Our History

In 2013 the Small Business Administration (SBA) tasked Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc., with launching a women’s business center. MCE is a 501(c)(3) Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Treasury Department, and intermediary lender recognized by the SBA, USDA, and the state of Maryland.

We trace our history back to that enterprising female entrepreneurial spirit birthed Margaret Hardenbroeck (1660s), Rebecca Lukens (1820s), Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley (1800s), Lydia Pinkham (1860s), Sarah Breedlove (better known as Madam C. J. Walker, 1860s), Annie Turnbo Malone, (19th century), Mary Ellen Pleasant (1800s), and Olive Ann Beech (1900s), representing seven industries. Read https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/574385/historical-female-entrepreneurs.

Women’s Business Center at Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc. celebrates the rich history of female entrepreneurs. Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_entrepreneurs.

WBC provides services to Maryland’s Eastern and Western Shore’s women owned small business owners. Now with a footprint that spans eight (8) counties throughout the state of Maryland WBC is expanding by empowering potential owners who otherwise lack the collateral and/or credit to give them access to conventional loans and other financial products. Services include business loans, business consulting, business education and networking opportunities.

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