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2026 Annual Report
Brewing Community: How Elias and Meryem Are Expanding Buna Talk Café’s Mission Across Washington, D.C.
When Elias and Meryem envisioned Buna Talk Café, they weren’t simply thinking about opening a coffee shop. They were thinking about creating a place where people could gather. Inspired by the rich tradition of Ethiopian hospitality, where coffee serves as a...
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: How Small Businesses Can Access Capital and Stay Growth Ready
In today’s economic environment, many small businesses are facing difficult decisions. Rising operational costs, changing consumer spending habits, workforce challenges, and uncertainty around interest rates have caused many business owners to take a more cautious...
From Family Vision to Regional Brand: How Dat Jerk Caribbean Chargrill is Expanding Opportunity Across the DMV
When Richard and Angela Fray opened the first Dat Jerk Caribbean Chargrill, they weren’t simply launching a restaurant. They were on a mission to elevate Caribbean cuisine, challenge outdated perceptions, and build a brand that celebrated culture while creating...
Thriving While Leading: Dr. Keisha L. Mack on Mental Health & Entrepreneurship
For many women entrepreneurs, burnout has become so common that it feels normal. The long hours. The pressure to succeed. The expectation to constantly show up for everyone else while silently neglecting yourself. Dr. Keisha L. Mack, Founder & CEO of Everbloom...SBA Lending Changes Could Open New Opportunities for Growing Businesses
Small businesses across the country may soon have access to more SBA-backed capital than ever before. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced a major update to its lending programs that will allow eligible borrowers to combine SBA 7(a) and SBA 504...
Women’s History Month Spotlight: Shanton Kittler
This Women’s History Month, FSC FIRST is proud to highlight Shanton Kittler, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager at MainStreet Bank and Board Chair of FSC FIRST. Through her leadership in community banking and her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs,...
Getting Your Business Tax-Ready in 2026: Bookkeeping Habits That Support Taxes and Financing
FSC First is dedicated to empowering emerging and established businesses through innovative financing solutions, strategic coaching, and practical tools for long-term growth. Through our Level Up program, business owners gain access to expert-led education designed to...
Celebrating Three Years of Leadership at FSC First: Dawn R. Medley
FSC First is proud to celebrate three years of leadership under President & CEO Dawn R. Medley, whose steady guidance, professionalism, and strong public presence continue to shape the organization’s impact across the region. Since stepping into her role, Dawn has...
3 Things to Know Before Applying for Capital from FSC First in 2026
As we head into a new year, many small business owners are thinking about growth—whether that means expanding operations, hiring staff, purchasing equipment, or strengthening cash flow. Access to capital can make those goals possible. As a trusted Community...
FSC First Welcomes New Additions to the Business Development Team
FSC First is proud to celebrate the newest members of our Business Development Team, Jasmine Forbes and James Johnson. Their addition reflects our continued commitment to strengthening small business support and empowering the next generation of financial and business...
Small Business Feature: ZOKPIA Accounting & Consulting
We’re thrilled to congratulate ZOKPIA Accounting & Consulting for securing capital with FSC First! This milestone is a major achievement and a testament to their strategic growth and financial clarity. About ZOKPIA ZOKPIA is a fractional CFO and finance team that...Spotlight on Dana A. Smith, Owner of Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness
Founded in 2003 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland by Dana A. Smith, Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness has become a cornerstone for healing, growth, and community. As the owner and founder, Dana introduced the studio’s signature practice, Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® — Live...From Camp to Career: Zya Berlack’s Journey with FSC First
Hi, my name is Zya Berlack. I’ve been interning at FSC First for the past three weeks. I first learned about this nonprofit during an Entrepreneurial Camp, and when I began looking for an internship, FSC First stood out because of its mission—helping small businesses...Honoring Black Business Month: Spotlight on Bruce Thompson & Courtyard by Marriott Bowie
FSC First proudly celebrates Black Business Month by honoring outstanding Black-owned businesses in our community. This month, we recognize Bruce Thompson, owner of the Courtyard by Marriott Bowie, a premier hotel destination located in Bowie, Maryland. About the...Secrets to Getting Retail Ready
Getting ready to open a retail business involves more than finding the right storefront. It requires strategy, research, and a clear-eyed understanding of what success will take. Monica Byrd, PMP— a project manager and commercial real estate agent with NAI Michael...In the Community: CEO Spotlight on Dawn Medley
Over the past few weeks, FSC First President and CEO Dawn Medley has been on the ground across Prince George’s County and DC, connecting with community leaders and small business owners. Through panel discussions, forums, and roundtable conversations, Dawn has...
