland residency for the 2022 tax year, file 2022 Maryland state income taxes, have incurred at least $20,000 in undergraduate and/or graduate student loan debt and have at least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt upon applying for the tax credit.

MHEC will prioritize tax credit recipients and dollar amounts based on applicants who have higher debt burden to income ratios, graduated from an institution of higher education located in Maryland, did not receive a tax credit in a prior year and were eligible for in-state tuition.

Students who do not attend an in-state institution are still eligible for the tax credit, but may not receive as large a tax credit as those who go to school in Maryland. You do not have to be a college graduate to qualify.

Selected recipients will be asked to prove that they used the full amount of the tax credit for the repayment of eligible student loans. Otherwise, recipients may have to repay the credit.

More than 40,000 Marylanders have benefited from the tax credit since it was introduced in 2017. with more than $40 million distributed through the program.

In 2021, 9,155 Maryland residents received the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit. Those who attended in-state institutions received $1,067 in tax credits, while eligible applicants who attended out-of-state institutions received $875 in tax credits.

For more information or if you have additional questions, contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission at 410-767-3300 or 1-800-974-0203 or visit https://mhec.maryland.gov/

Choptank Community Health recognizes National Health Center Week

Denton, Maryland – Choptank Community Health System is recognizing National Health Center Week this Aug. 7-13 with “Community Health Centers: The Chemistry for Strong Communities” the theme for the National Association of Community Health Center’s annual initiative.

“This year’s National Health Center Week honors the values, services, affordability, and innovations health centers bring to our communities,” said Choptank Health CEO Sara Rich. “We are joining Health Care Centers across the nation to recognize the importance of health centers and their role in supporting strong communities.”

Rich says National Health Center Week provides the opportunity to highlight the innovative ways Choptank Health and other health centers provide high-quality care and improved health outcomes by narrowing health disparities. Focus areas include public health in housing; children’s health; healthcare for agricultural workers and people facing homelessness.

Choptank Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center and one of 17 community-based health centers in Maryland serving more than 377,000 individuals, including those without insurance or the ability to pay.

Choptank Health and other participants in the U. S. Health Resources & Services Administration’s Health Center Program serve more than 28 million people nationwide and provide affordable, high-quality, comprehensive primary care to people from throughout local communities.

“Community Health Centers look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, behavioral health, lack of nutrition, and unemployment,” Rich says. “We create the chemistry for strong communities by forging partnerships with hospitals, local and state governments, social, health, and business organizations to improve health outcomes, especially for medically vulnerable people.”

Choptank Community Health System’s commitment to excellence is recognized by the nation’s oldest and largest health care accreditor, The Joint Commission. Achieving Joint Commission accreditation demonstrates Choptank Health’s commitment to continuous improvement in patient care.

Choptank Community Health System provides medical and dental services in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, and Talbot counties to more than 30,000 adults and children, with a mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare for all. Choptank Community Health’s medical services include primary healthcare, women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, chronic health management, and care navigation, with new medical patients now being accepted. More information is at www.choptankhealth.org.

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~ Choptank Community Health System
Contributed Photo

For All Seasons Sponsors Free Community Talk on Parenting by Author Lynn Sanchez

Pictured are Beth Anne Langrell, CEO, For All Seasons and local author and expert trainer Lynn Sanchez, M.Ed., who presented a free community talk, “You Have What It Takes: Surviving and Thriving as a Parent Today,” at The Avalon Theatre in Easton and streamed virtually on YouTube and Facebook Live. – Contributed Photo

For All Seasons’ Center for Learning presented a free community talk, “You Have What It Takes: Surviving and Thriving as a Parent Today”, presented by local author and expert trainer Lynn Sanchez, M.Ed. Targeting parents and caregivers with a message of empowerment, this presentation took place at The Avalon Theatre in Easton and streamed virtually on Facebook Live. The talk was part of For All Seasons Speakers Series designed to share messages that are reaching people in different ways on a variety of topics. Lynn, the author of the new book, Behind the Brussels Sprouts, used her own, often comical, parenting stories, and her decades of experience to share with parents how to relax, build their self-awareness and confidence, and most importantly, enjoy the amazing parenting journey.

