Minority-Owned Business Resource Forum

Save The Date: Minority-Owned Business Resource Forum

Montgomery County is one of the most diverse communities in the United States and home to 3 of the top 5 most ethnically diverse cities in the country (Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Germantown). As businesses look ahead to 2027, join us to connect with our highly diverse business community and discover the resources, relationships, and insights that can help your company or start-up grow here.

Key Takeaways

• Build new connections with local business leaders, resource providers, and community partners who can help minority-owned businesses grow and thrive.
• Gain insight into how County agencies, community organizations, and business leaders can work together to create greater opportunities for minority-owned businesses and strengthen the local economy.
• Explore partnerships, workforce resources, and economic development opportunities that can help your business expand.

This event is designed for founders, executives, investors, and business leaders interested in learning more about Montgomery County’s ecosystem and the resources that support the business community, including minority-owned businesses.

Event Details

Date: December 10, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza – 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Parking: Parking is available at the public garage across the street.

Agenda

• 9:30 a.m.  Resource Partnering Networking, Coffee and refreshments
• 10:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks
• 10:00 a.m. Angela Franco, President and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
• 10:10 a.m.  Featured Speaker: Walter L. Simmons, Secretary of Social and Economic Mobility, State of Maryland
• 10:50 a.m. Panel Discussion: The Minority-Owned Business Growth Journey: Lessons, Resources & Opportunities

Hear from business leaders, certifying partner organizations, and supplier diversity experts as they explore the lessons learned along the entrepreneurial journey, the value of minority-owned business certifications, and practical strategies for positioning businesses to compete for contracts, build strategic relationships, and achieve long-term growth.

• • Moderator: Cherlyn Freeman-Watkins, President and Co-Founder, Results One LLC
  • Sharon Pinder, President and CEO of the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC)
  • Margarita Womack, Founder and CEO, Mas Panadas (invited)
  • Michelle Taylor, President and CEO Betah Associates Inc. (invited)
  • Kiyon Harley, Director, Office of Supplier Diversity and Inclusion, WSSC (invited)
  • Ash Shetty, Director, Montgomery County Office of Procurement (invited)

• 11:35 a.m. Fireside chat
• 12:00 p.m. Resource Partnering Networking

This is a complimentary event with limited seating capacity. Registration is required.