Through strong partnerships, infrastructure investment and strategic incentives, we strive to help you achieve excellence.
We Can Help You Start Your Business
We know that starting a business can be extremely challenging. Whether it’s finding funding, market research, writing a business plan, or getting a business license—we’re here to help—free of charge.
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To determine if you need a license for a business in Baltimore County, contact the Baltimore County Clerk of the Court at 410-887-2607 or call the State of License Bureau at 410-260-6240.
Business License Information System (BLIS) connects you to information on permits and licenses you may need in order to start, relocate, or expand a business in Maryland. BLIS offers information on business licenses, occupational licenses, permitting information and business start-up information.
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The business plan is your pathway to profit. It can mean the difference between success and failure. This outline is the first step in developing your business plan.
Need help writing it? Contact us! We can provide resources and templates to get you started. Schedule a business consultation or receive a calendar of events and seminars by contacting:
Small Business Resource Center
Phone: 410-825-6200
Email: businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov -
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses. Local chapters provide free counseling and low cost workshops in their communities. Over 11,000 volunteer executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as business counselors. Visit the local Baltimore SCORE.
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Looking for shared workspace? Baltimore County has business incubators that would be perfect for your company.
Small Business Action Team
Baltimore County is proud to have one of the best resources for small businesses in the state of Maryland, the Small Business Action Team (SBAT). As a part of the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development, the SBAT is uniquely positioned to help prospective entrepreneurs start a business.
The Baltimore County SBAT offers new and existing businesses help with technical, financial and marketing issues:
- Feasibility Studies
- Demographic Studies
- Strategic Planning
- Business Structuring
- Needs Assessments
- Business Valuations
- Market Analysis, Research and Planning
- Business Plan Development
- Loan Package Assistance
- Certification Process and Procurement
- Intellectual Property
- Funding Programs
Expand Your Network
Baltimore County works with many business development organizations to help connect you with the right people. Let's work together to help your business grow.
Check our calendar to see when the next networking event is being held. We’ll see you there.
Upcoming Events
Business Development Partners
The Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce promotes, grows and sustains a diverse and healthy business community to enrich the quality of life and enhance prosperity in the Baltimore region.
As the state's primary economic development agency, the Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department also promotes the state's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism.
The Baltimore County Public Library provides a wide variety of resources to help you research your target market and demographics. Get access to national databases and industry analysis for free.
The Economic Alliance was created to serve as a not-for-profit economic development organization led by a partnership of regional business executives, elected government officials and leaders from higher education focused on fostering business retention and development, job creation, workforce development and new investment throughout the Greater Baltimore region.
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 that seeks to improve the quality of life and economy for our region.
The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is a regional, membership organization of more than 500 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational and civic institutions. The GBC’s mission is to improve the region’s business climate by organizing its corporate and civic leadership to develop solutions to problems that affect the region’s competitiveness.