Addressing the needs of small businesses across St. Mary’s County, the Board of County Commissioners has approved $16,500 in county funds to support the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Southern Region to provide small business counseling in the county.

Established in 1989, the network of six university and college-based centers provides timely counseling, consulting, education and information to new and existing business owners. The Maryland SBDC services the business community in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties by providing no-fee confidential business consulting, educational programming and timely, useful information. The SBDC is hosted by the College of Southern Maryland at convenient locations in all three counties.

In the first half of fiscal year 2012 the SBDC delivered 695 hours of no-fee business and management consulting to businesses in the tri-county region. Additionally 269 individuals and firms benefitted from 59 educational programs. Programs include start-up assistance for unemployed individuals pursuing business ownership, alternative sources of capital for businesses facing tight lending requirements and survival strategies for existing businesses experiencing a decrease in sales.

“In these tight economic times resources such as the SBDC are vital,” said Jack Russell, Commissioner President. “The SBDC provides a critical lifeline for business owners across the county seeking to develop or expand.”

Among the main components of the SBDC’s offerings is education. By partnering with the College of Southern Maryland, classes are offered on an ongoing basis to address the needs of business owners in the tri-county region.

“Our slate of traditional courses offered at the Leonardtown campus are targeted at business owners and entrepreneurs alike,” said Kelly Robertson-Slagle, SBDC Director. “These include Smart Start, Developing your Business Plan, Quick Books Basic and Advanced, Legal and Records Management and Financing your Small Business.”

According to SBDC activity in the St. Mary’s County satellite office has shown a marked increase:

Category 7/1/10 – 12/31/10 7/1/11 – 12/31/11
Clients Served 52