Morgan State-EDAC Present's Small Busines, Big Impact Business Summit 2026

This opening session will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping small businesses today while encouraging participants to move beyond survival mode and focus on positioning, partnerships, procurement readiness, and long-term impact.

Attendees will be challenged to get serious, get focused, and get connected as they prepare to move from small business to big impact.

Join us for the Small Business. Big Impact. Business Summit 2026 is a high-energy, results-driven experience designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and emerging founders who are ready to grow with intention and impact.

Hosted at Morgan State University’s EDAC Center, this summit brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, funders, procurement professionals, and resource partners for a day of strategy, collaboration, and opportunity.

Whether you are launching, growing, or positioning your business for contracts and long-term sustainability, this conference is designed to help you move from ideas to execution.

✅On-Site Certification Support

✅Procurement & Contracting Opportunities

✅Networking & Collaboration Experiences

✅Access to Business Resources & Industry Experts

✅Strategies for Growth, Positioning & Sustainability

• Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
• Startups & Emerging Founders
• Women Entrepreneurs & Women Veterans
• Procurement-Ready Businesses
• Creatives, Consultants & Service Providers
• Students Exploring Entrepreneurship
• Funders, Buyers & Industry Leaders

Event Details:

📍Morgan State University, Business School (Atrium)

📆Saturday, June 13, 2026,

⏰10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

This is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. Today’s business landscape requires entrepreneurs to move beyond survival mode and become more strategic, collaborative, and prepared for opportunity. The Small Business. Big Impact. Business Summit is designed to help participants get serious, get focused, and get connected to the people, resources, and opportunities that can help move their business forward.

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  Why Attend?
  This conference is made possible through the collaboration of W.O.M.E.N., the Entrepreneurship Development & Assistance Center, the Baltimore Metropolitan Women’s Business Center, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  Regarding the agenda:
  🌍From Transactions to Lifelines: The New Landscape of Small Business
  Small businesses are no longer just transactional—they are lifelines that create opportunities, solve problems, and strengthen communities. In today’s evolving business landscape, entrepreneurs must become more strategic, collaborative, and prepared for growth. This opening session will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping small businesses today while encouraging participants to move beyond survival mode and focus on positioning, partnerships, procurement readiness, and long-term impact. Attendees will be challenged to get serious, get focused, and get connected as they prepare to move from small business to big impact.
  Workshop descriptions:
  First Impressions to Big Opportunities: Collaborative Capability Statement Preparedness Startup
  📍 Classroom #103
  Collaboration Creates Impact: Building Cooperatives, Partnerships & Community
  📍Classroom #105

• Access to procurement opportunities begins with preparation and positioning. This session will provide entrepreneurs with an introduction to federal and state contracting opportunities, subcontracting pathways, and the fundamentals of becoming procurement-ready.

Participants will also gain insight into the GSA Schedule process and learn how to strategically position their business for long-term growth within the government contracting landscape.

Info: Mr. Omar, Director of EDACD, Dr. Patricia Dockery, VP for Academic Affairs, Provost Office, Danielle Frisbry, Program Coordinator for EDAC Initiatives, Dr. Cierra Robinson, Director of the Baltimore Metropolitan Women's Business Center (citations), and Tasha, Chief Strategy Officer | Agile Care Enterprises.

Info: Small businesses are no longer just transactional, they are lifelines that sustain our communities, create opportunities, solve problems, and bring people together in a rapidly changing world. As the business landscape continues to evolve, entrepreneurs are facing increasing pressure, rising competition, and growing demands to become more strategic, collaborative, and prepared.
This opening general session will explore the current state of small business, the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s marketplace, and the critical shift from simply operating a business to building one positioned for long-term impact. Participants will be challenged to move beyond survival mode and begin thinking intentionally about positioning, partnerships, procurement readiness, and sustainable growth.
The conversation will set the tone for the day by encouraging attendees to get serious, get focused, and get connected as they prepare to move from small business to big impact.

Info: Presentations by Omar Muhammad, EN-TRE-PRE-NEUR & Director MSU EDAC Office of the Provost Business Center - Alice Muhammad Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Ruth Williams Go-Getter Award, and Crystal Racks-Cook Perseverance Award

Info: Take a break to enjoy brunch and network, as we connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners. This relaxed and engaging session offers the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, share resources, and spark new opportunities while enjoying great food and conversation.

