Maryland Small Business Guide

Green Business Resources in Maryland

Learn how to lower energy costs and protect the environment.

• Business Energy Incentives and Programs
• Financial Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency
• Department of the Environment - Business Information Center
• Green Cities: Annapolis | Bowie | Gaithersburg

Starting a Business

If you are thinking of starting a small business, or already own a small business, several free counseling and training programs are available to help you get started and expand your operations. Services cover all aspects of starting and running a business, from getting loans and financing for starting or expanding to developing business plans and marketing strategies.

• Maryland Small Business Development center
  Provides free start-up advice, training and counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Maryland District Office
  Offers business development counseling and training programs and information on SBA loan programs.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives Association) is a nonprofit organization and SBA resource partner dedicated to helping small business growth through free mentoring and business counseling and low-cost workshops. Contact your local SCORE for small business development programs in your area:

• Annapolis - Southern Maryland SCORE
• Baltimore - Greater Baltimore SCORE
• Chestertown - Upper Shore SCORE
• Easton - Mid-Shore SCORE
• Salisbury - Salisbury SCORE

There are also a number of local small business centers sponsored or partially funded by SBA that help women with start-up counseling and financial assistance:

• Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore, Inc. (WEB)
  a nonprofit organization that provides entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and follow-up services for micro business start-up and development in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Doing Business in Maryland

From getting a business license to filing your taxes, the following sites provides resources you need to start and manage a business in Maryland.

• Maryland Business Portal
  Resources you need to start and operate a business in Maryland, file your business taxes, get a business license and much more.