Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in Maryland are committed to assisting entrepreneurs with all of their business needs, whether they are looking for start-up assistance, financing or seeking to expand, the SBDC has the resources to assist.  In addition, there is an SBDC Business Counselor available at no cost in every county.  SBDC assists existing and prospective business owners in three basic ways:

• Training  - Regular StartSmart seminars, as well as periodic special-interest programs, and participation in educational programs presented by other business support agencies and non-profits.
• Counseling – Free one-on-one counseling on a variety of business topics.
• Maximization of Resources – Providing information about and access to specialize assistance and resources from other local business support providers.

Training

All pre-start business owners should attend a SmartStart seminar before scheduling a meeting with an SBDC counselor.

Counseling

Counseling is available at no cost in the following areas, and more, at Frederick County's SBDC:

Maximization of Resources

SBDC works very closely with a wealth of business support providers in Frederick County, including economic development authorities, chambers of commerce, main street organizations, technology incubators, and other agencies and non-profits that support a variety of industries, including government contractors and technology firms.

SBDC provides its clients with information about these resources and often, access to them.  SBDC also coordinates the Frederick Entrepreneur Support Network, a local organization of business support providers.

Getting Started with SBDC

Prospective SBDC clients should register with Maryland's central SBDC office before attending a training program or meeting with an SBDC counselor. 

• Pre-start companies can register by visiting:  http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/bus_assess/smart_start_assess_init.asp
• Existing companies can register here:  http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/bus_assess/grow_smart_initial_question.asp

Web-Based Resources for Pre-Start Companies

Click here to find web-based resources for creating and registering your company, tax registration, hiring employees, and many other important pre-start requirements.

Downloadable Business Plan Resources:

• Sample Business Plan Outline (Start-Up)
• Sample Business Plan Outline (Franchise)
• Generic Projections Template
• Business Plan Pointers

SBDC Contact Information

Chris Olson, Counselor 301-600-1967

This cooperative agreement is partially funded by the U. S. Small Business Administration, the State of Maryland and Frederick County Office of Economic Development. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

This material is based on work supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.