Have you heard the buzz? A Financing That Fit$: Capital for Small Businesses program was recently launched by the Department of Business and Economic Development to provide financing for businesses, entrepreneurs and lenders. For more information, click here.      

It's no secret that we love the folks at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and the work they do advocating for our business community. Their presence on YouTube is one of our new favorite finds. Check out their videos by clicking here.  

MWC is delighted to be a supporting partner of TowsonGlobal's Business Plan Competition. Top prize is 90-day membership in TowsonGlobal's Business Incubator (valued at $5,000). Learn more about this amazing competition by clicking here.       
          

Do you remember your first job as a teenager? Whether you were a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool or cashier at a local grocery store, chances are that your first job did far more than finance trips to the mall or movies: it gave you a taste of the responsibility and teamwork.

Today's youth need that same experience. A chance to learn how to be part of something greater than themselves. The US Department of Labor is actively recruiting businesses and organizations to commit to being part of its Summer Jobs 2012 initiative. As part of Summer Jobs 2012, employers can make a "Pathways Pledge" by choosing at least one of the following three pathways to employment for low-income youth: 
  
Life Skills: Provide youth work-related soft skills, such as communication, time management and teamwork, through coursework and/or experience. This includes resume writing or interview workshops and mentorship programs.

Work Skills: Provide youth insight into the world of work to prepare for employment. This includes job shadow days and internships.  

Learn and Earn: Provide youth on-the-job skills in a learning environment while earning wages for their work. Interested? To learn more about this exciting youth-focused workforce initiative, click here.

Did you know that the Maryland Workforce Corporation (MWC) was created as an act of Maryland legislature? It's true. The bill that created MWC (HB 1526) was signed into law on May 7, 2009. 

Today marks a full week since the start of the 430th session of the Maryland General Assembly. To keep updated about Session, click here to access the General Assembly's website. Like many Marylanders, we're especially interested in learning more about Governor Martin O'Malley's job creation agenda. 

MWC's President/CEO Andy Moser will attend tomorrow's Maryland Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Day in Annapolis, while other MWC staff simultaneously attend the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce's Annual Legislative Breakfast. Hope to see you there!