The Charles County Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for Cohort 11 of the Business Growth Advantage Program (BGAP), a business training curriculum offered at no cost for Charles County-based business owners. Cohort 11 is specifically designed for businesses in the contracting sector. Applications will be accepted until May 17. Participants of the program can receive a $10,000 grant for working capital.
“We are committed to supporting our local businesses and helping them access the training and resources they need to grow,” said Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “I’m thrilled with the success of our BGAP program and the number of businesses who are taking the tools and strategies they learned to achieve their business goals.”
Growth planning is a pivotal step in a business’s lifecycle, requiring both time and resources. The BGAP was initiated in 2022 in response to these challenges. It offers dedicated support to businesses that have been active for at least two years and delivers an in-depth eight-week training regimen.
BGAP Cohort 11 begins May 23 and will be held virtually once a week, for 8 weeks. It is designed exclusively for government contracting businesses with a track record of success. To qualify, businesses must have operated for at least two years, generated $300,000 to $3,000,000 in gross revenue, have at least one full-time employee (excluding the owner), and have a genuine aspiration for growth.
This exclusive cohort aims to enhance contract win rates, client relationships, and operational efficiency, potentially benefiting the community through job opportunities, workforce development, economic diversification, and support for local businesses.
“To date, BGAP has successfully graduated nine cohorts, totaling 122 small businesses, showcasing a consistent interest and participation from the local business community. The fact that over $1,015,000 in grant funding has been deployed to assist these businesses further underscores the practical need for financial support and capacity-building,” said Chief of Business Services, Lucretia Freeman-Buster. “The intention for Cohort 11 is to address the unique intricacies of the government contracting space and ensure that businesses in this sector possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for success.”
Upon successful acceptance into the program, business owners will engage in the program's practical sessions on key business operating concepts, collaborative sharing of best practices, and a step-by-step evaluation of operations. Businesses that are interested in participating in BGAP are encouraged to learn more and apply for the program here.
