Partner Spotlight: SBDC

A recent survey by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) showed that fully 85% of small businesses fail within the first year. Of these failed businesses more than three quarters got no professional advice before starting out. Contrast this to successful businesses who used professional support around 90% of the time.

Frederick’s entrepreneurs and small business owners now have an additional resource to help them navigate the issues of business start-up. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers comprehensive business training classes, one-on-one business counseling services, market development assistance and access to start-up funding sources all at no cost to Frederick Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. Whether you are just starting your own business or looking to expand the SBDC is here to assist you.  

The SBDC has been around since 1988 and has over 800 centers around the nation with 20 here in Maryland. The agency is staffed by experienced and highly qualified business counselors and trainers tasked with the mission of nurturing and supporting entrepreneurship and small business growth. The Frederick County counselor is Robert Bower. Rob has a bachelor’s degree in Business from Mount St. Mary’s and a Master’s in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to being a small business owner and investor, he has over 25 years of business experience in a variety of industries including Defense, Consumer Products and Industrial Automation. 

You can reach Rob to discuss your business issues or plans at rbower@umd.edu or (240) 524-1775.