Best Small Business Resources in the Baltimore Area

Description

The School of Food has a year-long educational curriculum for small business owners whose business relates to food or beverage. The curriculum features industry experts and features all the relevant information for starting and successfully running a food-based business. Students have the option to attend all of the program's workshops with the SOF passport or selecting the workshops they want to attend.

Restrictions

This program is limited to food/beverage small business owners.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Catapult is a coworking space that emphasizes working with creativity. They frequently host business and social events and also have a sound and video studio available for use. Roundtables pair entrepreneurs and industry gurus to accelerate company growth.

Description

The Community College of Baltimore County has a large collection of classes available for entrepreneurs. You can learn how to create your businesses legal structure, learn how to use accounting software and how to do bookkeeping, and more. 

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The Foundery is useful for business owners who would like access to industrial grade tools and expertise to assist in making their product. Additionally, for entrepreneurs who may not have the knowledge on how to make their product, the Foundery offers classes to develop the skills to learn how. Classes include instructions on how to use woodworking, metalworking, blacksmithing, and industrial machinery.