Montgomery County Partners with Leadership Montgomery to Support Federal Contractors Hard‑Hit by Policy Changes

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 2, 2026

County Launches Business Support Effort with April 30 Resilience Forum

Montgomery County has selected the nonprofit organization Leadership Montgomery to support a key effort led by the County's Business Center to help local businesses adapt to significant shifts in federal procurement, funding, and policy.

Under this agreement, Leadership Montgomery will create a comprehensive set of programs for the County Business Center's Support Services for federal government contractors such as:

• Organize a major business conference.
• Provide monthly training sessions.
• Facilitate year-long cohort program-designed to support County entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses that have been directly affected by federal policy shifts.

Recent changes in the federal government's contracting and grants environment have led to modifications in Federal Acquisition Regulations, executive orders, the Buy American Act/Trade Agreements Act, enforcement and shifts in spending priorities which have impacted both businesses and nonprofits receiving federal contracts and grants.

"Increased regulations and reduced opportunities to compete for federal procurement and funding have taken a toll on the bottom line for many Montgomery County businesses that rely on federal contracts and grants for their economic success," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "We want to help these businesses remain viable by giving them the tools they need to navigate these changes. This partnership with Leadership Montgomery will enable us to reach those businesses needing assistance, making it easier for businesses to understand what's happening and what next steps they can take. Helping local businesses sustain the impact of the federal government's actions, is vital to maintaining the strength of the County's economy."

As part of this work, Leadership Montgomery will host the LEAD Forum: Business Resilience, designed to help participants in response to the federal contracting and grant changes. The one-day business conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. Registration is now open. The conference features expert speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor showcase aimed at helping organizations understand current procurement requirements, identify new opportunities, and strengthen their capacity to compete. The event is expected to draw between 200 and 300 entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

"The landscape of government procurement and policy is shifting, and the ones who understand those changes will be the ones who lead," said Dana Pauley, president & CEO, Leadership Montgomery. "We are excited to partner with the County to host a conference that gives business leaders, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders exactly what they need, which is valuable information, practical tools, and a clear understanding of what steps to take next. When our organizations are equipped to adapt and grow, the entire County benefits."

The LEAD Forum: Business Resilience is designed for executives and senior leaders evaluating procurement, funding, and diversification strategies. Conference fees are $50 and $10 for federal workers.

In addition to the conference, Leadership Montgomery will host at least ten monthly educational training programs and a year-long cohort training program featuring workshops, coaching, and structured peer learning. These programs aim to strengthen business readiness, support diversification, and help organizations respond effectively to changing federal conditions.

All events and updates will be listed on the Montgomery County Business Center calendar, and Montgomery County will serve as the primary sponsor of these programs.

For more information or to register for the LEAD Forum: Business Resilience, visit the Montgomery County Business Center's online calendar.

# # #