Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses in Maryland

March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate it than by highlighting some of the amazing women-owned businesses in Maryland?

Did you know, in Maryland there are over 275,000 women-owned businesses, and they make up 52 percent of all businesses in the state? These businesses bring in $1.9 billion in revenue each year, highlighting the important contributions that women-owned businesses make to the economy. By shopping at these businesses, we can help support these entrepreneurs and their communities.

Here are eight businesses that have made a name for themselves in their respective industries:

1. Big Bean Theory – Founder and Owner Eula McDowell started small, with made-to-order meal services in Baltimore, before evolving into The Big Bean Theory. It is safe to say that her business has grown and will continue to grow. Big Bean Theory products are now available in farmers markets throughout all of Baltimore, along with a The Big Bean cafe in Mt. Vernon Marketplace. There is an endless array of products, from Black Bean Burgers, to Veggie Lasagna to even Mama’s Rock’n Moroccan Stew!
2. Blackwater Environmental Group, LLC – Founder Caryn J. G. Brookman established the company in 2009 with a mission to streamline environmental and planning services while upholding environmental regulations. Blackwater Environmental Group provides environmental consulting and planning services to businesses in Maryland and beyond.
3. Deddles Donuts – This business specializes in creating unique and delicious donuts that are almost too pretty to eat! Their Instagram-worthy treats come in a variety of flavors, from classic glazed to fruity pebble-topped creations.
4. Dope Nerds, LLC – Founded by self-taught technologist and tech entrepreneur Ursula Spencer, Dope Nerds provides new and more impactful learning experiences for youth and underrepresented communities using tech such as AI.
5. Michele’s Granola – Founder Michele Tsucalas fell in love with the granola after a hard working summer in New England. After growing fond of the locally made granola and realizing she missed it, she decided to give it a try on her own. Now, 15 years later, she is still hand making her products to share with the community.
6. Restl Designers – Restl Designers is a woman-owned Structural Engineering Firm that has been a leading provider in structurally sound engineering solutions throughout the mid-Atlantic for over 40 years.
7. Sally O’s – Located in Highlandtown, founder and chef Jesse Sandlin opened the restaurant in 2020. Sandlin, a Top Chef alum, created a vibrant and eclectic space for the community with a menu that brings a special blend of unique ingredients to the table based on what’s in season.
8. The Urban Oyster – Founder and chef Jasmine Norton started the company in order to have a relaxed eating environment for high quality oysters. There’s no need to dress up to get a delicious oyster meal, that’s not what The Urban Oyster is about, there it’s all about dressing down and good food.

Women-owned businesses have made significant contributions to the economy of Maryland. According to the Baltimore Business Journal, two of the largest women-owned businesses in Baltimore are SHAPIRO, led by Margie Shapiro, and BFPE INTERNATIONAL, led by Pamela Boyer. For more women-owned businesses in the Baltimore area, check out this list.

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge and support these innovative and impactful women-led businesses, as well as the many other women who are making a difference in our communities!