TEDCO’s final Entrepreneur Expo brings together founders, investors, and leaders to highlight Maryland’s thriving startup ecosystem and the state’s unwavering support for innovation and small business growth.

Maryland’s entrepreneurial spirit took center stage at the 11th annual TEDCO Entrepreneur Expo, held on October 21 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. The event drew hundreds of business owners, investors, and policymakers to celebrate innovation, share insights, and strengthen the state’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

Hosted by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Expo featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, a pitch competition, and a showcase of local companies driving innovation across industries. It was a fitting finale for TEDCO’s long-running event series, marking the organization’s continued commitment to helping founders thrive beyond the conference stage.

A Strong Message of Support for Entrepreneurs

Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered an inspiring keynote, reaffirming the state’s deep commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

“There is not a state in the country that is going to better support your ambitions,” said Moore. “You are in the right spot.”

His remarks underscored Maryland’s unique advantage as a place where startups can access resources, mentorship, and community backing—all critical to building sustainable businesses.

University of Maryland President Darryll Pines echoed that message, spotlighting the university’s pivotal role in fueling Maryland’s innovation ecosystem. He highlighted initiatives like the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, the Maryland Innovation Initiative, and the Discovery District, a thriving hub for startups, researchers, and industry collaborators.

“Our focus on building the ecosystem that advances our state’s economy is all for the public good,” Pines noted.

Insight, Capital, and Collaboration

This year’s sessions translated that vision into action. Panels covered everything from AI innovation and commercialization strategies to funding opportunities and scaling sustainable ventures.

In one session, local lenders shared practical advice on securing capital. Dawn Medley, president and CEO of FSC First, described how her organization offers microloans, SBA financing, and lines of credit tailored to each stage of growth. She emphasized pairing funding with technical assistance and coaching—a combination that helps founders move from concept to scale with confidence.

Meanwhile, Jeff Cherry, founder of Conscious Venture Labs, discussed the importance of backing underrepresented founders. His firm provides risk capital and mentorship to pre-seed startups, focusing on performance and long-term sustainability even as national DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies face new challenges.

“When things get tough, like they are now with this pushback on DEI, we make it easier by having more companies that are successful,” Cherry said.

TEDCO’s Legacy of Empowering Entrepreneurs

As TEDCO’s final Entrepreneur Expo, the 2025 event marked both an ending and a beginning. CEO Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall reaffirmed TEDCO’s ongoing mission to empower entrepreneurs through mentoring, technical assistance, training, and investments.

“It’s in challenge that we become our most creative or innovative,” LeMaile-Stovall reflected. “Entrepreneurship often emerges from adversity—and that’s what drives progress.”

His message resonated with attendees: even as the Expo concludes, Maryland’s ecosystem continues to evolve, adapt, and expand opportunities for innovators ready to build the future.

Conclusion

TEDCO’s final Entrepreneur Expo may have wrapped up, but Maryland’s momentum for innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth shows no signs of slowing down. The event proved once again that when collaboration meets creativity, the result is a stronger, more inclusive economy ready for the next generation of business leaders.

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