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Resource Directory for the Small Business Owner in Baltimore County
Note: For issues pertaining to starting and running a small business, the library also has the following reference books for consultation:
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) - University of Maryland
Brings university innovation to Maryland companies through technology entrepreneurship and partnership programs.
Partner America
A small business growth initiative designed to help small/mid-sized businesses improve sales and profits through access to management expertise, technical assistance and education. 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
Locally held workshops are offered on topics of concern to small business owners. The locations and schedules of these workshops are available on 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 continuing education for management skills. Designs / implements employee training programs in health care, information technology, leadership and management training, and workplace literacy among many options.
Loyola College--Sellinger School of Business and Management
Graduate and executive programs; part-time education for full time professionals. Courses geared to working managers who are seeking leadership credentials.
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 - Business and Corporate Connections
One stop shop location for information on upgrading employee's skills, finding research partners, starting and growing the company and much more.
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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
Maryland's largest technology trade association which brings its members access to the regional technology industry. Provides valuable resources and benefits to help businesses succeed..
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)-Research Park and Technology Center
A 41-acre research and technology community with access to university expertise, students, technology, programs and facilities.
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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. Obtain flood maps on-line.
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.
Provides extensive information on preparing for earthquakes, floods, freezing weather, hail, hurricanes, tornados and wildfires.
Insurance Information Institute
The Information Institute explains business property insurance and its limitations. Also provides information on the different types of coverage that businesses may need.
Finances
Tax Issues
Obtaining Financial Support
Tax Issues
Federal Level
Tax Guide for Small Business [PDF]
Be aware of the latest tax changes. A helpful downloadable booklet from the Internal Revenue Service.
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.
Direct Loan Programs for Business
Introduction to the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) and other programs.
Business Financing Programs
Each available program is described.
Small Business Loan Guarantees
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
Database: Business Source Premier
A library card registered with Baltimore County Public Library is needed.
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.
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 Direct
This comprehensive website deals with franchise opportunities worldwide. The International listings are extensive.Tips as well as research news and articles about latest developments are also provided.
Franchise Gator
Franchise opportunities and business-for-sale listings. Top franchising concepts are showcased..
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
Use this online directory to search for a certified minority or women owned business to use on Baltimore County or Federal-Aid projects.Includes firms that are certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).
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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 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.
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Federal Level
Federal Acquisition Jumpstation
The U.S. Government's one-stop virtual marketplace. Through this single point-of-entry, commercial vendors and government buyers are invited to post, search, monitor and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire Federal contracting community.
FedeBiz
Learn about doing business with the Federal government using electronic data interchange (EDI).
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. Businesses may register online. Also provides a search engine for contracting officers, a marketing tool for small firms and a "link" to procurement opportunities..
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. Must register for information.
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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. There is a blog.
Independent Homeworkers Alliance
Posting of hundreds of contract and freelance telecommuting work-at-home jobs every day. Membership required. Works closely with United States Chamber of Commerce.
United States Social Security Administration - If You're Self Employed
Topics covered include paying Social Security and Medicare taxes; figuring net earnings and family business arrangements.
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Human Resources
Benefits
Finding Staff
Regulations
Training
Benefits
Maryland Comprehensive Standard Health Benefit Plan
Based on Maryland law that guarantees small business access to health insurance. Offers the guidelines for purchasing the policy that is most appropriate.
Finding Staff
BaltimoreCollegetown.org
An online internship database, resources for businesses and students, and links to area college career centers. Also includes sample projects, evaluation criteria, and sample job descriptions. Developed in part through a grant from the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development.
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
.
Md. 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
Md. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) - Office of Unemployment Insurance
This site features a Quick Reference Guide [PDF] which allows employer's to accomplish many UI tasks via the Internet.
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 current news of regulatory changes for the state.
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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
Exporting / Importing
Baltimore County Department of Economic Development - International Trade Assistance
Provides services for businesses interested in exploring the potential of international trade. Helpful links to Maryland and federal resources are given.
International Trade Administration
This site is sponsored by the United States Department of Commerce. Provides customized market research, trade counseling and details on trade delegations and missions.
Md. Department of Business and Economic Development- 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. One on one assistance 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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Legal Requirements / Regulations
Overview
Legal Forms
Patents, Trademarks, Trade Names
Permits, Licenses
Zoning Issues
Americans with Disabilities Act
Overview
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
To help ensure your business' success, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for starting a business in Maryland. The checklist provides a convenient starting point
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
County 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.
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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 form for creating a trade name, fill it in, then mail it.
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. Free registration.
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. Free assistance is available to small businesses.
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Zoning Processes and Documents
Citizen's Guide to Zoning in Baltimore County
Baltimore County Department of Planning provides this document. Helpful definitions of the different zoning classifications are given.
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Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
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. Also provided is the ADA Guide For Small Business.
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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 sessions are offered at the Parkville, Randallstown, Towson and Woodlawn branches of the Baltimore County Public Library.
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.
Maryland Small Business Development Center (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, Towson University, 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
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development - Small Business Resources
Maryland Department of Transportation--Minority 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.
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 )
Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB)
Provides training, technical assistance and follow-up services for microbusiness start-ups/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
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BaltimoreSun.com
The Baltimore Sun's online presence.
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General Resources
Enoch Pratt Free Library: Small Business Corner
Comprehensive list of resources to help create a business or product or for expanding your existing business
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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 - Maryland District 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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