Finding Strength Behind the Lens: Samuel Smith, FSC First Team Member and Storyteller
“In a couple of years, you won’t care how long it took. You’ll just be glad you never gave up.” – Anonymous This quote isn’t a fleeting sentiment for Samuel Smith—it’s the compass that guides him through the uncertainties of...
Harlem Nights Annual Awards Gala: A Night of Celebration, Legacy, and Vision
What a night! The FSC First Harlem Nights Annual Awards Gala was nothing short of spectacular—a high-energy celebration where timeless elegance met bold community impact. Inspired by the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, the evening brought together visionaries,...
Exciting Promotion Announcement: Congratulations, Beverly Everson-Jones!
FSC First promoted Beverly Everson-Jones to Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO), a strategic move positioning the organization for its next phase of growth. Designed to be a “force multiplier,” this role will help President and CEO Dawn Medley focus on...
Powering Profitability at Every Business Stage
“Do what you love and love what you do. I didn’t invent the saying, but I use it often,” shares financial coach and entrepreneur Maria Randall. A few years back, Randall turned 17+ years of federal loan knowledge into her small business dream. As the CEO...2024 Annual Report
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A Head and Heart Business Strategy Brings About Success
Will Holmes, founder of Will Holmes Consulting (WHC), has a head for entrepreneurship and a heart for helping people change their lives–and the lives of those around them. A firm believer in the “butterfly effect,” Holmes encourages business owners to innovate, create...Grow Your Business In 2025 With FSC First
Are you ready to take your business to the next level in 2025? Make this year the year your business reaches its full potential with FSC First! As the premier lending partner in the region, we provide creative financing solutions to drive growth and sustainability in...Financial Tips to End 2024 and Start 2025 Strong
A strong financial finish to the year is one of the best ways small businesses can set the stage for success in the new year. FSC First is committed to equipping business owners with practical tools to navigate financial challenges. To help you prepare for tax season,...2023 Annual Report
FSCfirst-2023-final...Strengthen Your Cybersecurity: Best Practices for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Are you monitoring your networks for suspicious activity? October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a perfect time for small businesses to ensure their information technology systems and computers are secure. According to Cybercrime Magazine, “nearly 60% of small...
Mrs. Moore’s Childcare Expands Its Care and Business Thanks to the MWBC Child Care Program
A 2018 study by the Maryland Family Network revealed a staggering impact on the state’s economy: over $1.28 billion in annual losses due to childcare-related absenteeism and turnover. One of the key drivers of these disruptions is the decline in family childcare...
Reflections and Insights: The President & CEO’s Perspective on FY 2024
As we close the chapter on FY 2024, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable achievements of FSC First. This year has truly demonstrated our steadfast dedication to supporting and uplifting small businesses in our community. Throughout the year,...Five Effective Tips to Boost Your Networking Skills
The power of connection is palpable. During a recent WBAL TV news feature on FSC First’s Level Up program, two of our participants met in person for the first time. The news segment successfully provided visibility for their businesses and fostered a potential...
FSC First Employee Spotlight: Andrea Schauer
Introducing Andrea Schauer, FSC First’s Senior Commercial Credit Underwriter! At FSC First, Andrea plays a crucial role in underwriting various commercial loans, a service that is pivotal in helping small business owners promote and grow their businesses. Her...
Success Story: Williams & Heintz Map Corporation
Williams & Heintz Map Corp., a longstanding family-owned business, has been at the forefront of custom map printing and GIS cartography for over a decade. Under the stewardship of Holly Budd and Mark Budd, the company has established itself as a leader in...Leaning into LivePlan With Tisa Clark
When we think of traditional business plans, we typically imagine a lengthy, carefully crafted document that will eventually collect dust on a shelf. LivePlan, a unique online measurement and benchmarking tool, transforms traditional business plans into dynamic,...
FSC First’s “Step into Success” Gala & Sneaker Ball
FSC First’s “Step into Success” Gala & Sneaker Ball held at the Hotel at UMD was a great night of celebration and networking. We honored our remarkable small business awardees and acknowledged our valued partners. ABC News Anchor, Adrianna Hopkins brought the...
Growing Leaders: Tips for Professional Development with Cheryl Robertson of InnerGrow Integrated Coaching, LLC.
Professional development is the cornerstone of personal and career growth. As business leaders look to upskill their knowledge and support their teams, coaching can be a highly effective tool to help realize growth objectives and acquire valuable skills that will...3 Healthcare Capital Fund Program loans
FSC First administers the Healthcare Capital Fund. The program is funded in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical System. Healthcare providers and businesses aiming to sustain and improve health are the targets for this loan and can use it to help expand...Are you Prepared for Your Initial Meeting with Your Commercial Lender?
Did You Know? Small business owners often need access to capital to grow and sustain their business. When this becomes a short term and/or long-term reality, the small business owner must first prepare for a meeting with their intended lender. During this preparation,...
Protect Your Business (and Yourself) Through Adequate Insurance
Business owners, focused on building their success, can often forget to safeguard the entities and assets they’ve worked tirelessly to build. By proactively securing adequate business insurance, entrepreneurs and small business owners can diminish the impact of...
Business Spotlight: Sew Creative Lounge
Sew Creative Lounge: positioned to keep the art form of sewing thriving in Prince George’s County and beyond. Cecily Habimana’s affection for sewing began in her youth watching her mother sew clothes for family members. Fast forward to 2017, she and her co-owner,...
End-of-Year Financial Tips for Small Businesses with Hope Brown of the Tax-Minded Bookkeeper
FSC First is dedicated to offering innovative and effective business financing options to both emerging and established companies. Our Level Up program offers an array of business solutions and coaching, enhancing our support for business growth and development. As...
Army Veteran A’ngela D. Dunn’s Entrepreneurial Journey with FSC First
In observance of National Veterans and Military Families Month, FSC First is proud to spotlight A’ngela D. Dunn, an Army veteran and entrepreneur, who is set to launch a fashion business in the first quarter of 2024. Growing up, Dunn was inspired by her two...FSC First Celebrates Economic Development Week in Maryland
October 23 – 27 marks Economic Development Week in Maryland, a time to spotlight and celebrate the significant impact of economic development on our state. Instituted by the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) in 2011, this annual observance...Empowering Entrepreneurs: FSC First Provides Support and Encourages Success for Business, 21st Century Expo Group
FSC First is dedicated to nurturing partnerships with small businesses within our community. Established in 1978, we have facilitated millions in loans, aiding businesses in search of financial support and guidance. We understand and value the unique privilege of...
Economic Development Week in Maryland FSC First Proclamation
QC Jones: Nurturing Small Businesses and Fostering Success with FSC First
From start-up incubation to overseeing government contracts, QC Jones brings a wealth of business acumen and proficiency to his role on FSC First’s Board of Directors. Throughout his career, Jones has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enabling both individuals...
Master CEO Coaching Series Guides Prince George’s Entrepreneurs
CEOs seeking guidance and support to elevate their businesses can now benefit from the Master CEO Coaching Series by FSC First. This program provides personalized solutions to CEOs, empowering leaders to overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals. Sponsored by FSC...
All Star Flooring Navigates Pandemic with BRI Grant
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, All Star Flooring owner Joe Nusraty was determined to keep his business afloat without impacting his staff. A Business Recovery Initiative (BRI) grant from Prince George’s County administered by FSC First helped him do just that. All...
The Benefits of Good Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is a skill that has tangible benefits for business owners at all stages of their careers. April is Financial Literacy Month, but the FSC First team and our partners work together to help entrepreneurs cultivate these skills all year long. One of our...
Talking with Steward Smith, FSC First’s “Money Man”
When small business owners want to grow, they know who to talk to: FSC First’s very own “Money Man,” Vice President of Business Development, Steward Smith. Steward brings a wealth of experience to FSC First. He has been with FSC First for ten years but has more than...2022 Annual Report
FSCfirst-2022-final-web...Introducing FSC First’s 2023 Annual Award Winners
Every year, FSC First recognizes employees and clients who have contributed exceptionally to our mission and the community. These businesses and individuals exemplify our commitment to excellence and share our dedication to improving the health of Maryland’s economy....Purple Line Business Assistance Grant Update
Suppose you’re a business located along the Purple Line Construction Impacted Corridor. In that case, you may be eligible for $5,000 – $10,000 in assistance from a grant sponsored by Prince George’s County and the Maryland Department of Commerce. Construction of...
FSC First Announces Dawn R. Medley as New President & CEO
FSC First is pleased to announce that Dawn R. Medley will assume the position of President & CEO, effective January 1, 2023. Medley will succeed Shelly Gross-Wade, who steps down in December 2022 after nearly 25 years of service. Medley currently serves as FSC...
Access To Capital Matters!
Written by J. Steward Smith, Vice President, Business Development FSC First is the premier non-bank lender in our market and a reliable provider of creative and innovative business financing solutions to established and emerging businesses in the State of Maryland....
A Summer Fun Short List from FSC First
When the summer days grow longer, the opportunities for fun follow suit in Prince George’s County. Whether you prefer low-key experiences or high-octane adventures, you’ll never have to go far to find excitement in our community. Our list of local favorites will help...