BALTIMORE, MD – Following an electrifying evening hosted in partnership with the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), the Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce (GBBCC) is keeping the momentum going as it prepares for its next major initiative: The MBE Experience: Racing Toward Economic Empowerment, an innovative event taking place during the historic 150th Preakness Stakes and The Preakness Festival.
A recent event at the World Trade Center brought together WNADA Executive Director Chad Williams and Maryland Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker Jr. for a powerful fireside chat with GBBCC President Devin Jackson. Together, they announced WNADA’s upcoming 2025 Request for Qualifications (RFQ), set to be released on Thursday, May 1, 2025, which is a critical step in revitalizing the West North Avenue Corridor and expanding access to development opportunities for local minority-owned firms.
Now, with the support of Hutch and The Fearless Institute, GBBCC is continuing its charge toward systemic change in the procurement space. The MBE Experience is designed to be the catalyst for long-overdue progress, addressing long-standing disparities in contracting access for minority business enterprises (MBEs) across Maryland.
Event Details
The MBE Experience: Racing Toward Economic Empowerment
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: CFG Bank Arena (Baltimore, MD)
Why This Event Matters
• $8 Billion Missed: From 2017–2021, MBEs in Maryland missed out on nearly $8 billion in public contract opportunities due to systemic barriers. (Baltimore Times)
• Goals Unmet: Maryland’s 29 percent MBE participation goal remains unmet, with actual inclusion rates ranging from 15–21 percent.
• City Disparities Persist: In Baltimore, although 41 percent of firms in the local market are MBEs or WBEs, they receive only 29 percent of total contract dollars. (Baltimore Business Journal)
This event will bring together MBEs, corporate procurement leaders, prime contractors, policymakers, and economic development stakeholders to reshape how Baltimore and the state approaches.
“Procurement has consistently been one of the greatest obstacles to closing wealth and opportunity gaps across Maryland’s economy,” said Devin Jackson, president of the Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce. “This event is about removing those barriers, bringing all key players to the table, and shifting from talk to tangible outcomes while also collecting critical data to reimagine and reshape the procurement process throughout Baltimore City and the entire state of Maryland.”
About GBBCC
The Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing Black entrepreneurs and businesses by championing access, education, and advocacy. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, GBBCC drives efforts to create a stronger, more connected economic future for Baltimore and the broader region.
To RSVP or learn more, visit: thembeexperience.eventbrite.com
SOURCE: Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce