Resource Directory for the Small
Business Owner in Baltimore County
indicates local interest
Counseling and
Education
Counseling
Educational Opportunities
Incubators
Counseling
Baltimore County Small
Business Resource Center
Counseling available on a variety of topics
such as the development of a business plan and obtaining financing. Free
counseling sessions are offered at the
Parkville,
Randallstown,
Towson and
Woodlawn branches
of the Baltimore County Public Library.
Center for
Closely Held Firms - Sellinger School, Loyola College
Helps family-owned, privately held
businesses through seminars, access to specialists in many fields and opportunities to
network.
Small Business Training
Network--Small
Business Administration
A virtual campus
housing free training courses, workshops and knowledge resources designed to
assist entrepreneurs and other students of enterprise. The Training
Network
makes the Small Business Administration's business management resources available anytime and anywhere.
Maryland
Small Business Development Center
Individual counseling (no cost) and workshops are offered on a variety of
topics. Locate a local office from this directory. On a regular basis a
program entitled "The Nuts and Bolts of Starting Your Own Business" is
presented at the
Towson Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.
Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (MTECH)
Provides technical assistance to the
industrial community on an array of technology - related issues.
Partner America
Small business growth initiative designed to help small/mid-sized businesses
improve sales and profits through management technical assistance. A joint
project of the United States Conference of Mayors and American Management Services.
Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE), Counselors to America's Small Business (local interest)
Locally held workshops are offered on topics of concern to small business
owners. Contact a local office from this site.
morebusiness.com
Advice and tips for
entrepreneurs, along with sample business plans, confidentiality agreements,
equipment lease contracts, and other templates for the small businessperson.
Includes a listing of downloadable business shareware.
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Educational
Opportunities
Community College of
Baltimore County - Continuing Education and Economic Development
Offers a continuing education for
management skills. Designs / implements employee training programs in
health care, information technology, business, etc.
Loyola
College--Sellinger School of Business and Management
Graduate and executive programs;
part-time education for full time professionals. Courses geared to working managers.
Private Career
Schools
Listing of state-certified courses
for refreshing or learning skills.
Towson University - Division of Economic & Community Outreach
Links to a variety of computer training
and Information Technology programs.
University of Maryland - Office
of Professional Studies
Links to all the training programs
geared to business.
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Incubators
Technology
Advancement Program (TAP)
University of Maryland's dynamic environment for technology based start-up
companies.
Technology Council of Maryland
Incubator and network for IT and Biotech
Businesses.
University of Maryland,
Baltimore County (UMBC)-Research Park and Technology Center
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Disaster
Preparedness
Small Business
Administration on Disaster Preparedness
This Small Business Administration site lists topics that business owners
should be considering such as: insurance, computer system back-ups and
location of alternate suppliers.
Federal Emergency Management
Administration
The Federal Emergency Management Administration provides a great deal of
information about protecting a company's physical plant.
Institute for Business and Home Safety
The Institute for Business and Home Safety is a nonprofit association whose
mission is to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and
human suffering caused by natural disasters.
Insurance Information Institute
The Information Institute explains business property insurance and its
limitations. Also provides information on the special coverage that
businesses may need.
Finances
Tax Issues
Obtaining Financial Support
Tax Issues
Federal Level
Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE), Counselors to America's Small Business
Free SCORE counseling is available in
three library locations:
Pikesville,
Randallstown,
Towson.
Tax Guide for
Small Business [PDF]
Be aware of the latest tax changes.
United
States Internal Revenue Services--Tax Information for Small
Business/Self Employed
Tax information and helpful tips from the
Internal Revenue Service.
State
Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury
Source of Maryland business income tax
information, tax tables, and forms.
Business
Taxes
Overview of the requirements in Maryland
Tax
Information for Starting a New Business
Tax Forms
and Instructions On-line
Combined
Registration Application (CRA)
Taxpayers Registration
Assistance Center (TRAC)
Office that provides on-the-spot help
in answering questions on Maryland's business tax requirement
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Obtaining Financial
Support
Baltimore County Department of Economic Development- Small Business Loan
Partnership
Local support for small business.
Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury: Guide to Business Tax Credits
[PDF]
Brief summaries of each of the
tax credits for which businesses may be eligible.
Maryland Department of
Business and Economic Development
Many programs for financial
assistance are available.
Loan
Programs for Business (MEDAAF)
Introduction to the
Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) and
other programs.
Business Financing Programs
Each available program is
described.
