SBTDC - The Small Business and Technology Development Center has a variety of services designed to help existing business owners meet the demands of managing a successful business. Free one-on-one counseling sessions and low-cost training events and workshops provide specialized assistance to existing businesses of any size interested in growth and profitability. See a comprehensive list of free classes and the Grow Smart questionnaire.

PTAP - The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program is the resource for getting into government contracting with counseling and training at no or low cost for Maryland small business owners who want to do business with government.  PTAP mentoring programs and workshops help businesses learn 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 businesses nationwide. The SCORE of Southern Maryland Chapter offers free, confidential mentoring and conducts general and specialized workshops for a small charge.  SCORE is a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration.

SBA – The US Small Business Administration provides assistance to entrepreneurs thinking about starting or those having already started a small businesses, with essential information, online tools, finance programs, and other services. Many factors contribute to a well-run business, ranging from capital to marketing, sales, human resources, and the technology that is employed to keep businesses functioning smoothly.  Learn about these and many other business tips at the SBA website.

TEDCO – Maryland’s Technical Development Corporation offers assistance through the Maryland Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBI2).  The RBI2 is designed to enhance commercialization activities and provide technical and business assistance to small companies who innovate new technology or use technology in new, innovative ways.  RBI2 connects businesses to resources and federal laboratory and university research opportunities. The RBI2 helps companies move to the next growth level and provides this service at no cost.

Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBI2) Fact Sheet (PDF file)