SBDC - The SBDC is dedicated to assisting small businesses start, grow and be profitable.  Services include business plan assistance, market analysis and research, access to financing, managerial and technical support, as well as specialized services for Retail, Restaurants, Construction, Technology, and Contracting.  All services are free and confidential with additional low cost training options available. The Southern Region SBDC for Charles County office is located at the (CSM) College of Southern MD’s La Plata Campus. Click here for a comprehensive list of free classes.  Click here for a Smart Start assessment.

PTAP - The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program provides counseling services at no or low cost to the Maryland small business owners who want to do business with government.  Free counseling and mentoring programs and low cost workshops help businesses acquire the skills and understanding of the requirements of government contracting and the marketing know-how to pursue, win, and perform federal, state, and local government contracts. Procurement opportunities, Classroom Training Schedule, Workshop Description

SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives -- is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. The SCORE of Southern Maryland Chapter offers free, confidential mentoring and conducts general and specialized workshops for which there are nominal charges.  SCORE is a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration.

IRS – The Internal Revenue Service website provides a wealth of information for the small business including basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business as well as information to assist in making basic business decisions.