“Especially during the pandemic, our parents have experienced a different way to raise children, and there have been increased stressors in our community as a result. As a behavioral health agency and rape crisis center, we wanted to shine a light on parenting,” commented Beth Anne Langrell, CEO of For All Seasons.

Participants of the talk gained a refreshing perspective, learning new tools and strategies to lighten the parenting load today. Each attendee also received a free copy of Lynn Sanchez’s book.

“I want parents to trust themselves, I want them to relax, and I want them to enjoy parenting,” Lynn stated. “There is lots of competition for children’s minds and spirits today. There are no perfect parents. Every family has its challenges. If you have a family value and you are maintaining it, you are doing a good job.”

Lynn shared some tips on parenting including handling the needs of different-aged children. “Every child is unique. We have to be as flexible as a Slinky and look at what we are doing right. We are the expert on our children,” she added.

About the subject of competition, Lynn shared that children should get three things out of participating in any activities and being able to say to their parents: 1) I came. 2) I participated. 3) I enjoyed it. She commented, “It’s not always about winning. The biggest gift you can give your child is the ability to fail and to get back up and try it again. We have to be cautious about competition and comparison. As I point out in the book, they are rough seas.”

She also shared about providing guidance to our children, stating, “Part of guidance is accountability. We have to make children accountable for their behavior. Discipline is guidance. We want children to learn how to guide their own behavior.”

Other tips she provided were to use anticipation to reduce frustration for children, use active listening with our children when they get home from school to gain insight, limit electronics to engage in family time, and have fun with your children.

The book, Behind the Brussels Sprouts, has appeal for all ages as it awakens reflections in older adults about how they were parented and how that impacted their parenting.

If you missed the talk, please tune into YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZgSkGlwwu8.

For All Seasons is your community behavioral health and rape crisis center offering therapy, psychiatry, advocacy, and education to individuals and families, regardless of one’s ability to pay. For further information, visit www.forallseasonsinc.org.

Caption: Pictured are Beth Anne Langrell, CEO, For All Seasons and local author and expert trainer Lynn Sanchez, M.Ed., who presented a free community talk, “You Have What It Takes: Surviving and Thriving as a Parent Today,” at The Avalon Theatre in Easton and streamed virtually on YouTube and Facebook Live.

Cambridge Harbor REOI Released

CAMBRIDGE, Md. On July 15, 2022 Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc (CWDI) released a Request for Expressions of Interest for its Cambridge Harbor Development.

Cambridge Harbor is planned as a premier, highly activated mixed-use development and waterfront district to include public spaces, amenities and events focused on creating a strong sense of community in Cambridge, while establishing a desirable destination for regional tourism and visitors alike.

The final Cambridge Harbor plan consists of approximately 30 developable acres along the Choptank River and Cambridge Creek in Cambridge, Maryland, that includes a (A) deep-water port, a 470-foot wharf, (B) a public boat ramp and the foundation of a continuous waterfront promenade. Adjacent to the Development Area and also on the waterfront is (C) Sailwinds Park—public open space that continues the waterfront promenade and includes a beach, a playground and a visitors center with an iconic 100-foot sail. Also adjacent to the site is (D) a gateway with public art, (E) maritime museum with historical boat-building facilities, and (F) a working waterfront. Anticipated uses for the Development Area include hospitality, food and beverage, entertainment and assembly space, retail, mixed-use residential, and possibly office space.

The waterfront will be a robust and activated public space. CWDI is committed to creating and managing an environmentally sustainable, active and enjoyable world-class waterfront experience that is attractive to residents and visitors. An improved continuous public promenade and beach along with public art and educational exhibits will be the foundation of the experience.

“We’re looking for the best partners to help us bring the Cambridge Harbor vision to reality,” says Matt Leonard, CWDI’s Executive Director. “This REOI is a critical step in that search.”

CWDI is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit development corporation formed through joint Agreement of the City of Cambridge, Maryland; Dorchester County, Maryland; and the State of Maryland for purposes of collaboration and cooperation in the comprehensive planning and redevelopment of certain properties along and adjacent to the Cambridge waterfront extending from the Choptank River Bridge Fishing Pier/Gateway to Cambridge Creek for the betterment of Cambridge, Dorchester County, and the region.

