3 Things to Know During Women’s Small Business Month

Women’s Small Business Month

October is a month that represents us at Applied Development. Earlier this month, we featured how our services align with the goals and mission of Disability Employment Awareness Month. October is also National Women’s Small Business Month. As an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified business, we […]

Our CEO Reflects on Business Success

Headshot of Kimberly Citizen

This year, Applied Development has experienced a lot of success. We’ve been nominated for two awards from the BBJ, received recognition from Inc. magazine for our growth, and received nominations as a successful veteran-owned business. But what does success really mean to a business owner? Approaching the 8th anniversary of Applied Development, our CEO Kimberly Citizen […]

4 Reasons Your Business Needs Technical Writing

technical writing

When people think of technical writing, they often think of a scientist or engineer who needs to communicate what they do. However, technical writing is much broader than one field or discipline. In fact, most businesses use some form of technical writing. In the broadest sense of the term, technical writing just explains. Technical writers […]

Why a Mentoring Program is Good for You and Your Employees

[Photo description: a man and a woman sitting at a table looking at a laptop computer screen with another woman standing looking at the screen. Photo by @sarahpflugphoto / via Burst Photo]

This week on LinkedIn, our CEO Kimberly Citizen shares how and why creating a mentoring program benefits employees and business owners. Kimberly knew she wanted to create a unique corporate culture at Applied Development, where employees feel valued and listened to. Creating a mentoring program allows both employees to feel valued. It also has the […]

Why Mentoring Matters, Part 1

Two women sit opposite each other in an airy open office, one woman talks while the other takes notes.

This week on LinkedIn, our CEO Kimberly Citizen shares three reasons why having a mentor matters. She writes, “Through my successes and failures, I’ve seen one constant business practice that ensures I’m not an island: mentoring.” She shares experiences and lessons from the beginning of Applied Development’s existence, to why it’s still valuable to have […]

4 Reasons Contracting Education Matters

US Capitol building at night with slightly out of focus yellow caution tape in the foreground.

Last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the federal government exceeded the goal for contracts awarded to small businesses. “I’m happy to report that for the first time in history the federal government has awarded more than $120 billion in federal contracts,” said Acting Administrator Chris Pilkerton. Small businesses strengthen the economy and […]

3 Lessons from a Female Business Owner

Black and white photo of a woman holding a cup that reads "Like a Boss"

Owning and running any business is hard, and being a female business owner in a male-dominated industry presents unique challenges. However, organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) provide a space for women business owners and entrepreneurs to connect with and learn from each other, and grow their businesses. In anticipation of the […]

Biffrey Braxton: Committed to Baltimore’s Communities

Headshot of black-owned business co-founder Biffrey Braxton, man in suit with glasses smiling.

In his role as Applied Development’s Chief Operating Officer, Biffrey Braxton prides himself on being able to balance his technology-focused background with his human-centered approach to work. Although these may seem like opposing ways of thinking about the world, Biffrey embraces these two ideas not only in work, but in his approach to life, work, […]

3 Tips for Small Business Success

Men sitting at a table with papers in front of them. Faces not visible.

This National Small Business Week, we wanted to share some advice and best practices we have come across here at Applied Development in our first seven years of being a small business. Last week, our CEO Kimberly Citizen shared her personal stories of small business success and setbacks on LinkedIn. However, our whole staff knows […]

Reflections on Small Business Setbacks and Success

Photo of a group of people standing outside posing for the camera. Woman in a beige pant suit in the front holds a sign with the letters VIP.

National Small Business Week (May 5-11) celebrates and highlights small businesses across the United States. But as many small business owners and entrepreneurs know, creating and sustaining a business creates many challenges. Although small businesses create two out of every three new jobs, more than half won’t survive their fifth year. This week, Applied Development’s […]