The Division of Business and Enterprise Development works with companies across the state, throughout the U.S., and around the globe to help them succeed in doing business in Maryland – with the end goal of creating, attracting, retaining, and expanding job opportunities for Marylanders.

To accomplish this objective, our team works to:

·       Attract new businesses from across the country and around the world;

·         Cultivate industry clusters in critical sectors;

·      Build relationships with key economic drivers such as the State's federal facilities, universities and military installations;

·         Help Maryland firms market and export their products and services to international markets; and

·         Provide “one-stop” assistance to in-state businesses through regional field staff, small business, strategic initiatives,
workforce, and finance teams.

Robert Walker, Assistant Secretary
410.767.0680

Maryland Venture Fund
Frank Dickson, Principal | 410.767.6383
Invests in privately held emerging technology and life sciences companies to foster entrepreneurial development and private sector investment

Office of Business Development
Ursula Powidzki, Program Director | 410.767.6436
Recruits businesses from across the country, and promotes development of key sectors: clean technology and sustainability, science and healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and financial services.

Office of Business Services
Jorge Austrich, Director | 410.767.6678
Connects Maryland businesses with workforce, business development and advocacy resources, with a focus on the regions of Southern, Western and Eastern Shore Maryland.

Office of Finance Programs
James Henry, Program Director | 410.767.6353
Identifies and provides financing and incentive based solutions for economic development projects that create or retain jobs in Maryland.

Office of International Investment and Trade
Signe Pringle, Program Director | 410.767.3542
Attracts foreign direct investment, provides export assistance and coordinates trade shows and trade missions.

Office of Military and Federal Affairs
J. Michael Hayes, Program Director | 410.767.2988
Manages economic growth resulting from Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and links Maryland businesses to opportunities through military installations and federal facilities.

Office of Small Business
Sean McEvoy, Director | 410.767.5675
Provides business owners with individualized assistance to navigate regulations, permitting, and other issues.

Office of Strategic Initiatives
Kassie Lewis, Director | 410.767.0697
Links businesses with opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other potential grant and/or funding opportunities

Regional Offices

Southern Maryland | 15045 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 | 301.274.9138
Eastern Shore | P.O. Box 386 | Easton, MD 21601 | 410.718.0094 
Western Maryland | 138 Baltimore Street, Suite 203 | Cumberland, MD 21502 | 301.722.0054