The Small Business Administration of Maryland Helps Local Businesses Succeed
The Small Business Administration (SBA) of Maryland advances the objectives of its parent, the United States Small Business Administration, by helping small businesses compete successfully alongside bigger corporations. The district office in Baltimore enables small businesses and potential start-ups succeed in the region by providing access to federal, state, and local resources at little or no cost. Among the many benefits that business owners receive from the SBA are free counseling, financing opportunities, management tools for success, technology briefings aimed at streamlining business processes, and advice and tips on procurement and subcontracts.
Small business owners and upstart capitalists can get an idea of the array of online opportunities and services available through the SBA by accessing its website at www.sba.gov/md/. These services include:
Providing supporting resources and how-to guides on start-ups.
Training and development
Offering procurement and subcontracting opportunities to local businesses.
Listings of local resources and member businesses in the area.
Providing businesses with guidance in marketing strategies.
Providing a database of federal, state, and local business laws and regulations covering popular need-to-know topics such as employment and taxes.
Offering government-seized assets for sale to businesses.
Providing businesses with disaster updates and assistance during times of need.
Providing assistance with successful business plan development.
Maintaining a list of member businesses in the area.
Updates on relevant business laws and regulatory procedures.
Accessibility to local and state economic profiles.
National news and press releases of the parent organization.
The Small Business Administration of Maryland operates four Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and the University of Maryland. With thousands of offices nationwide, the SBDC enables Maryland’s small businesses to network with private corporations and receive valuable training and technological assistance that is mutually beneficial to both the private and public sectors, helping each succeed while strengthening the ties between the large corporate boards and small business owners. The centers are run by successful entrepreneurs and professionals who advise and educate others with their experiences in the field. Individuals who wish to start their own businesses will benefit most from the descriptions and advice offered by these volunteer members.
Services that are typically available at the SBDC branches include:
Training programs that teach fundamental management principles
Counseling at reduced costs
Assistance with business plan development
Advice and tips on securing the appropriate financing for the business venture
Providing links to minority businesses
Spotlighting local success stories
Those who are thinking of opening a business don’t have to feel alone. After all, small businesses provide the backbone for that nation’s economy, and their importance is demonstrated by the wealth of resources dedicated to improving and maintaining this landmark institution.
The Small Business Administration of Maryland is located on the sixth floor of the City Crescent Building, at 10 South Howard Street in Baltimore. Contact the office by calling (410) 962-4392.
