Page 14 - Baltimore County Quality of Life Guide and Business Directory

RESOURCES TO START YOUR OWN COMPANY
The Small Business Resource Center provides assistance for startups
The Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) provides a multitude of services
for small businesses, from planning and financing to marketing and insurance. For 35 years, the SBRC has been a valuable resource, assisting more than 6,000 clients
and helping to launch more than 700 businesses. In Maryland, almost a fifth of all jobs come from businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
From assisting new business owners to nurturing established ones, SBRC
Three Cheers for AAA Rating!
The Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center can assist with:
• Feasibility studies
• Demographic studies
• Strategic planning
• Business structuring
• Needs assessments
• Business valuations
• Loan-package assistance
• Market analysis/research/ business plan development
• Certification process and procurement
• Intellectual property
• Funding programs
Source: baltimorecountymd.gov
FOR MORE INFO:
Small Business Resource Center
410-825-6200 ktaylor@baltimorecountymd.gov or llee.sbrc@baltcountychamber.com
hree major bond-rating agencies have again given Baltimore County AAA ratings, making it one of only 38 jurisdictions in the country to receive the “triple A” seal of approval from all the major agencies.
That, in turn, allows the County to borrow at lower rates, saving millions of dollars in interest in the process.
To show further proof of Baltimore County’s rock-solid economic stability, the County has not raised its property or income tax rate in more than 20 years.
BIncubators, Competitions Promote Growth
altimore County’s thriving economy and world-class higher-education facilities have combined to create several incubators that help entrepreneurs kickstart their small businesses’ growth.
With more than 130 companies onsite, bwtech@UMBC is one of the largest research parks and incubation programs in Maryland. The program actually consists of three incubators.
Altogether, bwtech@UMBC offers companies 525,000 square feet of flexible office and lab space, along with in-house mentors and training. To date, the program has created more than 1,500 jobs and $500 million in personal income and business sales.
UMBC also holds an annual startup competition, the Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition (CBIC) for graduate and undergraduate students to plan a startup business by presenting a business idea and submitting a competitive business plan for a chance at a cash prize.
TU Incubator, located at Towson University, provides business support and networks to seed and early stage companies. The incubator is especially well equipped to support companies
in the edtech (education technology) industry. TU Incubator companies have raised some $30 million in outside capital, created more than 1,000 jobs and generated more than $150 million in economic benefits for Greater Baltimore and the state.
counselors have expertise in developing business plans, marketing, securing financing, mentoring and more. The SBRC also works to keep clients informed of changes within the business world
by providing workshops, seminars and tutorials.
12 Quality of Life Guide and Business Directory
PROGRAMS & SERVICES