Baltimore, MD — Women entrepreneurs across the region will have an opportunity to strengthen the legal foundations of their businesses this summer as the Maryland Small Business Development Center hosts its 2026 Women’s Entrepreneur Conference, The Legal Blueprint: Safeguarding Women-Owned Businesses.
The in-person event will take place Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Designed to address common legal challenges faced by women business owners, the conference will bring together attorneys, public officials, and business experts to provide practical, accessible guidance.
The program will open with remarks from Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore and Maryland SBDC State Director Lora Brown, followed by an opening address from Comptroller Brooke Lierman centered on systems of accountability. The day will conclude with closing remarks from Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson, focusing on systems of justice.
Throughout the conference, attendees will engage in sessions covering contracts, intellectual property protection, and common legal pitfalls that can impact small businesses. A panel led by attorneys from Gordon Feinblatt LLC will explore real-world legal challenges, while additional presentations will highlight estate planning and long-term legacy strategies for entrepreneurs.
Organizers say the conference is designed to close a critical gap. Many women-owned businesses face avoidable risks due to limited access to clear and affordable legal information. By offering expert-led sessions and direct access to resources at the state and local level, the event aims to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to protect and grow their enterprises.
In addition to educational sessions, the conference will include networking opportunities and a lunch session, creating space for entrepreneurs to connect and share experiences.
The event is open to the public, with limited seating available. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and tickets are priced at $25.
To register, visit: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/18441
The Maryland SBDC continues to provide free consulting, training, and resources to entrepreneurs statewide, supporting business creation, growth, and long-term sustainability.
