Latest news with #HoCoHigherGrowthAcceleratorProgram
CBS News
12-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore City Mayor's Office to host job fair for displaced federal employees
The Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) is hosting a job fair to help displaced federal workers interested in changing careers find work. Both private and public sector employers are set to attend the event, including the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore City Community College, LifeBridge Health, and more. The Federal to Future Career Transition Expo will take place on March 20 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at New Psalmist Baptist Church. "MOED stands with Baltimore's workers during this challenging time. Through the Federal to Future Career Transition Expo and our ongoing workforce initiatives, we are committed to providing displaced federal employees with the support and connections they need to secure meaningful employment and continue contributing their skills to our city's economy," MacKenzie Garvin, MOED's director said. Federal workforce slash impacts Maryland Maryland leaders have made efforts to support federal employees as the Trump administration continues efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce. Last week, Maryland joined 18 other states in filing a lawsuit against the administration over mass firings of federal employees. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argued that federal agencies were required to follow "Reduction in Force" protocols, which include giving preference to military veterans and providing state governments with at least 60 days' notice before laying off 50 or more employees. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said more than 800 terminated federal employees in Maryland have already applied for state unemployment benefits. In February, Gov. Wes Moore said there are an estimated 160,000 federal civilian jobs in Maryland, which represents about 6% of jobs in the state. Maryland has the highest amount of federal employees behind Washington D.C. Resources for federal workers Governor Moore launched a new website last month to share resources for federal employees in the state who are being impacted by federal workforce layoffs and federal funding changes. At a town hall at Howard Community College, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said the county has begun expanding its workforce development resources. Ball also said the county is hosting a business resource expo for federal workers at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub Building at 9:30 a.m. on March 26. The expo will provide guidance on starting a business, including how to secure funding, mentorship, and legal services. Attendees can also learn about the HoCo Higher Growth Accelerator Program, a seven-week program that helps people learn how to develop a business. Federal workers who need assistance in Baltimore City can visit a MOED career center or request virtual assistance. Individuals can also visit the MOED job board. The department's compilation of resources for federal employees is available here.
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County takes new initiatives to help fired federal workers, contractors
Howard County is expanding its support for federal workers and contractors, specifically for those looking to start their own businesses. In February, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced expanded resources for these workers. There are around 50,000 of these workers in Howard County, according to Ball's office. At a news conference Tuesday, Ball said this latest round of assistance could not only help these workers, but also benefit the county's economy. Expanded resources for federal workers On Feb. 4, Ball held a federal worker forum for anyone to express how they feel about the new Trump administration. Hundreds turned out, and some were even notified of their firing during the event. "These actions have disrupted lives and disrupted our economy," Ball said. Since then, Howard County has rolled out expanded workforce development resources, including organizing a job fair and offering more career counseling services. "During the last month alone, our workforce development has helped nearly 1,000 impacted federal workers or contractors," Ball said. To build upon that, Ball announced Tuesday the county wants to help these workers build their businesses. Partnering with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, the county is putting on a business resource expo for federal workers at the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub Building at 9:30 a.m. on March 26. Everything about starting a business will be covered. How to secure funding, mentorship and legal services will be on hand to offer guidance. Ball said federal workers have shown a big interest in entrepreneurship, saying workers have brought up "numerous industries" to him. "Many in the tech sector, cybersecurity, looking at emerging industries like AI," Ball said. "Some are looking at the trades." Attendees can also learn about the HoCo Higher Growth Accelerator Program, which is a seven-week program that helps people learn how to develop a business. There will be information about grants and other programs useful for business owners. Hotlines and other help Howard County still has a helpline email open for any federal worker needing help: hocohelp@ Ball said 250 people have been helped by that helpline. There will be another job fair for federal workers at Howard Community College on April 8 at 6 p.m. Howard County also has a helpline for people looking for childcare information and referrals, people can call 410-313-CARE. Ball said the county is in need of more childcare professionals to work at the county's 23 before and after care sites. If you're interested, you can email RLCchildcare@
