Registration will be required for all entrepreneurs and companies seeking to utilize TEDCO programs and funding. Once registered, clients can access TEDCO’s resources and funds using their unique TEDCO ID, reducing redundancies in data entry for our stakeholders. TEDCO will require this registration information be updated on an annual basis for those continuing to utilize TEDCO programming and funding. Please see the Q&A below to better understand why TEDCO is requiring registration.
As part of the registration process, TEDCO will be collecting race and ethnicity data. However, this data will not be accessible to TEDCO program/fund managers and will only be provided to them in aggregate (anonymous) on a quarterly and annual basis. The data will not be used for funding eligibility consideration. Some TEDCO program and fund applications will require specific additional information about race and ethnicity. The data collected from those questions will be used by the program/fund managers for eligibility/funding consideration, in accordance with the respective program/fund legislation.
Q: Why is TEDCO collecting race and ethnicity data?
A: Pursuant to the Economic Development Article of the Maryland Code, TEDCO is required to foster inclusive and diverse entrepreneurship and innovation throughout Maryland. Accordingly, TEDCO is collecting race, gender, and ethnicity data to be used, in aggregate, to better understand the communities that are accessing TEDCO’s resources/funding. This data will be used to aid in planning and prioritizing TEDCO’s new programs or program modifications to better serve our stakeholders. These data will further be used to evaluate TEDCO’s programs and policies to ensure that they fairly and equitably serve the needs of all diverse groups; and are in compliance with the requisite antidiscrimination laws, regulations, and policies.
Please be sure to store your TEDCO ID number where you can access it again in the future.