Small Business

Maryland values the significant contributions the state’s approximately 443,000 small businesses make to our economy. Of that number, some 128,000 are women-owned, and nearly 115,000 are minority-owned. This important sector of our economy employs 47 percent of all Maryland workers.

Since small, minority-, and women-owned businesses are vital to Maryland's economic health, the state offers a number of programs aimed at helping you launch, finance, and manage your business dream.

Getting Started
Starting a business in Maryland is an opportunity that should be open to everyone!

Workforce Development
A number of resources are available to business owners in the area of workforce development.

Strategic Assistance Consulting Fund
The Strategic Assistance Consulting Fund provides funding for expert private sector consulting services in specialized areas to Maryland small, minority, and micro-enterprise businesses.

Marketing Programs
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development works together with other state agencies to help businesses promote their services and products to a vast network of potential customers.

Technology Development
The state of Maryland offers a number of programs to aid companies in technology development.