Supporting Small Businesses

What Sarah’s done: As your Senator, Sarah has successfully championed legislation the Digital Connectivity Act of 2021, landmark legislation to expand broadband access and connectivity to Maryland households and small businesses. This legislation led CNBC to name Maryland the most-improved state for business in 2021. She sponsored the bill to expand the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides counseling and training to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Maryland. Sarah is a strong supporter of Maryland’s farming community, passing legislation to expand agritourism opportunities so small farms can diversify their revenue. With a background in higher education and economic development, Sarah successfully passed legislation to revitalize the RISE Zone Program, which helps incentivize small businesses and start-ups in areas surrounding Maryland's colleges and universities in order to jumpstart our innovation economy.

Most importantly: During and after 2021’s devastating tornado and subsequent 4-foot flood, Sarah worked with the Governor’s Office and the County to bring $4 million in State relief funding for tornado victims and $650,000 to those impacted by the flood. Sarah worked directly with small businesses from West Street to Deale to ensure they took advantage of these programs and could successfully reopen.

What’s next: In the 2022 legislative session, Sarah will sponsor legislation to: support Maryland’s wineries and breweries; streamline State support to small businesses that are impacted by natural disasters; and bring private sector investment into achieving Bay restoration goals.