Who We Are
The Maryland Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) assists and enhances traditional business assistance programs such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, Apex Accelerators, and the Veterans Business Opportunity Center (VBOC).
Who We Are
The Maryland Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) assists and enhances traditional business assistance programs such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, Apex Accelerators, and the Veterans Business Opportunity Center (VBOC).
We collaborate with these organizations to support very small businesses (VSB) who may not yet be prepared for traditional business assistance programs.
Our primary goal is to empower underserved entrepreneurs to overcome their unique challenges and foster more significant equity and inclusivity within the small business ecosystem.
Our Team
Arthur Toole III, MBA
Program Director
Arthur Toole III, MBA, is a U.S. Army veteran, business strategist, and the Director of the Maryland Business Opportunity Center (MBOC). He leads an exceptional multidisciplinary team committed to helping small businesses grow in a way that lasts— so their success fuels wealth and opportunity for themselves, their families, and their communities.
A former Infantry and Military Intelligence officer, Arthur brings over 20 years of experience spanning military leadership, banking, higher education, and entrepreneurship. He previously held finance and marketing roles at Citigroup and USAA, and later served as Director of Military and Veteran Services at Prince George’s Community College, where he expanded services for more than 1,400 military-connected students each year and led award-winning initiatives to improve educational access and entrepreneurship.
Arthur is also the co-founder of MegRelief, a plant-based pain relief company launched with his wife, Danette, and the founder of the DMV Veteran Shark Tank, an annual pitch competition that awards over $30,000 each year to military-connected entrepreneurs.
When working with business owners, Arthur often reminds them:
“In both success and failure, you gain wisdom—and with any luck, more understanding.”
Jada Riley
Program Coordinator
Jada Riley is a proud graduate of Towson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. As the Program Coordinator for the MBOC, Jada plays a vital role in assessing the needs of first-time clients and referrals and connecting them with the center’s Business Development Specialists to receive tailored support and guidance.
Prior to her role at MBOC, Jada gained valuable experience as an intern for the Baltimore Region SBDC, where she helped develop training, webinars, and workshops to provide current and prospective small business owners with information and assistance to start, grow, and sustain their ventures. Jada is driven by her passion for entrepreneurship and is eager to assist Marylanders in pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations. With the help of her colleagues, Jada hopes to spur new business starts, drive capital infusion, and generate success stories for underserved members of the business landscape.
About MBOC
Our unique focus is equipping very small businesses (VSB) for seamless integration into established business support systems. We work closely with SBDC consultants, local organizations, and community partners to identify and bolster people facing obstacles when launching or expanding their businesses.
We offer mentorship, counseling, training, access to funding, and expert guidance to navigate entrepreneurial resources. MBOC is committed to ensuring every entrepreneur has the tools and support to flourish and achieve their business goals. Our comprehensive services span from crafting a solid business plan, securing the necessary funding, and effectively marketing your products or services.
The MBOC is operated by the University of Maryland and partnered with the Maryland Small Business Development Center.