Celebrating Small Business Month: Maryland’s Local Engines of Innovation, Community, and Growth

May is National Small Business Month—a time to celebrate the vital contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and local enterprises. Across the United States, small businesses serve as the bedrock of economic resilience, creativity, and community. Nowhere is that more evident than in Maryland, where over 668,000 small businesses account for 99.5% of all businesses and employ more than 1.1 million people.

In every town, city, and county, these businesses not only drive job creation and economic diversification, but they also define the cultural and civic identity of their communities. From downtown storefronts to high-tech startups, Maryland’s small business ecosystem is as diverse as it is dynamic—and this May, their efforts are taking center stage.

A Spotlight on Prince George’s County: Ground-Level Leadership

One of the most compelling stories of Small Business Month in Maryland comes from Prince George’s County, where Acting County Executive Tara Jackson launched a multi-day tour to connect directly with local entrepreneurs. Her message was clear: small businesses are more than economic assets—they are community leaders, cultural storytellers, and problem solvers.

“Our small businesses are the heart of Prince George’s County. They are not only economic engines, but also community builders and culture shapers,” said Jackson. “It’s important for me to be on the ground, hearing directly from our entrepreneurs and celebrating their impact.”

Throughout the first week of May, Jackson visited a wide array of small businesses across the county, each of which embodies the resilience, innovation, and purpose that define the region’s entrepreneurial spirit:

Spiced Black (Largo) – A Black-owned fast-casual restaurant that infuses nutrient-rich bowls with the flavors of the African diaspora. During Teacher Appreciation Week, the restaurant honored 12 local educators with free meals, showing how small business success can be tied directly to community engagement.
Arel Architects (Temple Hills) – Founded by Ron Lipford, this Black-owned firm has been designing civic spaces across the region for more than 40 years. From libraries to public facilities, Arel Architects’ work shapes the environment and uplifts community life.
La Casita Pupuseria & Comedor (Laurel) – A family-owned Salvadoran restaurant beloved for its authentic pupusas and welcoming atmosphere. Its success highlights the powerful role of immigrant-owned businesses in enriching Maryland’s culinary landscape.
Civility Management Solutions (Greenbelt) – Founded by veteran and entrepreneur Laurie Sayles, this management consulting firm focuses on improving organizational culture and performance—while also serving as a model for women-led business success in professional services.
Special Care Dentistry (Landover) – Led by Dr. Nekia Staley-Neither, this inclusive dental practice is a beacon of service for patients with special needs. Through mobile care units, free health fairs, and a nonprofit initiative, it exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose.
Aussie Pet Mobile (Bowie & Upper Marlboro) – Launched by husband-and-wife team David and Keisha Hawkins during the pandemic, this franchise offers convenient, eco-friendly pet grooming right at residents’ doorsteps.

“As we celebrate Small Business Month, we lift up business owners who don’t just serve our community—they are our community,” Jackson said.

These stories underscore what makes Prince George’s County—and Maryland as a whole—a fertile ground for entrepreneurship. But thriving local economies don’t happen by accident.

The Numbers Behind Maryland’s Small Business Success

Maryland’s small business footprint is expansive and influential. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in the state. They employ roughly 50% of Maryland’s private workforce and contribute over a third of its $14.2 billion in total exports.

Industries such as professional services, healthcare, construction, and real estate are especially well-represented. Moreover, Maryland’s entrepreneurial community is deeply diverse: 44.3% of small businesses are women-owned, while nearly 37% are owned by racial minorities—including 25% by Black or African American entrepreneurs.

Such diversity not only reflects Maryland’s rich demographic makeup, but it also represents an economic strength. Inclusive entrepreneurship brings broader perspectives to market challenges and fosters resilient, community-rooted business models.

Local Support Structures: EDC, FSC First, and County Resources

Prince George’s County has built a powerful ecosystem to help small businesses launch and grow. Two key pillars of this support system are the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and FSC First, the county’s premier non-traditional lender.

The EDC provides services ranging from site selection assistance to business development training and access to local and state incentives. FSC First complements that work by offering creative financing options such as:

The Small Business Flex Fund
The Micro-Enterprise Loan Program
The Green Energy Loan Program

These funds provide flexible capital for early-stage and expanding businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. FSC First also runs the Level Up program, which offers technical assistance, business coaching, and mentorship—an essential ingredient in helping entrepreneurs scale and sustain their ventures.

Together, these organizations form a cohesive network of support for entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County and serve as a model for counties across Maryland.

To explore their offerings, visit www.pgcedc.com and www.fscfirst.com.

Statewide Challenges and Advocacy

Even with robust local infrastructure, Maryland’s small businesses face ongoing challenges. From inflation to regulatory changes, entrepreneurs must navigate an increasingly complex economic environment.

Earlier this year, proposed legislation such as the Small Business Services Tax (HB 1554/SB 1045) sought to expand Maryland’s sales tax to include services like IT support and accounting. Business advocates argued that this move would significantly increase costs for small enterprises. Thanks to coordinated opposition—including efforts from the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce—the proposal was ultimately withdrawn. But the episode served as a reminder that vigilance and advocacy are critical.

Additionally, federal tax concerns loom on the horizon. The 20% Small Business Tax Deduction, enacted under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is set to expire in 2025 unless extended by Congress. If it lapses, many Maryland small businesses could see a sharp increase in tax liability—money that might otherwise be used for hiring, equipment, or expansion.

“Policymakers need to understand that small businesses aren’t just miniature versions of large corporations,” said a representative from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). “They face unique constraints, and broad-stroke policies can have outsized consequences.”

Looking Forward: Building an Economy for the Future

Governor Wes Moore’s administration has recognized the importance of small businesses to Maryland’s broader economic future. In a bid to reduce the state’s reliance on federal jobs, Moore has prioritized support for sectors such as life sciences, clean energy, and IT—industries where small businesses play a growing role.

The Governor also announced a $10 million grant initiative to help revitalize vacant commercial properties and support small business expansion, particularly in underserved areas. These kinds of public investments send a clear message: Maryland sees its small business community not as a niche, but as a driving force for inclusive economic growth.

What Can You Do to Celebrate Small Business Month?

Small Business Month isn’t just a government initiative—it’s a community call to action. Here are a few ways you can participate:

Shop Local: Skip the big box store and support a neighborhood boutique, bookstore, or café.
Leave a Review: A positive Google or Yelp review can make a huge difference for small business visibility.
Share on Social Media: Highlight your favorite small business with a shoutout or story.
Attend Local Events: Many communities are hosting pop-up markets, panels, or business showcases this month.
Advocate for Support: Encourage local officials to invest in entrepreneurship and oppose legislation that hurts small business growth.

Every action, no matter how small, strengthens the local economic web.

Conclusion: Small Business, Big Impact

Small businesses are more than storefronts. They are stories. They are legacies. They are lifelines.

In Maryland—and especially in vibrant counties like Prince George’s—they represent the hopes and hard work of people who believe in creating something better: for their families, for their neighbors, and for future generations. As we celebrate Small Business Month, let’s remember that investing in small business is investing in community, equity, and shared prosperity.

And that’s something worth celebrating not just in May, but all year long.