Small Business Assistance
Local agencies are listed
Maryland
Industrial Partnerships (MIPS)
MIPS grants are awarded to Maryland
companies on a competitive basis. A firm does not need to be
technology-oriented to qualify, but the research must be in a
technical or scientific area. A program of the University of Maryland.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Money Tree
A survey sponsored by the accounting
firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, provides a comprehensive list of venture
capital investing by industry, stage of funding, geography and type of
financing on a quarterly basis.
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Franchising
BizLink, Franchising
A helpful portal for getting started. These sites were selected by the Public Library of
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The potential franchisee can find
information on choosing a franchise and evaluating franchise listings.
One site provides access to free consultations online.
Database:
Business Source Premier
For anyone who is considering a
franchise and needs to do homework on business climate and industry specific
information. This searchable database of over 2900 business
publications is a powerful search tool.
Must have Baltimore County library card to access the database.
Franchise Classroom - Online Tutorial
Created by the Ourso College of
Business, Louisiana State University, this clearly written, well organized
site offers online training lessons, tools and business resources to help
prospective franchisees learn the ropes.
Franchise
Gator
Franchises and business opportunity information.
Franchise Zone-Entrepreneur
Magazine
A comprehensive website that helps the
potential franchisee to assess opportunities, find help and how-to information
from experts and keep up to date with trends in the field (a feature that is
updated daily). Also features
Opportunity
Finder, an interactive tool to explore franchise and business
opportunities.
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Government
Procurement
In Baltimore County
Baltimore County Office of Budget and Finance - Purchasing Section
Distributes bidder applications for all
County purchases, except for the Public Library and Board of Education. Lists currently
open bids that are updated weekly.
Minority and Women Business Enterprise Online Directory
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In the State
eMaryland
Marketplace
The state's primary procurement resource to create solicitations, accept
bids and make awards, and purchase goods through on-line catalogs.
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Procurement
Information
Provides current listings of
solicitation/bid opportunities. Updated frequently.
Maryland Department of
General Services - MBE Program
Frequently Asked Questions sheets on the regulations for contracting with the department.
Maryland Department of
Transportation - Contract Opportunities
Provides instructions and
contacts.
University
of Maryland - Department of Procurement and Supply
The Vendor section contains a listing of
Buyers by Commodity. The Vendor Registration process is explained.
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Federal Level
Federal
Acquisition Jumpstation
An organized directory of
links organized by contracting activity in all Federal Departments and
Agencies.
FedeBiz
Learn about doing business with the
Federal government using electronic data interchange (EDI).
TechTRANSIT
Information relating to technology
transfer activities of the Department of Defense.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Central Contractor Registration
An electronic gateway to procurement
information - for and about minority-owned, HUBZone, and 8 (a) businesses.
Provides a search engine for contracting officers, a
marketing tool for small firms
and a "link" to procurement opportunities and
important information.
Vetbiz.gov
The federal web portal for veterans who want to start
or expand their business. Information on
prime or subcontract opportunities, getting started, marketing, mentoring sources, financing, etc.
Womenbiz.gov
This site targets the 5 specific stages that a woman business owner should
go through to explore doing business with the government.
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Corporate America
DiversityBusiness.com
Powerful, real-time
multicultural
business enterprise database linking multicultural-owned businesses with Fortune
1000 companies needing products and services.
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Home
Based Business
Home
Business Magazine
An on-line "zine"
for home businesses. Updated daily.
Home
Business Research.com
Highly regarded mega-site
with links to tutorials, research, forums and newsgroups.
Independent
Homeworkers Alliance
Posting of hundreds of
contract and freelance work-at-home jobs every day. Membership needed. Works
closely with United States Chamber of Commerce.
United States Social Security
Administration - If You're Self Employed
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Human Resources
Benefits
Finding Staff
Regulations
Training
Benefits
Maryland Health Care
Commission -- Guide to Purchasing Health Insurance for Small Employers
Designed to assist small employers and their employees in making decisions
about purchasing health insurance. Includes protections that exist for small
employers, benefits that an insurance carrier must include in a standard
plan, complaint procedures.
Maryland Comprehensive Standard Health Benefit Plan
Finding Staff
Baltimore County
Department of Aging - Senior Employment Service
Aids employers in developing job
opportunities for retired seniors.
Maryland Workforce
Exchange
Pre-screened, job ready applicants
available to be interviewed.
Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
(DLLR) - Maryland State Job Service
Helps employers recruit qualified
applicants, test applicants, receive tax credits for hiring certain applicants, receive
reimbursement for training certain applicants.
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Regulations
Baltimore County Human Relations Commission
Maryland
Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) - Office of
Unemployment Insurance
This site features employer's
Frequently Asked Questions.
