Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) - Build Wealth. Expand Opportunity. Win Contracts.

Walter Kirkland is fighting to unleash real economic power for minority-owned businesses across Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District, particularly in Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland, where there is no shortage of talent, but sometimes opportunity hasn’t always followed.

Fact: There is no scarcity of vision, drive, or entrepreneurial spirit among black and minority entrepreneurs. What’s lacking is access, opportunity, and capital. Walter Kirkland’s plan is to change that.

Fully Fund and Scale the MBDA
Walter Kirkland is committed to strengthening and fully funding the Minority Business Development Agency, providing not only promises, but real growth opportunities.

Open the Door to Federal Contracts
With many federal agencies and installations, our region is already a hub of federal spending. Local businesses need to win those contracts, and Walter Kirkland is committed to making that happen.

Break the Procurement Bottleneck
Too many qualified businesses have the drive, expertise, and experience to win federal contracts, but struggle to break into the system, which is too complex, too exclusive, and too limited. Walter Kirkland is committed to breaking this barrier, providing access, mentorship, and certification, and connecting our region’s MBEs directly to federal contracting opportunities related to defense, research, and federal spending.

Mobilize Capital That Actually Reaches Entrepreneurs
Walter Kirkland is committed to expanding federal lending, strengthening Community Development Financial Institutions, and creating new targeted funding opportunities so that minority entrepreneurs have every opportunity to start, grow, and compete.
This is not just about small business owners. This is about building wealth, creating jobs, and strengthening our regional economy.

Walter Kirkland’s vision is simple: if you have the drive to build a business, you have a fair shot to succeed.