Women's Business Center

WBC Client Spotlight Highlights from 2025 Celebrating the Women We Were Honored to Support HEARD for Life – Patient Advocacy & Healthcare Navigation Owner & Founder: Kayla Thompson-Riviere, RN, Patient Advocate What they do: HEARD for Life provides one-on-one patient advocacy services, helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems, including care coordination, insurance challenges, and medical decision support. How the WBC helped: The Women’s Business Center supported the founder with business planning, marketing guidance, and community connections that helped launch and grow her advocacy practice. “It’s amazing to see the transformation when my clients finally feel heard, understood, and… Learn More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dory Hayman Marketing & Communications Maryland Capital Enterprises / Women’s Business Center dhayman@marylandcapital.org Maryland Capital Enterprises Women’s Business Center Announces Free February 2026 Business Training Webinars Salisbury, MD — Maryland Capital Enterprises’ Women’s Business Center (WBC) is pleased to announce its February 2026 lineup of no-charge business training webinars, designed to support emerging and expanding small businesses throughout Maryland and the surrounding region. All classes are free of charge, open to the public, and presented online. These expert-led sessions provide practical, actionable guidance on business planning, financing, certifications, marketing, and entrepreneurship fundamentals. February 2026 Webinar… Learn More

Hitting the Reset Button: Starting 2026 with Clarity and Confidence A new year often brings pressure—to set big goals, make major changes, and have a clear plan right away. But for many business owners, a true reset doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from stepping back and being intentional. A meaningful reset might start with a few simple questions: What’s working well in my business? Where do I feel stuck or stretched too thin? What support would help me move forward with more confidence? Resetting doesn’t mean starting over. It might mean adjusting pricing, strengthening cash-flow habits, clarifying your… Learn More

Make Networking Work for YOU — Strategic Tips for Women Entrepreneurs Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or sitting through introductions on Zoom. When it’s done with intention, it becomes one of the most powerful tools a woman entrepreneur can have — opening doors to new clients, collaborators, mentors, and even funding opportunities. As we close out the year and look ahead to 2026, this is the perfect time to sharpen your networking strategy so it truly works for you. Start With Clarity: Know What You Need Before you attend an event or reach out to someone new, take… Learn More

Client Success Story: ACE Orthopedic Services, LLC Founder: Angela Evans Hudgens, CO, CPED Certified Orthotist, Certified Pedorthist www.AceOrtho.net About ACE Orthopedic Services ACE Orthopedic Services, LLC is a mobile orthopedic bracing provider offering evaluations, measurements, and casting for custom or pre-fabricated braces and pedorthic solutions. Angela’s most in-demand products include back braces (TLSOs and LSOs) and knee braces, especially for worker’s compensation patients. She also offers custom orthotics, as well as diabetic and custom shoes. Angela built her business around two promises: exceptional personal care and more affordable pricing than most competitors. With over 30 years of clinical experience serving… Learn More

Women’s Business Center Client Spotlight: Annette P. Johnson, MSOL, CPC Founder of AJLEADS, LLC www.thisisannettejohnson.com Discovering the Heart of AJLEADS, LLC AJLEADS, LLC is a boutique leadership and workplace culture consulting business. Services include the design of workplace culture enhancement strategies and action plans, as well as leadership development solutions for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve women in critical life transitions. Program topics are rooted in self-awareness, leadership development, and strategies for cultivating inclusiveness. Although I have been doing this work for over 30 years, AJLEADS will be celebrating its five-year anniversary next year. What I enjoy… Learn More

Each October, we shine a spotlight on the women who dream, build, and lead small businesses in communities across the country. National Women’s Small Business Month is not just a date on the calendar — it’s a moment to celebrate progress, acknowledge hurdles, and renew our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs. Why This Month Matters Women-owned businesses are powerful engines of innovation, community connection, and economic growth. According to recent data, there are over 14 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., which account for nearly 39 percent of all U.S. business and generate trillions in revenue. Yet despite those remarkable… Learn More

Client Spotlight: Latoya Baltimore, Woman of Essence Beauty Parlor About the Business Woman of Essence Beauty Parlor opened its doors on May 26, 2018. We’re a multicultural, full-service salon in Cambridge, MD dedicated to meeting each client’s individual beauty needs. Our services include—but aren’t limited to—eyelash installation, facial and body waxing, nails and pedicures, haircuts, hair styling, braiding, and weaves. We also retail high-quality haircare products from Influence for clients to use at home. While hair services have always been central to our offerings, eyelash installation has become one of our most in-demand services—it’s truly helped my business thrive. Eyelashes… Learn More

Why Recognition Matters In the whirlwind of running a business—meeting deadlines, managing customers, solving problems—it’s easy to forget how much it means to simply be seen. But being recognized for your hard work can be transformative. It fuels confidence, opens doors, and reminds us that we’re not in this alone. That’s why nominating someone for an award isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s a ripple effect of empowerment that can strengthen an entire community. Each year, our parent organization, Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE), hosts the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards to shine a light on the entrepreneurs who are building stronger,… Learn More

Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) Women’s Business Center is excited to announce a series of no-charge webinars this August designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners across Maryland. Let’s Talk Funding with MCE • Monday, August 4, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM • Monday, August 11, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM Led by Nick Rudolph, MCE Baltimore Regional Director, these webinars will explore funding options for starting or growing your small business. Topics include the application process, types of funding and requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and a Q&A session. Introduction to SBA Programs and Services • Wednesday,… Learn More