CWDI’s mission is to develop the Cambridge Waterfront in partnership with the community to create an inviting, accessible, active and enjoyable place to live, work, play and visit.

The REOI will be open until November 15, 2022. The REOI process will include rolling submissions by interested entities as they complete their proposals. CWDI will evaluate the proposals received throughout the proposal period and during the final quarter of 2022, during which time demolition of the existing buildings will be accomplished.

A pre-submittal meeting is scheduled at the Cambridge Harbor site at 9:00AM on Monday, August 15, 2022. To register for the meeting and/or to receive a copy of the REOI, those interested should email Matt Leonard at matt.leonard@cwdimd.org, with cc to Gwen Fike at gwen.fike@cwdimd.org. The REOI can also be found at the following link (Download REOI).

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Festival of Hope set for August 31, 2022 in Easton

Talbot Goes Purple kicks off year six with partners

EASTON – The second annual Festival of Hope is set for Augut 31, 2022 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office and includes the six-year kick-off for Talbot Goes Purple.

The festival is a partnership between Talbot Goes Purple, Mid-Shore Restoring Hope in Women and Christ Church of Easton and coincides with international overdose awareness day. The evening event will include free food; live music with Alive @Five; family fun including a dunking booth, bounce house, face painting, games and prizes; activities with the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office including K-9 demonstrations; resource tables; and a memorial for those lost.

Talbot Goes Purple will officially kick-off year six at the festival at 7:45 p.m., followed with a memorial for those lost to overdoses.

“Overdose deaths have reached record levels in our country in the past few years and now, perhaps more than ever, we need to educate our young people about the realities of substance use,” said Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble. “We want families to come out and have fun, but most important we want them to: Get the Facts, Get Involved and Get Talking.”

Sherry Collier, founder of Mid-Shore Restoring Hope in Women, has organized overdose awareness day events in Easton since 2017. Her non-profit supports women in need of recovery services.

“Festival of Hope, as well as the past events like the FedUp Rally, have made it possible for us to bring awareness to the substance abuse issue we have in this community as well as others,” said Collier. “Our organization has been able to help place 200 women into local recovery houses, so we greatly appreciate the help from our community. Look forward to seeing everyone this year.”

Bruce Strazza, a local recovery advocate and Alive @5 worship leader at Christ Church, has served on the Mid-Shore opioid task force and has twice spoken for the Lt. Governor of Maryland. He also serves as an active member with Talbot Goes Purple and a resource for Gamble.

“Entering 2022 I was hopeful for a better year, but that doesn’t seem to be the case,” said Strazza. “With so many unreported overdoses, who can really tell if we are making progress? What I do know is that Fentanyl is wreaking havoc all over this country, and more and more secular drugs are being laced with it. This could prove to be the most important year for awareness on record. We have to inform children of the risks of even trying opioids one time.”

Drug overdoses killed more than 100,000 people last year, including more than 2,200 people in Maryland who died of opioid-related overdoses. In Talbot County, 12 people died.

Talbot Goes Purple is an awareness and educational prevention program that empowers our youth and our community to ‘Go Purple’ as a sign of taking a stand against substance abuse. The initiative includes purple clubs in our through which students learn they do not need drugs or alcohol to meet life’s challenges. The purpose of the project is to promote the ‘new conversation’ – one that includes prescription drugs, alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarettes.

For more information on festival sponsorships or resource tables, or you’d like to include someone in the memorial, email talbotgoespurple@gmail.com.

The community can again display purple lights and gear starting Sept. 1 and throughout the month as a show of taking a stand against substance abuse. For purple gear, visit our online store at www.TalbotGoesPurple.org. Get your lights and turn them on starting Sept. 1 and throughout the month.

More information is available at www.talbotgoespurple.org. Find TGP on Facebook @TalbotGoesPurple or email talbotgoespurple@gmail.com.

Talbot Goes Purple is in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools and Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Generous support for the project this year includes: Qlarant, Preston Automotive Group, Chesapeake Parties, Eastpoint Church, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Sound Stage Presents and Spring & Associates.

