Veterans Manufacturing & Innovation Showcase Comes to Baltimore

The Mid-Atlantic VBOC and Maryland SBDC spotlight client manufacturers and connect entrepreneurs to growth resources

The Mid-Atlantic Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will co-host the Veterans Manufacturing & Innovation Showcase from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in conjunction with Harbor Designs and Manufacturing in Baltimore, Maryland. The free event will highlight manufacturing clients from both organizations and bring together experts, lenders, and resource partners dedicated to helping manufacturers start, scale, and succeed.

The showcase will also feature a keynote address from Dr. James E. West, a Purple Heart veteran, holder of over 240 patents, and director of the James E. West Foundation.

“Veterans bring mission focus, technical excellence, and grit to manufacturing,” said Tina Edwards, Director of the Mid-Atlantic VBOC. “By partnering with SBDC and our SBA network, we’re spotlighting veteran innovators while opening doors to the programs, mentors, and supplier opportunities that accelerate their success.”

“Maryland’s makers are building the products and creating the jobs that keep our economy strong,” adds Lora Brown, Director of the Maryland SBDC. “This showcase puts our manufacturers at the center, surrounding them with practical know-how, capital partners, and connections they can use right away to grow here in Maryland.”

Fulton Bank is the event sponsor. “As they transition from military service to the civilian workforce, veterans provide valuable skills, experience, and teamwork to manufacturers and other businesses, said Joe Durham, Fulton Bank Market President. “At Fulton Bank, we appreciate the input of veterans in roles ranging from interns to senior leaders. That’s why we are excited to partner with the Mid-Atlantic VBOC and Maryland SBDC for this event.”

Manufacturers and product companies (early-stage to growth-stage), veteran entrepreneurs, procurement and supply-chain leaders, ecosystem partners, lenders, and anyone interested in Made-in-America manufacturing are welcome to attend.

Program Highlights
· U.S. SBA Made in America Manufacturing Initiative overview
· Manufacturing SME Panel (MD/DC/DE/VA)
· Manufacturing Business-to-Business Panel
· Fireside chat with veteran-owned manufacturers
· Resource exhibit featuring lenders and technical assistance providers

About the Maryland SBDC
Hosted by the University of Maryland, the Maryland Small Business Development Center provides one-on-one counseling, training, and marketing resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive across the state. Many SBDC services are available at no cost to entrepreneurs.

About the Mid-Atlantic VBOC
The Mid-Atlantic Veterans Business Outreach Center serves Maryland, D.C., Delaware, and Northern Virginia. It empowers transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses with training, counseling, and referral to relevant resources to launch and grow successful businesses across the region.

The Mid-Atlantic VBOC and Maryland SBDC programs are funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Click here to view event details including directions, contact information and more!