Ideas are everywhere. Successful entrepreneurs know that not every idea is a good business opportunity. Before you bet the ranch on your idea, take the time to research who will buy your product or service and what competition you will face.
- Ten Tips For Starting a Business That Will Succeed (Entrepreneur Magazine)
- Evaluate Your Idea checklist (Princeton Creative Research)
- Guide to Buying a Franchise (Business News Daily)
- FAQs About Franchising (International Franchise Association)
- Buying an Existing Business (SBA)
Research
While preparing your startup endeavor, be sure to research and understand the market that you will be entering. Use the Resource Navigator to find a programs that provide market research assistance. Local libraries are a great place to start.
Baltimore City Small Business Resource Center
Baltimore Small Business Resource Center is the City of Baltimore’s One-Stop-Shop for persons seeking to start and grow a business. We provide training, counseling and resources to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center
The SBRC is a free service to help you establish, grow and improve your business through one-on-one sessions.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council
The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is a nonprofit organization that works with the region’s elected executives to identify mutual interests and develop collaborative strategies, plans and programs that will help improve the quality of life and economic vitality. BMC is a resource for the region.
Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance, Jacob France Institute
The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance-Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore (known as BNIA-JFI) is a nonprofit organization whose core mission is to provide open access to meaningful, reliable, and actionable data about, and for, the City of Baltimore and its communities.
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is a community development organization focused on making Downtown a more vibrant place to work, live, and play.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is the free public library system of the City of Baltimore, Maryland. Our mission is "to provide equal access to information and services that empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all."
Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development
MWBD serves as the City of Baltimore’s advocate for small, local, minority and women-owned companies including prime contractors, subcontractors, and joint venture partners.
Pigtown Main Street
We provide assistance to business owners and commercial property owners along the 700-1300 blocks of Washington Blvd in Historic Pigtown.
University of Baltimore Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The center directs assistance and support to students interested in building or growing an enterprise.
US Commercial Service
The U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service is dedicated to helping U.S. companies; especially small and medium-sized enterprises compete and win in the global marketplace.
Will Holmes Consulting WHC
Will Holmes Consulting is a MBE certified, business management and technology consulting firm with offices in Baltimore, Maryland and Los Angeles, California. We develop technology, training, marketing and business process solutions for government agencies, non-profit organizations, universities and new and growing companies in North America, Africa and Asia.
Classes
Many support organizations have classes and workshops for all types of entrepreneurs. Be sure to explore the Calendar of Events to find an event near you.
Counseling
The Small Business Development Centers and Small Business Technology Development Centers offer no charge one on one business appointments to the public. To find your nearest office, use the Resource Navigator.
