Starting a business is exciting – and challenging. Below, how to keep the excitement high.
Obtain a business license
To determine if you need a license in Baltimore County, contact the Baltimore County Clerk of Court baltimorecountymd.gov/iwant/contact/circuitcourt at 410-887-2607.
Create a Business Plan
The business plan is your pathway to success. First step: start with the Small Business Resource Center sbrcbaltimore.com and schedule a business consultation 410-825-6200. Get the technical, financial and marketing advice you need.
Attend Counseling and Workshops
Greater Baltimore SCORE greaterbaltimore.score.org is a nonprofit association that provides free mentoring, workshops, events and various resources for know-how and advice. Connect with volunteer executives and business owners for real-time expertise.
Finance and Loan Programs
Email businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov. or call 410-887-8000 for the following:
Boost Loan Fund Program bit.ly/2Lf3oTm is for small, minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses, $50,000 – $250,000.
Advanced Technology Loan Fund provides loans up to $250,000to tech-based businesses and businesses acquiring technology equipment.
Small Business Loan Fund provides real estate and fixed asset loans through a partnership with Baltimore County and the area’s leading financial institutions.
Business Growth Loans are for new or expanding industrial or commercial businesses, up to $250,000.
Building Improvement Loan Program provides up to $30,000 in an interest-free loan for exterior improvements in a Commercial Revitalization District, and our Historic Dundalk Town Center qualifies.
Commercial Revitalization Tax Credit is for larger projects and provides a 5-year real property tax credit for physical improvements that increase the assessed property value by $100,000 or more. If improvements exceed $10 million, a 10-year credit is available. To receive the credit for the next tax year, applicants must apply within 120 days of the completed project.
Other County Resources
Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development is ready to help you start and grow your business. Whether it’s finding funding, market research, writing a business plan, or getting a business licence, they are available, free of charge. Contact Rick Johnson, 410-887-4098 or rdjohnson1@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Workforce Resources provides professional assistance in the areas of workforce recruitment, training, and downsizing. They also connect businesses with an active and diverse candidate pool, from skilled laborers to management level positions. Depending on availability, they may be able invest funds to help offset training cost for new hires and help to promote internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Contact Steve Connolly, 410-887-2570, sconnolly@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Commercial Revitalization Program planners work closely with business and property owners, business associations and local communities to provide a range of services intended to maintain the health and vitality of commercial areas. Contact Troy Leftwich, 410-887-3480, tleftwich@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Architect-On-Call program offers ten free hours of professional architectural design services to businesses for improvements to the exterior of their buildings. The architect will prepare a digital rendering of the building with design recommendation and a rough cost estimate after an initial site visit and meeting with the owner. The service is free when improvements are certified as complete within six months. Contact Amy Mantay, 410-887-3480, atmantay@baltimorecountymd.com.
State of Maryland Programs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development Office of Small Business Resources: The Office of Small Business Resources helps business owners locate the tools needed to sustain, grow, and prosper. They help business owners navigate a path through a variety of government programs, private organizations, community partnerships and business service providers. business.maryland.gov/
Neighborhood Business Works Loan provides gap financing to new or expanding small businesses and non-profit organizations in Sustainable communities that have potential impact on the neighborhood. Eligible projects include mixed-use, new construction or rehabilitation, real estate acquisition, and machinery and equipment. The loan is for amounts of up to $500,000 or 50% of the total project costs, whichever is less and has a target loan term from 5-15 years. Contact Michael Haloskey, 410-514-7237, Michael.halosky@maryland.gov. neighborhoodrevitalization.org/programs/nbw/nbw.aspx