Talbot Goes Purple is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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~ Talbot Goes Purple

Dare to Scale Offers Strategies for Growing a Business Gracefully and with Confidence

NYC, NY/Dubai, UAE – Start-ups start out with big dreams: The entrepreneur has a great product or service that can deliver something of value. Eager to share this vision with the world, he or she launches the business and quickly becomes consumed by the day-to-day stresses of putting out fires, overseeing tasks and managing people. The dream has become a nightmare. What went wrong?

“When founders start a business, it’s because they have a great product or a great service. Very rarely do people get into business because of running a business. Those are two very distinct skills,” said business mentor Warsha Joshi. “So how do you set up and found a strong business that is scalable and sustainable?”

Dare to Scale: How to Grow Your Business Gracefully, by Joshi and her business partner (and husband) Evan Le Clus, details an effective framework to help owners of small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) break free from founder’s funk and pursue their dreams with renewed confidence — even amid today’s challenges in an ever-evolving global business climate.

Dare to Scale thoroughly explains the five elements that are critical to growing a business: strategy, business model, people, cashflow and operations, and the role each element plays in a business’s “Scalability Quotient.” The authors expertly simplify complex business concepts using relatable success stories, tips and easy-to-absorb information.

The result is a concise, actionable business handbook that walks readers through a holistic approach to growing a business, beginning with cultivating proven strategies and culminating in delivering great customer experiences. Dare to Scale can help readers reawaken their dreams, reinvent their businesses and reconnect with their chosen paths.

“SMEs are the life-blood of the economy,” Joshi said. “Your vision is achievable. Dare to Scale is a milestone book to enable business owners, entrepreneurs, founders — you — to dare to dream big and achieve those dreams.”

About the Authors
Authors Warsha Joshi and Evan Le Clus are also life and business partners who bring fresh perspectives to the business world through the global ecosystem they are building to help nurture entrepreneurship. Joshi is a business scaling up mentor specializing in strategy, people and leadership for the SME founder. Le Clus is a senior corporate executive turned entrepreneur and CFO mentor, helping CEOs run profitable and efficient businesses.

They are the creators of the popular Scalability Quotient for assessing the health of an SME, experienced business mastermind facilitators and business podcasters with their successful show, “Dare to Scale.”

For more information, please visit https://daretoscale.com, or follow the authors on Facebook (@DareToScale) or Instagram (daretoscale).

Dare to Scale: How to Grow Your Business Gracefully
Publisher: Panoma Press
ISBN-10: ‎1784529370
ISBN-13: ‎978-1784529376
Available from Amazon.com

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Re-negotiating Leases, Contracts, and Deliverables in the Wake of the Pandemic

Maryland Capital Enterprises and the Women’s Business Center is pleased to announce this free, online small business workshop in conjunction with M&T Bank.

The COVID -19 pandemic has resulted in fewer sales and reduced foot traffic for most small businesses. Financially, this means depressed revenue and reduced cash flow, making it very difficult for a small business to meet financial obligations to suppliers, lenders, and other third parties.

In this free online training, you will learn tips and “how-to’s” for re-negotiating your contracts, leases, and other financial agreements so that your small business can survive and thrive during the pandemic.

Presenters:
• Rosa Scharf, M&T Vice President and Business Banker for the Greater Baltimore Market
• Jim Peterson, M&T Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager for the
Greater Baltimore Market.
• Advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure there are enough signups to have a workshop.

For questions please contact Marvin Jenkins at mjenkins@marylandcapital.org
or at 410-546-1900 x104.

To register visit https://www.marylandcapital.org/services/business- education. A ZOOM link will be sent to registrants.

SBA’s participation is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Lisa Twilley. Grant #SBAHQ20W0003

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State of Delaware, New Castle County Launch $100M Grant Program for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Statewide

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and the Delaware Division of Small Business on Wednesday announced grant program of at least $100 million to assist Delaware small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The DE Relief Grants program announced on Wednesday is a joint initiative of the State of Delaware and New Castle County, and is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The program is expected to reach more than 3,000 small businesses and nonprofit organizations with grants of up to $100,000. The Division of Small Business is administering the program and will begin accepting applications in early September at delbiz.com/relief.

“Delaware small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they have made considerable sacrifices during the COVID-19 crisis. We owe them our gratitude and support,” said Governor Carney. “These relief grants will help Delaware small businesses begin the process of recovering and will help make investments necessary to create safer spaces for their customers and staff.”

