Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement & Workforce Connections Workshop

We are pleased to invite you to Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement & Workforce Connections Workshop on September 12th at the Rocky Gap Casino, Golf & Resort. This exclusive event is designed to provide valuable resources in the following areas:

• Workforce Development - if you are federal professional looking for a job or a company that is currently hiring.
• Procurement/Contracting Opportunities - if you’re a small business seeking state/local and private sector contracts.
• Certifications - if you’re a veteran-owned or small business looking to get certified on-the-spot so you can compete with greater confidence (if you want to get certified, see the guidance below so that you can come fully prepared).

If you're a small business owner you can learn what contracting opportunities are available with the state, local, federal and private sector partners. In addition you can learn how the state of Maryland's small, minority, women, and veteran procurement programs work, identify which agencies and departments buy what you sell, and meet procurement officers during the open networking session. If you are a former and/or transitioning federal worker you will have an the chance to connect with hiring partners and various workforce resources to learn more about their opportunities & workforce development services.

Guidance for the Certification Session:

For those who also want to Sign up for the Certification Session use the following link.

For the VSBE & CSB certifications please come prepared with the following:

• Laptop (required to complete the certification process)
• Google Chrome browser
• Tax ID Number (EIN)
• UNSPSC Codes for your business profile in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), you can explore those at
• For VSBE Certification: Electronic copy of your DD214
• For CSB Certification (for the SBR Program): Electronic access to the last 3 years of your business' gross sales (2024, 2023, and 2022 tax returns) and number of employees

NOTE: To get your VSBE or CSB Certification you must be registered in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA - ), the state of Maryland's electronic "Bid Board". If you need to register, you can review the vendor registration process through this

What to expect:

Attendee Check - in and Refresments - 9:30 a.m.

Program starts promptly - 10:00 a.m.

Open Networking & Certifications Session - 11:30 a.m.

What You Need To Know:

• There is no cost to attend.
• Advance registration is required. You should have one registration for the Ready, Set, GROW! Workshop. For those getting a VSBE/SBR Certification you should also have one for that session as well.
• You will have plenty of time to connect and network.
• Don't forget to bring business cards and capability statements.
• Parking: Free parking.
• Upon entering Rocky Gap Casino, Golf & Resort, go directly to the lowerl level.
• Maryland law requires a person to be 21 years of age or older to enter a casino gaming floor.
• Special accommodation requests should be made 14 days in advance to ZWR1YXJkbyAhIGhheWRlbiB8IG1hcnlsYW5kICEgZ292.

NOTE: In addition to the purchasing team at Rocky Gap Casino, we will be posting a full list of procurement professionals from participating state and local agencies, departments, universities, and resource partners here. So make sure to visit this registration page often, as well as our website, gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov

Thank you to our hosting & collaborating partners!

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