Maryland’s Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program is an innovative approach to creating access to business opportunities, and is consistent with the State’s overarching goal to continue to support the viability of small businesses.  The SBR Program, created in 2004, is a race-neutral program that allows small businesses to participate as direct, prime contractors on State contracts with 23 designated agencies. 

Under the State Procurement Law, these agencies are required to spend at least 10 percent of their total fiscal year procurement expenditures with small businesses — Sections 14-501–14-505, State Finance and Procurement Article, Maryland Code Chapter 75, Laws of 2004.  Additionally, small businesses who meet the SBR size standards as defined under the law must self-register for the Program through the Department of General Services (DGS).  Annual registration renewal is also required.

The Governor's Office of Minority Affairs is responsible for oversight and compliance of the SBR Program.  The Maryland Department of General Services administers the online vendor registration process.