Maryland General Assembly: Business Regulation in Maryland [PDF]
Chapter II of this document covers
the regulations for Employment and Occupational Safety and
Health.
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Program (MOSH)
Enforces regulations set forth
in the
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Worker's
Compensation Commission
The forms, hearing schedules,
compensation rates and much more for the state of Maryland.
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Training
Maryland Workforce
Exchange
On-the-job training program for entry
level positions. Tax credits for employers hiring from the program.
Community College of Baltimore County - Office of Continuing Education
Provides business and management
development resources that are state-of-the-art and targeted to contemporary business
needs.
Maryland Technology Extension Service (MTES)
MTES provides knowledge-based engineering,
technical and management solutions for Maryland manufacturers.
Private Career
Schools
Listing of state-certified courses
for refreshing or learning skills.
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International
Trade
Exporting/Importing
Risk
Management
Exporting/Importing
Baltimore County Department of Economic Development - International Trade
Assistance
Provides services for businesses interested
in exploring the potential of international trade.
International
Trade Administration
This site is sponsored by
the United States Department of Commerce. ITA helps U.S. companies navigate
foreign markets by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to tailor
their activities to a specific market.
Maryland Office of International Operations
The place to start if you want to export
products and services to consumers abroad. Offers trade information and export marketing
assistance. Individual counseling is available.
United States Customs Services and
Border Protection
Helpful information for
starting and conducting an exporting or importing business. Information on
NAFTA, rulings and regulations. Primary site for issues dealing with
Homeland Security.
United States Export Assistance
Center
Assists Maryland firms in
exporting by providing expert counseling and advice, information on markets
abroad, international contacts and advocacy services. The resources of
the Commercial Service are combined with the finance expertise of the Small
Business Administration, and can provide information on all Federal programs
designed to support international trade.
United States
Export-Import Bank (EX-IM BANK)
The official export credit agency of the
United States Government. Provides export financing and advice.
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Risk Management
Assess Your
International Risk.org
A project of the Small Business Association, United States Chamber of
Commerce, and the American International Group. Raises awareness
of exposures a small business faces abroad. Options for protection are
discussed.
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Legal Requirements
Overview
Legal Forms
Patents, Trademarks, Trade Names
Permits, Licenses
Zoning Issues
Americans with Disabilities Act
Overview of the regulations, permits and licenses necessary to
start a business in Maryland.
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development -
Permits and Licensing
When starting a business in Maryland, there are a number of
resources available for information on business licensing, registration,
occupational licenses and other regulatory and compliance issues.
Maryland Comptroller of the
Treasury - Information and Services for Businesses
A major starting place for
those wanting to do business in Maryland and its Counties. Information
on tax credits, tax due dates, and filing withholding tax returns
as well as sales and use tax returns electronically.
Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury -
Starting a New Business in Maryland
Source for information on getting a business
license and the Federal requirements for tax and wage reporting.
Maryland
Department of Assessments and Taxation - Checklist for New Business
A helpful checklist for the novice
with helpful links.
Maryland Department of Labor,
Licensing, and Regulation
Maryland's electronic licensing site. Obtain
and renew a variety of occupational and professional licenses on-line.
Maryland General Assembly: Business Regulation in Maryland [PDF]
Legislative handbook describing the regulation of business
in areas such as labor requirements; tax structure; fees; occupational
health issues and consumer protection laws.
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Legal Forms
The legal forms chosen for a
business have a great impact on your tax responsibilities; therefore, it is advisable to
seek professional counsel before a final decision is made.
Baltimore
County Bar Association
Resource for locating an attorney.
Maryland
Association of Certified Public Accountants
On-line source for locating an accountant.
Maryland Department of Assessments
and Taxation - Corporate Charter
View and print a variety of
forms to create, change, end, revive a business.
Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE), Counselors to America's Small Business
Offers a wealth of counseling.
Workshops are given throughout the year.
Free SCORE counseling is available in three library locations:
Pikesville,
Randallstown,
Towson.
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Patents, Trademarks,
Trade Names
Maryland Department of Assessments
and Taxation
Trade names may be registered
with this State Agency. Download the forms for creating a trade name or for Trade Name Amendment or Cancellation.
Maryland Secretary of State
Trademark or Service Mark search and
registration. Helpful Frequently Asked Questions section. Print out necessary registration form.
Free Patents Online
Search for patents and download in PDF format.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
The Federal Department of Commerce site for
information on patent and trademark registration searches.
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Permits, Licenses
Baltimore County Department of Permits and Development
Management
Baltimore County resource for permit
information.
