DGS and MDOT to Host first state-sponsored Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit

The Department of General Services (DGS) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), in an unprecedented collaboration, will host Maryland businesses at the first, state-sponsored conference focused on contracting opportunities with the two agencies. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2015 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Turf Valley Conference Center in Ellicott City, the Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit will bring companies face-to-face with project managers, procurement officers and other decision-makers to learn about the over $1 billion in contracting opportunities with DGS and MDOT.

“The Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit underscores that Maryland is open for business,” said Secretary Gail Bassette. “Businesses will not only be able to learn about contracting opportunities with the State, they will also be given the necessary tools to successfully compete for and win State contracts.

“We reached our registration limit two weeks out,” the Secretary added. “The fact that over 400 businesses have signed up to attend this unique, project-driven conference says that the State is addressing a strong need for the information these businesses will receive.”

The Summit will also feature entrepreneurial training workshops on such business-relevant topics as How to Submit a Winning Bid, Connecting to State Contracting, and Capital Funding Resources for Your Business.

“This innovative partnership between DGS and MDOT will go a long way toward helping Maryland companies, especially small companies, grow their businesses,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who will give the welcoming address at the Summit. “The Business Summit is a launching pad for that growth.”

The keynote speaker will be Marc Weller, President of Sagamore Development, a Baltimore-based real estate development firm. Mr. Weller established a partnership with Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank and built the real estate company to redefine Baltimore through the acquisition and development of a major waterfront project.