Maryland is making big moves to become one of the most startup-friendly states in the country—and if you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or small business owner, now’s the time to plug in. Recently, Maryland’s Secretary of General Services Atif Chaudhry shared practical and powerful advice for startups looking to break into procurement, get government funding, and scale sustainably within the state.
Whether you’re just getting your LLC paperwork filed or actively eyeing government contracts, here are some key takeaways and tips straight from the top:
READ: Maryland Secretary Atif Chaudhry champions startups and equity in state procurement at UMD Startup Bazaar (April 16, 2025)
1. Start with the basics: Register and plug in
Before you can work with the state, you need to register your business in Maryland. Even if you’re based in Washington D.C., Virginia, or elsewhere, registration is essential. Once that’s complete, sign up on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) to get notifications for:
● Solicitations and contract opportunities
● Networking events
● Procurement templates and guides
Visit: dgs.maryland.gov
Register on: eMaryland Marketplace Advantage
2. Find and leverage startup hubs
Maryland’s university ecosystem is rich with resources—from incubators to makerspaces to mentorship programs. But these resources aren’t always interconnected, which the state is actively working to improve. For now, connect with university startup hubs like:
● UM Ventures (University of Maryland)
● Towson University’s Incubator
● Johns Hopkins FastForward
These hubs can help you with everything from finding office space to accessing hardware like 3D printers.
3. Seek mentorship and be a mentor
A key part of the state’s vision is creating a “mentor-protégé ecosystem,” where experienced business owners help new startups get on their feet. The goal? Turn subcontractors into prime contractors. As you grow, the state encourages you to “give back” by mentoring the next wave of founders.
4. Look for state and local funding
Where’s the money? Here’s where to start:
● TEDCO: Maryland’s premier resource for early-stage startup funding
● Maryland Department of Commerce: Offers grants and incentives for businesses
● County-level programs: Vary by region but often include innovation funds and local tax credits
The state is actively working to centralize and simplify access to funding—expect more clarity and tools on the government’s website soon, according to Secretary Chaudhry.
5. Take advantage of procurement reforms
If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by a 100+ page RFP, you’re not alone. Here’s how Maryland is making it easier for small businesses:
● Streamlined RFPs: Down from 115+ pages to ~40 pages
● Faster Payments: Net 15 instead of Net 30
● MBE Certification Changes: Minority businesses now certify every three years, not every year
● New Procurement Clock: Contracts must now be processed within 120 days
These changes aim to level the playing field for startups and small businesses that don’t have the resources to chase complex contracts for a year.
6. Learn from real startup wins
Maryland is filled with examples of startups who went from small-scale contracts to full-blown competitors to major primes. Secretary Chaudhry mentioned speaking to contractors who built up small firms, only to see them become rivals in the same bidding pool—a sign that the growth ecosystem is working.
7. Don’t go it alone—ask for help
If you’re unsure how to get started, reach out. The Secretary and his team are committed to helping startups “get unstuck” by connecting them with the right agency—whether it’s Commerce, Labor, or Health.
“We want you to start in Maryland, grow in Maryland, and stay in Maryland,” Secretary Chaudhry emphasized. “This is the place to be.”
READ: Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller to headline Startup Bazaar at University of Maryland on April 12 (April 10, 2025)
Coming soon: A self-service startup portal
The state is working on a simplified digital roadmap for founders that will answer:
● What do I need to register?
● How do I qualify for funding?
● What’s the step-by-step for bidding on contracts?
Stay tuned — this user-friendly upgrade is part of Maryland’s plan to become a startup powerhouse.
Final tip: Think local, grow global
Even if you’re a Virginia-based or international company, you can still win contracts in Maryland—as long as you’re registered. And if you’re in sectors like biotech, aerospace, or EV infrastructure, you’re in luck: the state is actively pushing to keep and grow these industries in Maryland through advocacy, investment, and legislation.