Courtesy of Morgan State University
Morgan State University’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center (EDAC) has secured funding to enhance two of its impactful outreach initiatives aimed at advancing the center’s mission. Specifically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded EDAC $1.5 million to support the Returning Citizens Inspired to Develop Entrepreneurial Ventures (RIDE) Entrepreneurship Center and $700,000 for the Government Certifications Contracting and Matchmaking Solutions Center. Both programs are designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and assistance to help participants effectively navigate the complexities of the business landscape. This funding was made possible through the FY24 Omnibus Spending Bill with the support of Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen.
Empowering Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
The RIDE program, operated by EDAC, aims to empower individuals who have been formerly incarcerated. Founded in 2020, RIDE offers comprehensive leadership training designed to promote business ownership and develop community leadership skills. This program specifically targets two groups: individuals recently released from prison and looking to rebuild their lives and those who have been out for a longer time but still encounter significant barriers to employment and economic stability. With $1.5 million in funding, the program will expand to launch the RIDE Entrepreneurship Resource Center. The new center will enhance EDAC’s ongoing efforts and introduce new services, including specialized programming, one-on-one business counseling, an app allowing individuals to host their own podcasts, and access to a community space for various programming events.
“Receiving this crucial funding underscores our commitment to creating inclusive opportunities by supporting formerly incarcerated individuals through tailored entrepreneurship programs. Our entrepreneurship center serves as a vital resource, enabling these individuals to explore and realize their entrepreneurial potential,” said Omar S. Muhammad, director of EDAC. “Additionally, we offer upskilling workshops designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to successfully re-enter the workforce or launch their ventures. This initiative reflects our belief in the transformative power of education, empowerment, and second chances, fostering pathways to economic independence and community reintegration.”
Beyond individual success, the RIDE program promotes economic development within underserved communities. By investing in the potential of these individuals, EDAC seeks to create a positive ripple effect that not only aids participants in rebuilding their own lives but also contributes significantly to their communities’ growth, stability, and prosperity. This holistic approach strives to break the cycle of incarceration and poverty, paving the way for a brighter future for both individuals and their neighborhoods.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Government Contracting
Women business owners, including women veterans, women contractors, and specifically women of color, are underrepresented in federal, state, and local government contracting. Unfortunately, the procurement goals established for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) at all levels of government are consistently unmet. To address this gap, EDAC has received $700,000 to launch the Government Certifications Contracting and Match Making Solutions Center, which aims to address the low number of procurement awards and the lack of activity in underserved business communities.
Several factors contribute to the disparity in opportunities for women, women of color, and other minorities accessing government contracts. These include a lack of knowledge about the procurement process, non-certified business entities’ presence, and agency personnel’s limited capacity to identify and support eligible sustainable businesses. At the Government Certifications Contracting & Match Making Solutions Center, EDAC will adopt a T.E.A.A.M. approach—Training, Engagement, Advice, Administration, and Mentoring—to assist this underrepresented group in growing their businesses.
“This financial support marks a transformative milestone in our mission to empower women-owned businesses. The funding enables us to offer targeted support as these businesses navigate the complexities of business and government marketplaces. By providing access to critical resources such as certifications, contracting opportunities, and matchmaking solutions, we aim to break barriers and open new avenues for growth,” said Muhammad. “This initiative also includes tailored workshops and guidance to help women entrepreneurs build resilience, scale their operations, and succeed in competitive environments. Together, we are advancing economic empowerment and fostering sustainable development for women in business.”
The Government Certification Contracting and Match Making Solutions Center will provide needed services, including educating clients on how to secure government contracts, guiding clients through the process of obtaining necessary government certifications, helping clients establish a pipeline for ongoing business opportunities; creating matchmaking opportunities between businesses and government agencies; mentoring clients on business growth strategies; and refer them to additional resources such as the Emerging Leaders program, Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Labor workforce programs, and the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé program.
This center will relieve clients from the financial burden of hiring consultants or attorneys to submit applications for proposals, certifications, and referrals to government opportunities. Additionally, the program will ensure a faster process, allowing certification agencies to receive more accurate applications, RFP submissions, and credible business referrals.