Maryland
Business License Information System (BLIS)
One-stop online source for information
on the permits and licenses you may need to start, relocate or expand a business in
Maryland.
Maryland
Department of the Environment - Small Business Assistance Program
Guide to environmental permitting and compliance.
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Zoning Processes and
Documents
Citizen's Guide to Zoning in Baltimore County
Baltimore County Department of Planning
provides this document.
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American With
Disabilities Act (ADA) Home Page This United States Department of
Justice site provides access to enforcement, certification, and regulatory
information concerning ADA compliance. Links are provided to other
federal agencies with ADA responsibilities.
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Marketing
Major
Resources
Demographic Sources
Major Resources
Baltimore County Small
Business Resource Center
The local contact for all small
businesses located in Baltimore County or wishing to conduct business in the county.
Counseling is available.
Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE), Counselors to America's Small Business
Individual counseling is available to
help the business owner focus on the issues relevant to effective market planning.
Free SCORE counseling is available in
three library locations:
Pikesville,
Randallstown,
Towson.
Small
Business Development Center of Central Maryland (SBDC)
Provides free counseling on business
problem solving, business plan development, marketing, loan package preparation to
existing businesses and start-ups. Conducts low-cost seminars and workshops on topics of
specific interest to small business. A program of the University of Maryland
Center for Applied Policy Studies, the United States Small Business
Administration, and the
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.
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Demographic
Sources
Baltimore County Infobank
- Demographics
Population, household income, income
statistics with emphasis on Baltimore County. A Baltimore County Department
of Economic Development site.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council - Regional Information Center
Provides demographic data for
Baltimore County.
Maryland Office of Planning
This department will create customized demographic reports using population
and housing census data. The site features helpful maps of Priority Funding
Areas, Land Use/Land Cover, as well as Existing and Potential Development
Areas.
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Minority/Women
Assistance
Council for Economic and Business Opportunity,
Inc. (CEBO)
email: cebo@aol.com
General Business Service Center offers services to
improve the operation of existing minority businesses and to increase the chances for
success of proposed ventures by helping business persons develop business plans.
Maryland Department of
Transportation--Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
(MBE)
The state requires companies to be
certified through this department. State contracts are awarded when primary
contractors meet MBE goals.
Maryland Hispanic Workforce Council
The Maryland Hispanic Workforce Council is a group of
employers interested in providing employment opportunities to the Hispanic
community and in identifying and finding solutions to Hispanic workforce
issues.
Minority Business
Development Agency (MBDA) - United States Department of Commerce
A national site committed to the growth
and expansion of minority-owned businesses.
Minority Business Enterprise - Maryland Department of
General Services
This State agency administers compliance
with Maryland's Law regarding procurement and provides a directory of procurement
contacts in state offices.
Office of Women's
Business Ownership
Site dedicated to helping start and build successful businesses.
Provided by the Small Business Administration.
Spanish Language Site
Small Business Administration site with information on starting a business,
obtaining government contracts and financing.
( La Agencia Federal Para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa )
Small
Business Development Center (SBDC)
Offers one-on-one counseling (no cost).
Workshops, Reference Library.
Small and Minority Business Resources
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
Small and Minority Business Resource Guide - Spanish Version [PDF]
A Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development publication.
Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore
Provides training, technical assistance and follow-up services for microbusiness
start-up/development in the Baltimore area.
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Newspapers
/ Periodicals
Baltimore
Business Journal
Local weekly news as well
as links to Business Journals in other cities.
BusinessWeek
online
Online version of the
national weekly.
Daily Record
Maryland Business News.
Jeffersonian
County-based weekly with a
focus on small business.
BaltimoreSun.com
The Baltimore Sun's online
presence.
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General
Resources
Baltimore County
Business Directory
Showcases the web pages of a wide variety of businesses
located in Baltimore County.
Submit a
business online!
Enoch Pratt Free Library: Small Business Corner
Comprehensive list of resources to help create a
business or product or for expanding your existing business.
University of Maryland,
Baltimore County (UMBC) – Research Park and Technology Center
This is an incubator which provides
facilities and services that encourage the formation and survival of startup and growth
technology enterprises with links to university research and expertise.
Business.gov
A one-stop site managed by the Small Business
Administration where businesses can check for all of their compliance needs.
Provides compilations of news, information and federal forms from nearly 100
government web sites. Updated regularly. A Business Resource Library
provides links to business information and services across federal, state
and local governments.
United States Small
Business Administration - Baltimore Office
Whether you are starting a business
or operating an established business, the United States Small Business
Administration has a variety of programs to assist you. Counseling offered
in the areas of finance, management, technology and procurement.
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