Maryland Small Business Development Center – University of Maryland
About
- Founded in 1989
- Accredited member of a national network that assists over 500,000 annually Statewide coverage through 5 regional offices and over 20 service locations *
- Industry specific experts
- Hosts the Hispanic Business Center which provides in-language consulting and training
The Network is a partnership that links private enterprise, government, higher education and local economic development organizations to provide high-quality training, confidential consulting and market and industry research.
Pre-venture/Start-up
Starting a business is hard work. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, explore the feasibility of your idea, and increase chances for success.
Early Stage/Survival
Businesses Learn about core business principles to effectively navigate through this difficult stage within the business life cycle.
Existing/Growth
Businesses Learn how to best meet the demands of managing a successful business. We also provide targeted assistance in specific industries.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Start-up Assistance
- Business Plan Development
- Networking Opportunities
- Financial Analysis Consulting (At No Cost To You)
- 8 (a)/SDB/MBE Certification Training
- Federal and State Contracting Assistance
- Specialized Retail and Restaurant Assistance
- Loan Packaging
- Strategic Planning
- Demographic/Marketing Assistance
- Executive Training Program
- Technology Commercialization
- Import/Export Assistance
- Business Valuation
Special Programs include:
SBDC Technology Program
The SBDC High Tech Program serves seed, early stage and start-up companies in the information technology, biotechnology, cyber technology, and renewable energy. SBDC clients are those that have developed or are in the process of developing products, services or processes that may have intellectual property (IP) or the potential for IP.
Export Assistance Program
In 2011, the export of U.S. goods and services totaled $2.1 trillion. Exports are a growing and substantial part of the U.S. economy, accounting for 13.8 percent of our nation’s GDP. In 2012 the SBDC created the Maryland Export Assistance Program (EAP) to educate and assist Maryland small businesses in exporting their products or services. The EAP program consists of expert consulting, training and industry research. In 2014, the SBDC signed an MOU with the Korean International Trade Association which established a relationship to help Maryland businesses compete internationally.
Business Lifecycle Training
The SBDC has developed a series of training programs designed for businesses in various stages of the business life cycle including: New Venture Series, Growth Accelerator and CEO Accelerator. In addition to face-to-face training, the SBDC also offers no cost online training via our virtual classroom. There are 25 courses available in both English and Spanish.
Hispanic Business Center
In March 2013, the SBDC launched the Hispanic Business Center to address a growing but underserved market. Maryland has over 25,000 Hispanic owned businesses and the center will provide a comprehensive “in-language” business program to provide assistance. It is staffed by industry experts who can assist businesses in all phases of development.
Small Town & Merchant’s Program (STAMP)
The Small Town and Merchant Program (STAMP) is a statewide program that was developed as part of the Maryland SBDCs commitment to helping communities and business owners survive and thrive. STAMP utilizes concepts from the mainstreet model and collaborates with community resource partners to leverage local assets. STAMP provides training, insight, targeted strategies and emerging technologies designed to help entrepreneurs weather local economic conditions and emerge into the New Economy.
GATEway
The SBDC’s Green Assistance Training & Education (GATEway) program, which is a video series designed to provide content related to “Green” business practices, incentives and opportunities, was launched in 2013.
Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP)
Managed by the SBDC, the PTAP mission is to maximize the number of capable U.S. companies participating in the state, local and government marketplace by providing businesses with an understanding of the requirements of government contracting and the market know-how they need to obtain and successfully perform contracts. Services include one-on-one consulting, training and outreach. This is a statewide program with representation in all 6 of the SBDC’s regional offices. In FY2012, the PTAP served 873 clients and assisted them in obtaining $83,532,298 in federal and state contract awards.
Branch Avenue in Bloom
Branch Avenue in Bloom (BAIB) is a partnership between the SBDC and the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning commission. It is a program designed to support main street and small town entrepreneurs. The program is modeled after the National Historic Trust’s Main Street Four-Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design and Sustainability which seeks to enliven the designated area and attract new businesses and shoppers.
Services Provided
Public Policy and Government Relations
- African American Business
- Hispanic Business
- Business Issues Related to a Specific City
- Small Business Policy
- Women’s Business
- LGBT Business
- Maryland Business Issues
- Native American Business
Business Planning
- Business Plan Consulting, Development and Review
- Feasibility Studies
- Market Plan Development
- Identification/Research of Foreign Markets
Management Issues
- Human Resources
- Insurance Requirements
- Leadership/Professional Development
Operations and Logistics
- Freight & Distribution
- Locating Freight Forwarders/Customs Brokers
Import and Export Assistance
- Import/Export Certification and Licensing
- Identification/Research of Foreign Markets
- Locating Foreign Distributors
- Networking/Exploring Exporting
- Trade Education and Training
- Financial Assistance for Exporting Activities
Legal Services
- Patent, Trademark & Copyright Information
- Patent Seminars
Marketing/Sales
- Competitive Analysis
- E-Commerce/Internet Marketing
- Identification/Research of Foreign Markets
- Market Plan Development and Training
- Market Research
- Web Site Development
Networking Organizations
- Geographically Based
- Industry Specific
- Small Business/General
- International Trade
Regulatory Compliance
- Patent Information
- Trademark & Copyright Information
- International Regulatory Compliance
Technical Assistance
- Commercialization
- Technology Transfer
- Bookkeeping/Accounting Software Training
Training
- Bookkeeping/Accounting Software Training
- Business Plan Training and Assistance
- Budget, Financial Statements and Cash Flow Training
- Marketing Plan Development and Training
- Startup Classes
- Trade Education and Training
- E-Commerce/Internet Marketing
- Business Management Training
- International Trade Training
Product Development
- Patent Information
Manufacturing, High Tech, Life Sciences Development
- Commercialization
- Technology Transfer
Human Resources
- Employee Development, Hiring and Policies
- Workforce Incentives
Internship Programs and Student Services
- Internship Program
Starting a Business
- Business Research Resources
- Forming a Business
- Startup Business Counseling
- Startup Classes
Mentoring
- One-on-One Counseling
Jennifer Funn
620 West Lexington St
Baltimore, MD 21201
(443) 540-3865
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