Blog: Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber Announces New Program – Pathways to Business Success

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) announces a brand-new grant program designed for women and minority business owners to enhance their business by more fully engaging them with formal networking opportunities through the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.

The program was made possible through an economic development grant from the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

Through strategic workshops, business resource groups, networking events and a free one-year Chamber membership, participants will gain new skills and relationships to increase the value of their business.

Throughout the pandemic we discovered that business owners who were engaged in a formal business group did much better than those who were more isolated,” said Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President. “As we recover, we want to make sure everyone has access to the resource our Chamber can provide”

There are two tracks available – one for business owners who are just starting out and another for new business owners who are ready to expand.

Eligibility Criteria

Track 1 – Early Venture

• Already in business or plan to launch by March 31, 2022
• Has a business name
• Has a business concept
• 51% woman-owned or minority-owned
• Located Upcounty*

Track 2 – Established Businesses

• In business for 18 months – 3 years
• Has a business plan
• Has a Tax ID # if appropriate
• Is in good standing with the State of Maryland by the start of the program
• 51% woman-owned or minority-owned
• 51%-time occupation for owner
• Located Upcounty*

*Upcounty includes Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg, Damascus, North Potomac, Darnestown, Poolesville and smaller surrounding communities.

The education workshops are in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County and the Maryland Women’s Business Center.

Curriculum for the businesses just starting out will include

Workshop 1: Creating a Business Plan

Workshop 2: Financial Foundations

Workshop 3: Marketing

Curriculum for expanding businesses include:

Workshop 1: Basics of Human Resources

Workshop 2: Managing Money and Cash Flow

Workshop 3: Lead Generation & Outreach

The Pathways for Business Success program launches January 2022. Women and Minority business owners that meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in participating in the program, can apply at https://bit.ly/3C8ED5v.

More information on the program is available at https://bit.ly/3nVXrlh or by contacting the GGCC’s Director of Membership, Stephen McDow, at smcdow@ggchamber.org or 301-840-1400 x17.

The GGCC is active in providing business-to-business networking opportunities throughout the year: a collective voice in local, regional, and state legislative affairs, professional development opportunities and other services that enhance the business environment.

The GGCC is located at 910 Clopper Road, Suite 205N, Gaithersburg, MD. To learn more about the GGCC visit us at www.ggchamber.org. Find us! Facebook: https://bit.ly/2NmNSpC | Twitter: @GGCCNEWS | Instagram: gburggermantownchamber

About Laura Rowles

Laura authors the blog Your Success is Our Business on MyMCMedia. Laura is the Director of Events & Marketing for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce - a member-based organization of businesses that have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial and industrial progress in our communities. The area's economic well-being is a result of the caliber of work that is done by the Chamber. The Chamber has a major impact on business, income and future growth of the area. My position at the Chamber - Director of Events & Marketing - affords me the opportunity to plan quality events for our Members and market the Chamber is a variety of avenues. At the GGCC, we typically have around 30 events each year including: breakfasts, lunches, after-five's, ribbon cuttings and special events. The consensus is we have high quality events with good energy. In 2012, we had over 2,040 people visit our events. Most our events are free to Members so securing sponsorships for all events. Additionally, I am responsible for planning networking, overseeing the budget and marketing of all events in order to make them successful. Lastly, I coordinate all marketing and communication efforts of the GGCC including weekly email blasts, its quarterly newsletter, all social media platforms, media relations and community outreach.

View all posts by Laura Rowles