For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 2, 2026

County Launches Business Support Effort with April 30 Resilience Forum

Montgomery County has selected the nonprofit organization Leadership Montgomery to support a key effort led by the County’s Business Center to help local businesses adapt to significant shifts in federal procurement, funding, and policy.

Under this agreement, Leadership Montgomery will create a comprehensive set of programs for the County Business Center’s Support Services for federal government contractors such as:

• Organize a major business conference.
• Provide monthly training sessions.
• Facilitate year-long cohort program—designed to support County entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses that have been directly affected by federal policy shifts.

Recent changes in the federal government’s contracting and grants environment have led to modifications in Federal Acquisition Regulations, executive orders, the Buy American Act/Trade Agreements Act, enforcement and shifts in spending priorities which have impacted both businesses and nonprofits receiving federal contracts and grants.

“Increased regulations and reduced opportunities to compete for federal procurement and funding have taken a toll on the bottom line for many Montgomery County businesses that rely on federal contracts and grants for their economic success,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We want to help these businesses remain viable by giving them the tools they need to navigate these changes. This partnership with Leadership Montgomery will enable us to reach those businesses needing assistance, making it easier for businesses to understand what’s happening and what next steps they can take. Helping local businesses sustain the impact of the federal government’s actions, is vital to maintaining the strength of the County’s economy.”

As part of this work, Leadership Montgomery will host the LEAD Forum: Business Resilience, designed to help participants in response to the federal contracting and grant changes. The one-day business conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. Registration is now open. The conference features expert speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor showcase aimed at helping organizations understand current procurement requirements, identify new opportunities, and strengthen their capacity to compete. The event is expected to draw between 200 and 300 entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=48490

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