“Small businesses and nonprofits are facing expensive costs as they retrofit their workplaces,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “We’re pleased to be able to join with the State of Delaware in supporting this important program.”

DE Relief Grants can be used for:

Purchasing equipment to make a workplace suitable for COVID-19 safety (such as PPE, plexiglass, air purifiers, etc.)
Refinancing of debt incurred due to COVID-19 (including State of Delaware HELP loans)
Advertising efforts undertaken as a result of COVID-19
Fixed expenses the applicant accrued during COVID-19

“I’ve seen small businesses across Delaware do some amazing things to adapt and stay afloat under the extraordinary circumstances of the last six months, but so many are hanging by a thread as the pandemic drags on,” said Representative Bill Bush, who chairs the House Economic Development, Banking and Insurance Committee. “This grant funding represents a lifeline that will help our small business community overcome the next phase of this crisis.”

“This is about much more than making up for lost revenue,” said Senator Trey Paradee, chair of the Senate Banking, Business and Insurance Committee. “It’s about helping keep the doors open at the small businesses in Kent County and across the state that provide Delawareans with the paychecks and health care their families are relying on now more than ever. It’s about making our businesses safe.”

“Delaware small businesses and nonprofits have been remarkably resilient in dealing with this pandemic,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “They are the backbone of Delaware’s economy, and we feel it is imperative that the state continues to support them.”

“Multiple programs are necessary to address the challenges Delaware’s small businesses face,” said Damian DeStefano, Director of the Division of Small Business. “We believe this assistance, coupled with other efforts, including the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) and the COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards, help make the difference for some of our small businesses.”

The Division of Small Business will begin accepting applications in early September and will follow with funding rounds in early October and November.

“DE Relief Grants are a welcome commitment by the state to help support our small business community and the valuable jobs they offer to so many Delawareans,” said Carrie Leishman, President & CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association. “The effects of the pandemic have and continue to hit the food services industry particularly hard. While no single effort is a panacea, this program will certainly help restaurants as they work to stabilize revenues while protecting the health and safety of customers and employees.”

“Enhanced financial support for small businesses was a key recommendation of the business subcommittee of Governor Carney’s Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee, and has been advocated for by the state chamber,” said Katie Wilkinson, chair of the PRAC Business Subcommittee and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. “These grants can make the difference for the survival of some of our small businesses over the next few months.”

The Division of Small Business’ team of Regional Business Managers is available to help companies prepare their applications. Small businesses can connect with the manager for their part of the state at delbiz.com/contact. For more information on DE Relief Grants, visit delbiz.com/relief.

The size of the relief grant will be based on the business or nonprofit’s 2019 revenue:

$0-$500,000: Up to $30,000
$500,000-$1 million: Up to $50,000
$1 million-$2.5 million: Up to $72,500
$2.5+ million: Up to $100,000

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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Maryland Retailers Association offers Scholarships to Students Who Have Helped Small Businesses Keep the Lights On

The Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) is once again offering scholarships to two students attending a Maryland university, college or trade school ($1,000 for first place and $500 for second place) by explaining how they helped a Maryland business keep the lights on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples might include building or redesigning a company website, creating unique social media content, helping to locate personal protective equipment or working long hours to fulfill online orders.

Entries may be submitted via email to shopmdtaxfree@marylandtaxes.gov or they can be posted on the tax-free week’s social media pages: Shop Maryland Tax Free on Facebook and @shopmdtaxfree on Twitter and Instagram. Business owners, parents, colleagues and friends are encouraged to submit a nomination. Students may also self-nominate.

“Small businesses depend on their community to survive unexpected and long-lasting economic downturns,” said Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. “We want to hear about the young people who have stepped up during this global pandemic to support their local retailers. They deserve our appreciation and we’re happy to provide these scholarships to two worthy recipients.”

The University System of Maryland has agreed to match the $1,000 scholarship award if a student attending one of their universities is selected as the first place winner. Administrators at Stevenson University, Hood College and the Maryland Institute for College Art (MICA) have also agreed to match the $1,000 first place prize if one of their students is selected.

MRA, which is providing the scholarship money, will select the two entries that best exhibit a young Marylander supporting a small business during these challenging times.

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~ Part of a New Release from MD Comptroller.