Photo courtesy PGCEDC
Left to right, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Interim President & CEO Ebony Stocks, CEcD, Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr., and Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director of Business Development Larry Hentz
Maryland Secretary of Commerce The Honorable Harry Coker, Jr. Tours Prince George’s County for Full-Day Economic Engagement
By RHETT BUTLER
PGCEDC
LARGO, Md. (July 10, 2025)—Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly hosted Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. for a dynamic full-day tour highlighting the County’s economic vitality, business innovation, and regional competitiveness. Secretary Coker was accompanied by key members of the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leadership from Prince George’s County, and economic development stakeholders on a carefully curated tour that showcased the region’s diverse business ecosystem.
The day began with a breakfast roundtable at the Silver Diner at National Harbor, featuring welcoming remarks from Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Leaders from attending Prince George’s County agencies also spoke, including PGCEDC Interim President & CEO Ebony Stocks, CEcD. The breakfast provided a platform for cross-sector leaders to highlight local business successes, collaborations between state and local governments, and strategies for equitable growth.
“We were honored to welcome Secretary Coker and his team to experience the strength, diversity, and promise of Prince George’s County,” said Ebony Stocks, Interim President & CEO of PGCEDC. “This tour underscores the County’s position as a premier destination for business, technology, life sciences, and cultural experiences.”
The itinerary featured a range of business assets, including Cloudforce, a cutting-edge technology firm and national leader in federal contracting and digital modernization; Envue Eye & Laser, a pioneering veteran-owned medical enterprise revolutionizing ophthalmology; and The Peterson Companies and Arts’tination, showcasing National Harbor’s role as a regional hub for creative placemaking, small business, and tourism. The day also included a visit to MGM National Harbor, an economic anchor for hospitality and entertainment.
“Prince George’s County is a major economic engine for Maryland and a leading hub for innovation and discovery,” said Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “I’m pleased to kick off my county tours by visiting some of Prince George’s County’s top businesses, assets, and leaders. With their partnership, the success of Prince George’s County translates to the success of Maryland.”
The afternoon agenda included visits to the University of Maryland’s Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices and Mtech, which bridge biotech research and commercialization; Genesis Engineering Solutions, a key player in the County’s advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors; and Cleopatra Winery & Vineyard, a Black-owned agri-tourism destination in Laurel, capping the day with a community networking reception.
Joining Secretary Coker were:
• Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Commerce
• Mayank Kapur, Assistant Secretary
• Jennifer LaHatte, Managing Director of Policy, Research, and Government Affairs
• Delterese George, Senior Business Development Representative
Representing Prince George’s County alongside Ebony Stocks were:
• Larry Hentz, Executive Director of Business Development, PGCEDC
• Dawn Medley, President & CEO, FSC First
• Beverly Everson-Jones, CFOO, FSC First
• Jeffrey Swilley, Chief of Staff, Employ Prince George’s
• Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, Bowie State University
• Leslie Graves, President & CEO, Experience Prince George’s
• Sheila Hession, Board Chair, Experience Prince George’s and Executive Director of Marketing & Sales, MGM
This collaborative experience strengthened interagency relationships and reaffirmed Prince George’s County’s alignment with the Moore-Miller Administration’s vision for an inclusive, innovative, and opportunity-rich Maryland.
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC)’s mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ growth and prosperity. It is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about PGCEDC’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.
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M&T Announces Winners of the Prince George’s County Small Business Accelerator Program
Tiyana Robinson awarded $5,000 grand prize to support Beauty Mogul International, LLC
By PRESS OFFICER
M&T Bank
LARGO, Md. (June 18, 2025)—Tiyana Robinson of Beauty Mogul International, LLC was awarded the $5,000 grand prize in the small business accelerator pitch competition hosted by M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB) in partnership with FSC First. This program aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and guidance to build resilient businesses, drive economic growth in Prince George’s County, and create generational wealth for their families.
Robinson, founder and CEO of Beauty Mogul International, LLC, created BeautyPro Funnels, the first platform built for solo beauty entrepreneurs that allows booking, marketing, selling, and automating in one place. With 3.1 million beauty professionals running their own businesses in the U.S., Robinson saw an opportunity to help them manage and grow multiple revenue streams through one platform.
“This award means growth, it means the future of my brand, it means having an impact on beauty professionals all around the world,” said Robinson. “M&T Bank and FSC First have been great partners in this program. I’ve learned so much about how to run a business, how to become investable. This was my first time pitching my business and I’ve experienced so much growth in the eight weeks we’ve been together, and this is just the beginning.”
The competition was the culmination of an eight-week program launched on May 6. This hybrid program, featuring virtual and in-person courses at various county locations, covered topics such as business planning, capital sourcing, financial management, marketing, and branding. The program concluded on June 18 with a pitch competition, followed by the announcement of awards, funded by M&T Bank.
Dominyece Gregory of Tuft’n Up DC, LLC won the second-place prize of $3,000, and Josei Harris of Halema, Inc. won the third-place prize of $2,000.
To qualify, businesses had to be based in Prince George’s County, in operation for at least two years, and in good standing. M&T Bank also offers similar accelerator programs in Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick counties, as well as Baltimore City.
“We’re honored to collaborate with FSC First in presenting the Business Accelerator Program,” said Pam Scott, Senior Relationship Manager at M&T Bank. “This initiative is designed to empower local entrepreneurs with essential resources and guidance to help their businesses flourish. With meaningful mentorship and practical tools, the program supports small business owners in navigating today’s competitive market. We’re excited by the strong engagement we had this year and applaud all who took part.”
M&T Bank is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Visit www.mtb.com.
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