The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners recognized the 2026 graduating class of CatalystQ — The Catalyst for Minority Business Excellence in Queen Anne’s County at their March 24th meeting, celebrating an important milestone for local entrepreneurs and the County’s continued investment in minority business development.
Launched by Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, CatalystQ is the County’s second minority business-focused accelerator and part of a broader series of business accelerators designed to help local businesses start, grow, and succeed in Queen Anne’s County. The program builds on the success of META, the County’s first minority business accelerator, which was completed in 2024. Funding for CatalystQ was made possible through the Local Managament Board’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund.
Bay Crossing Consulting was selected to lead the CatalystQ program, delivering a dynamic suite of services aimed at addressing key barriers often faced by minority entrepreneurs, including access to capital, business knowledge, legal and regulatory compliance, and professional networking.
Running from October 2025 through March 2026, CatalystQ provided an intensive six-month experience that included bi-weekly in-person sessions at Chesapeake College, Mentoring Mondays, and one-on-one support from experienced professionals. Participants were paired with mentors and received access to Small Business Development Center consultants, as well as an accountant, lawyer, and other subject matter experts to help strengthen and advance their businesses.
The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners recognized the following graduates of the first CatalystQ cohort:
Alicia Boyd — Humble Hearts Catering & Events
Taccorra Graves — Crafteebabe Kreationz (not pictured)
DeSales Ward — Garden Warrior, LLC
Shawkeya Johnson — Tips & Toes LLC
Monica Richards — Monica’s Blessed Hands
Kashira Brooks — Mentally Evolve Therapeutic Services
Jean-Pierre Laurenceau — Intercultural Solutions
Janel King — King Beauti
Each graduate received a certificate of completion from the County Commissioners, along with continuing education credits from Chesapeake College, marking an exciting milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.
CatalystQ reflects Queen Anne’s County’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunity, supporting diverse local businesses, and strengthening the County’s economic vitality. By continuing to invest in targeted business development programs, the County is helping entrepreneurs build strong foundations for long-term success.
Categories: Press Release