Info: Business 101 (2 Hours) - Professional Certificate in Customer Service, Professionalism & Client Experience. Professional Certificate in Customer Service, Professionalism & Client Experience

Powered by Morgan State University / EDAC Center.
Designed for workforce readiness, professionalism, and employability in collaboration with PIVOT.

Curriculum Purpose
This certification prepares participants to deliver strong customer service, represent themselves professionally, and understand how customer experience impacts workplace success. The training is designed to strengthen employability, resume value, confidence, communication, and real-world readiness.

Training Format:
Total Duration: 2–3 Hours
Delivery Style: Interactive workshop, discussion, role play, practical exercises, and reflection.
Recommended Audience: Returning citizens, workforce participants, aspiring entrepreneurs, and job seekers Credential Earned: Professional Certificate in Customer Service & Client Experience Program

Info: Moderator: Brittany Buchanan, Founder/CEO Black Muva Convos * Panelist: Banking- Tonya Easson Fulton Bank/Fulton (Bank Rep), Shymaine Davis, Harford Bank (Accountant Rep), Sherifah Munis (Insurance) Founder and Owner Distinct Point LLC- (Return Speaker), and, Tasha Vanzie, Chief Strategy Officer | Agile Care Enterprises

Info: Panelist: Victor, Joy, Mivette, Kenya

Info: Networking; as we connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners. This relaxed and engaging session offers the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, share resources, and spark new opportunities while enjoying great food and conversation.

Info: Session Title: First Impressions to Big Opportunities Collaborative Capability Statement Preparedness (Start-up Classroom) First Impressions to Big Opportunities Collaborative Capability Statement Preparedness

In today’s competitive business landscape, first impressions can open the door to major opportunities. This interactive session will help entrepreneurs understand how to strategically position their business through a strong and impactful capability statement.
Participants will learn how to clearly communicate their services, strengths, and business readiness to potential buyers, partners, funders, and procurement decision-makers. The session will also explore how collaboration and strategic positioning can increase visibility and create new pathways for growth. Moderator- Tasha Vanzie, Chief Strategy Officer | Agile Care Enterprises * Panelist: Tiffany L. Lymon, MBA Owner | Workplace Culture Architect, and Nick Rudolph, Baltimore Regional Director Maryland Capital Enterprise

Info: Session Title: Collaboration Creates Impact Building Cooperatives, Partnerships & Community .Building Cooperatives, Partnerships & Community

Small businesses thrive when they move beyond isolation and build through collaboration. This session explores how partnerships, cooperatives, and community-centered business models can create greater sustainability, shared resources, and expanded opportunities.
Participants will learn how to leverage strategic relationships, collective business models, and ecosystem thinking to strengthen their business impact and increase their ability to compete in today’s evolving marketplace. Moderator : Victor Vaughn, RIDE Center SME. Panelist: Tina C. Williams-Koroma, Esq., CISSP, PMP Founder/CEO of TCecure, LLC * Ron Hanz NDCC- Founder, Executive Director- Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) * Christa Daring, Executive Director Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy (BRED)

Info: Session Title: Access Granted: Positioning for Procurement Navigating Federal, State & GSA Opportunities. (Advanced Classroom). Access Granted: Positioning for Procurement Navigating Federal, State & GSA Opportunities

Access to procurement opportunities begins with preparation and positioning. This session will provide entrepreneurs with an introduction to federal and state contracting opportunities, subcontracting pathways, and the fundamentals of becoming procurement-ready.
Participants will also gain insight into the GSA Schedule process and learn how to strategically position their business for long-term growth within the government contracting landscape. Moderator -Sonya Hopson, SAGE Services Group. Panelist: Lonnette Bryan, President/CEO GSA Federal Solutions ,*Pamela Minor, Procurement Specialist and VA Certified Counselor Maryland APEX Center, and * Barbara Ashe, National Director Veteran Institute for Procurement (V.I.P.) Program.

Info: Closing Remarks, networking; as we connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners. This relaxed and engaging session offers the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, share resources, and spark new opportunities while enjoying great food and conversation.

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Host or Publisher Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center