M&T Bank, FSC First Launch Prince George’s County Small Business Accelerator Program
Register for free eight-week program by April 21 for $10,000 Prize Awards

 
By PRESS OFFICER
M&T Bank

LARGO, Md. (April 3, 2025)—M&T Bank and FSC First are looking for as many as 40 small business owners to participate in a business accelerator program designed to provide entrepreneurs with the guidance and skills needed to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George’s County, and help build generational wealth for their families.

The eight-week business accelerator program—a partnership between M&T Bank and FSC First—will focus on business planning, sourcing capital, managing financial statements, marketing, and branding.

The program launches May 6 and concludes June 24 with a pitch competition and opportunity to win grants totaling $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place—funded by M&T Bank.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating must complete an application by April 21, be based in Prince George’s County, in operation for at least two years, generate a minimum of $100,000 in revenue annually, and be in good standing. Qualified applicants will be enrolled in the free program on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We’re proud to partner with Prince George’s County to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to strengthen their businesses,” said Jim Peterson, M&T Bank’s VP and Small Business Ambassador. “This program offers practical guidance, access to capital, and expert mentorship to help small business owners grow and build lasting wealth for their families and communities.”

M&T also offers similar accelerator programs in Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick counties as well as Baltimore City.

“We are excited about the unique partnership between M&T and FSC First,” said Dawn Medley, FSC First President & CEO. “The program will equip local entrepreneurs with essential skills and access to valuable mentorship, fostering their increased business success. FSC First is committed to empowering entrepreneurs in underserved communities, and we see this accelerator program and partnership as another way to better serve our community.”

To apply for the Prince George’s Business Accelerator Program, visit https://mtbank.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eX40LFZkubzOazk.

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the
 
U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information on M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com

Founded in 1978, FSC First provides flexible business financing solutions and technical assistance programs to established and emerging businesses in Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland. FSC First stands apart as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designated by the U.S. Treasury Department with a mission to stimulate the growth and development of the local economy. For more information about FSC First, visit www.fscfirst.com

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REALTORS® Recognize Excellence in Sales Production and Service

By PRESS OFFICER
PGCAR

Landover, Md. (March 28, 2025)—On Thursday, March 26, 2025, the Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® (PGCAR) recognized its “Top Producer” REALTOR® members for their 2024 sales production. The winners were honored at a gala event held at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The 2025 Awards Showcase stands as the Association's foremost acknowledgment of exceptional agent performance throughout the entirety of 2024. Preceding the event were exclusive red-carpet interviews with attendees, broadcasted live on Facebook, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15LLTMihXJ/

Approximately 140 County REALTORS® received awards recognizing their “personal best” in sales production.

Taking home the top prize of the evening, First Place Platinum Individual General Brokerage, was Hazel Shakur of REDFIN, with $61.1 million in sales activity. Placing first in the Platinum Team Competition was G&P Properties with Keller Williams Preferred Properties with $40.6 million in team sales production.

Megan (MJ) Sheckles of Samson Properties was named the 2024 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR for Highest Sales Volume at $3.8 million.

Gene Sementilli, from CENTURY 21® New Millennium, was honored with the prestigious 2024 REALTOR OF THE YEAR title in recognition of his remarkable business achievements, unwavering commitment to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, exemplary leadership, active engagement in civic and community affairs, and dedicated involvement at the local, state, and National Association level.

In acknowledgment of her decade’s long dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts in chairing committees and rallying support for our political endeavors, REALTOR® Rachel Jefferies, of Keller Williams Preferred Properties, was honored with the esteemed 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

The prestigious title of Distinguished Sales Associate of the Year was awarded to Chazi Diggs of Capital Structures Real Estate LLC, in recognition of his leadership of PGCARs Young Professionals Network and other invaluable contributions to PGCAR.

John Brennan with Brennan Title Company was named Affiliate of the Year in recognition of his industry support, exceptional professional acumen, and many contributions to PGCAR in 2024.

PGCAR’s REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame inductees are 2017 President, Patricia Dowtin, and PGCAR Executive Vice President, Michael
 
Graziano. They were honored for their cumulative RPAC contributions exceeding $7500.

Host of the event, Leisel Taylor, Chairwoman of the Awards Committee was excited. “Despite the challenges of 2024, REALTORS triumphed, enthusiastically catering to their clients, and surpassing their goals. My heartfelt applause goes out to every one of them,” said Taylor.

Thank you to our numerous sponsors who helped make the evening a resounding success.

Top Winners Included:

Individual General Brokerage - Platinum (Over $12 million):

#1. Hazel Shakur - $61.1 Million

#2. Wemmy Collins - $37.1 Million

#3. Jeremiah Abu-Bakr - $36.3 Million

Team General Brokerage – Platinum (Over $15 million):

#1. G & P Properties - $40.6 Million

#2. “Team Harper” The Carl Harper Team - $32 Million

#3. The Eze Way Team - $30.1 Million

PGCAR is the voice for REALTORS® in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Representing more than 3,500 real estate professionals in the national capital area, PGCAR is an affiliate of the Maryland and National Association of REALTORS®. We are proud to serve our members and our community, and work to ensure professionalism in the industry. Our volunteers and staff work to offer services to real estate professionals and to provide avenues for our members to become more successful. We proudly work to promote and protect homeownership and private property rights.

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