The Creative Mind Behind Metro’s Small Business Programs

The vibrant and bustling streets of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area are brought to life by a community of small, minority, and women-owned businesses certified with Metro, each paving their own path to success.

And the driving force behind it all is Meshelle M.V. Howard, Director of Small Business Programs, who brings her experience, passion, and commitment to build and grow small businesses throughout the community.

Metro’s innovative socioeconomic programs help Metro to achieve its federal and non-federal small business goals. These programs include Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Program (SBP), and Micro-Business Program (MBP).

Howard and her team at the Small Business Programs Office (SBPO) are dedicated to educating and informing the public, as well as providing:

• Business connections
• Supporting the growth and development of the small business communities
• Contributing to the economic growth of the DMV area

“Coming to Metro as their Director of Small Business Programs has been an important and different part of my career journey. The support I have received from my chain of command, colleagues, and Procurement Management team has been amazing to experience,” said Howard.

Howard believes small businesses are the backbone of any economy.

That belief won her and her team Metro’s Equity Award in 2020 and Metro’s Equity Award – Honorable Mention in 2022. But it was also the source behind her building and implementing Metro’s most recent programs like MBE, SBP, and MBP earlier this year.  

Howard, who’s all about uplifting these dynamic entrepreneurs, has been with Metro for two and a half years. She knows the ins and outs of small business and what it takes to succeed. Howard retired from Maryland State Government as the Director of Civil Rights and Fair Practices, where she oversaw MBE, DBE, SBE Programs, Veterans Small Business Programs, EEO and the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 for over 30 years. She understands firsthand what small business communities need to prosper.

“I have a history of giving back and reaching out to the small business community to teach, coach, motivate and inspire them on their journey of being entrepreneurs,” said Howard.

This passion, she said, stems from her upbringing.

“My mom always set the example for us growing up. My mom was a shipfitter at Sparrows Point shipyard and always helped feed people in need or with whatever they needed. And we helped her,” said Howard.

Federal and local regulations and WMATA Board Policies guide Metro's small business programs. And as Metro continues to help promote social equity and inclusivity in the economy, Howard and her team ensure that all businesses, regardless of their size or structure, have access to opportunities to grow and prosper in the region.

“I want the entire Metro to think about using small businesses first for their product and service needs. If we do not have any certified businesses in those areas, they can move forward with other vendors, but at least put forth efforts to use them, which helps Metro achieve its small business goals, strengthen the economy, and help businesses grow,” said Howard.

Howard said she’s the happiest when businesses want to be certified with Metro and succeed.

"But I get excited when we [Metro] utilize small businesses in every opportunity we can."

“That means credit card purchases as well,” said Howard. "We have the buying power to exceed our federal and local goals, but we will not succeed without Metro employees utilizing our certified small businesses, making sure all possible projects and contracts have small business goals on them.”

Howard and her team have helped thousands of customers and businesses since 2020 and are striving for continued success by creating more contracting opportunities at Metro.

“We get happy knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of these small businesses. My heart is overwhelmed with joy when this happens.”

You can read all about Metro’s small business programs here.