CatalystQ– The Catalyst for Minority Business Excellence in Queen Anne’s County Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development (QACETD)

Queen Anne's County Economic & Tourism Development (QACETD) is soliciting proposals for continuation and expansion of CatalystQ, a minority business training accelerator program for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, with proposals due July 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and questions due July 17, 2026.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and institutions of higher education. MBE, WBE, and Veteran-Owned Enterprises are encouraged to apply. The program will serve 5–10 participants over a 3–6 month period with an in-person delivery model, with limited virtual or hybrid components acceptable when they enhance access or provide specialized expertise.

Required services span accounting and bookkeeping, legal advice, marketing and communications, strategic business planning, human resources and payroll services, entrepreneurship training, mentorship programming, and access to capital and banking education. Optional services include customer data analytics, IT support, website development, grant writing, supply chain assistance, e-commerce support, business registration and licensing support, and translation services. Partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, business support organizations, financial institutions, and technical experts are encouraged and viewed favorably.

The total program budget is up to $45,000, which may be awarded to a single organization or divided among multiple vendors. Reasonable indirect and administrative costs are allowable if clearly justified, though proposals emphasizing direct program delivery and participant impact will be viewed more favorably. QACETD will administer participant mini-grants directly for professional services; proposers should budget for facility costs. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals, capacity to deliver services effectively, innovation and equity-driven approach, budget clarity and cost-effectiveness, experience serving minority entrepreneurs, and measurable outcomes and evaluation plans.

The program is funded through the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Selected candidates will be notified by July 31, 2026, with contract award and project start August 14, 2026. The contract includes an option for up to a two-year extension. Proposals must include detailed budgets and be submitted via mail (one original and one digital PDF on flash drive) to QACETD, attention Heather Tinelli at htinelli@qac.org.