June 30th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

The Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs has been renamed due to legislation passed during the 2017 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Effective immediately, the office will now be known as the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. The name change will clarify to the public that this office works exclusively with small businesses and helps connect these businesses to a broad spectrum of programs and resources.

“’Maryland is open for business’ is not just a slogan, it defines our administration,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Maryland’s diverse small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs and growing our state’s economy and we remain committed to creating a culture that is both business-friendly and focused on expanding opportunity for all Marylanders.”

Maryland’s 580,000 small businesses account for 50 percent of our jobs statewide. The vast majority are micro businesses, and more than 70 percent are owned by minorities and women. This unique demographic means that what’s good for small business is inherently good for minority- and women-owned businesses as well.