In a landmark shift for Maryland’s innovation economy, TEDCO, the state’s venture capital arm, has launched its new Business Resource Information, Development, and Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE) program to support a broader and more diverse range of businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region. Powered by a transformative three-year, $10 million federal grant, the program marks a significant compliment of TEDCO’s mission, moving beyond its traditional focus on tech and life sciences to include a wide array of businesses that drive local economies.
The BRIDGE program is a response to a clear and long-standing need within the state’s entrepreneurial community. It is a fundamental commitment to fostering an inclusive economy by specifically assisting socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. By extending its reach to include industries like retail, hospitality and professional services, TEDCO is now serving the full spectrum of businesses that make up the fabric of our communities.
"The BRIDGE program is about democratizing access to the tools and resources needed to succeed," said Stephen Auvil, TEDCO's chief federal engagement officer. "And we're focused on not just technology and life science companies, which is what TEDCO normally focuses on. We're focused on any company. A restaurant, a hair salon, construction, anything.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Business Support
The BRIDGE program is not a single solution but a comprehensive suite of nine distinct sub-programs, each tailored to address a unique need in a company's lifecycle. At the heart of this effort is a dedicated team of three BRIDGE Advisors—April Davis-Hurtt and Omoré Okhomina. They serve as the frontline of the program, conducting outreach, providing in-depth assessments and guiding entrepreneurs to the most relevant resources within TEDCO and its partner network.
“We've been able to meet with so many different companies in so many different areas,” said lead BRIDGE advisor April Davis-Hurtt. “Because we're meeting with them and we're explaining to those who are familiar with TEDCO that we're not only working with technology, but we're supporting everyday business, they are so excited. They jump right in and ask ‘How can I sign up for the BRIDGE services?’”
Key components of the BRIDGE program include:
- BRIDGE Advisors: A dedicated team that provides personalized, one-on-one advising, company assessments and seamless connections to the right resources.
- Credit Building/Repair: A vital collaboration with Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to help entrepreneurs improve their financial standing, a crucial step for securing future financing.
- Legal Services: A new legal clinic, established through a collaboration with the University of Maryland Law School, offering pro bono corporate and contract assistance to help small businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
- CDFI Technical Assistance: A competitive program engaging Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) partners across the region by offering loans and technical assistance to community businesses.
- Back Office in a Box: Grants to contracted organizations that provide essential accounting, human resources and administrative services, freeing up entrepreneurs to focus on their core business.
- TEDCO Bridge Proposal Lab: An intensive training program designed to equip small businesses with the skills needed to compete for and win valuable federal government contracts.
- Women's Entrepreneurship Program: A program being developed in collaboration with the Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Inc. to provide targeted resources and mentorship for women-owned businesses.
- Rural/Urban Business Opportunity Initiative: An expanded mentoring program that connects experienced business leaders with entrepreneurs in both urban and rural settings.
- Loaned Executives: A short-term program that provides high-level, expert support to help companies achieve specific, critical milestones, from product launch to market expansion.
Early Momentum and a Spotlight at the Entrepreneur Expo
The program’s early success is already evident. Since the online application launched, TEDCO has registered 85 companies with many more in the pipeline. This strong initial response highlights the tremendous demand for these services and the immediate impact the program is having on the entrepreneurial community.
To celebrate this milestone and provide a platform for these entrepreneurs, TEDCO is hosting a panel at this year’s Entrepreneur Expo, held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at The Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. The panel, moderated by Auvil, will feature a diverse group of business owners who are active participants in the BRIDGE program. This candid discussion will offer attendees a firsthand look at the program’s real-world benefits and how it is directly helping them overcome barriers to growth.
The panelists represent a diverse cross-section of industries now served by TEDCO:
- Daniel Mouijeh, Founder of Moijey Fine Jewelry and Diamonds: He will share his journey as an artisan entrepreneur and how the BRIDGE program is helping him scale his fine jewelry business.
- Candy Schibli, Founder of Southeastern Roastery: A leader in the booming specialty coffee industry, Candy will discuss her experience accessing business development resources through the program.
- Logan Cundiff, Founder of Props: His volunteerism app uses technology for social good, and he will explain how the program aims to provide support that extends beyond a traditional tech focus.
- Hyacinth Tucker, MBA, PMP, Owner of The Laundry Basket LLC: As the owner of an essential small business, Hyacinth will offer a unique perspective on how the BRIDGE program is helping her streamline operations and expand her service offerings.
This panel aims to not only promote the BRIDGE program but to put a face to the entrepreneurs driving Maryland's economy forward. It is a powerful testament to TEDCO’s expanded mission and a call to action for other small businesses to explore the resources available to them. The Entrepreneur Expo serves as the ideal venue for this conversation, connecting new-to-TEDCO companies with the broader ecosystem of support, investment and collaboration that the organization has cultivated for decades.
The BRIDGE program is more than a grant—it’s building a more inclusive and prosperous future for Marylanders. By empowering entrepreneurs from every background and every industry, TEDCO is ensuring that the state remains a leader in innovation and economic opportunity for generations to come.
Source: Baltimore Business Journal