Small businesses play vital roles in the economic growth and development of the communities Towson University serves. Supporting them is important because it helps TU fulfill its public-facing mission and advances strategies that promote and support local purchasing.

Co-hosted by the Office of Partnerships and Outreach and the Procurement Department, the annual event is an opportunity for those making purchasing decisions at TU and in the community to build relationships and explore products and services from small, minority, veteran and women-owned businesses from across greater Baltimore.

The 2025 event kicked off with a panel to help small, minority and veteran owned businesses navigate the Maryland socioeconomic procurement certification programs. These programs help connects the small business community to greater economic opportunities at State agencies. Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs highlighted how local businesses can qualify and apply for the programs and two certified vendors shared their experiences becoming certified and working with Towson University.

Seven small businesses were able to become certified as an SBR or VSBE through the help of representatives from Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs and eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (e-MMA).

panelists speak during the 2025 towson university vendor fair
Panelists speak about navigating Maryland socioeconomic procurement certification programs.
representative from the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs speak to attendees at the 2025 towson university vendor fair
A representative from the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs at the 2025 Towson University Vendor Fair.

The Vendor Fair featured 41 certified vendors, three state agencies and eight local university procurement teams and was attended 155 representatives from Towson University and other universities, public school systems and local and state government entities, along with small businesses owners and others interested in connecting with certified vendors and local procurement teams. Participating vendors included:

Business Operations

Construction & Maintenance Services

Marketing

Novelty Goods & Branded Apparel

Supplies & Equipment

Technology, IT Services & Supplies

The Vendor Fair will be held again in spring 2026 and our goal is to increase vendor and buyer attendance, along with representation from other anchor institutions in greater Baltimore.