Members’ Corner: Barbara Quaye

 

Name, Title, Organization:

Barbara Quaye, Business Development Director, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

Explain your background in economic development:

I bring over a decade of expertise in business development, partnerships, negotiation, and persuasion, with extensive experience in both economic development and the financial industry. My work with underserved communities has deeply influenced my approach to collaboration with other organizations.

What are your key priorities within your current position?

In my current role, my primary focus is managing our Inclusive Ventures Program, an accelerator aimed at fostering business growth. I focus on networking and collaborating with government entities and strategic partners to recruit new businesses and support existing ones in their expansion efforts. I actively stay informed about free resources such as grant opportunities and workshops that can benefit businesses. Recognizing the importance of partnerships, I am proactive in seeking assistance and even reach out to other countries to learn from their successful strategies.

What professional pressures keep you up at night?

The professional pressures that keep me up at night consist of staying knowledgeable about all resources and on top of changes in laws that affect our local business community. It’s crucial for me to reach every business owner across the county and I want to ensure I am aware of changes that are applicable to them and their business. Additionally, I am committed to being a strong voice for the minority community, ensuring our needs are addressed and met.

What attributes are unique to your community?

I believe Anne Arundel County stands out due to the increased funding, diverse programs, and abundant resources. Each county tailors its operations to meet its unique needs.

What are your locality’s top three “selling points” for future growth?

Our community’s top three priorities for future growth are maximizing access to capital, increasing grant funding opportunities for startups, and organizing informational conferences with subject matter experts specifically for the minority community.