Do you need assistance preparing a business plan?  Can't decide on the best marketing campaign for your business?  Confused by business forms, rules, and regulations?  We can help!  Small and start-up business counseling services are available through Garrett County's Department of Economic Development.  To take advantage of these free services, please give us a call at (301) 334-1921, or contact our small business counselor directly at (301) 895-5488 or email her at swilt@wildblue.net. 

We also have a strong support system on the local, state, and federal levels that will help your business grow and prosper. From the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to the U. S. Small Business Administration, when a Garrett County business needs assistance, help is only a phone call or click away!

Business License Information System:
The Business License Information System (BLIS) is an interactive website that allows users quick access to information on permits and licenses that may be required to start, relocate or expand a business in Maryland.

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce:
With over 500 members, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has the resources to promote the growth and development of its members.

As a member, you'll have the opportunity to market your products and services locally through the Chamber's monthly mailings, as well as the chance to attend “Business After Hours” networking events and training seminars.

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation:
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) is chartered with supporting the economic stability of the state and counties by providing businesses, the workforce, and consumers with customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services.

DLLR is here to help you with employment assistance, licensing information, and support regarding regulatory compliance.

Small Business Administration/HUBZone:
With the mission of providing financial, technical, and management assistance to aid Americans in starting, running, and growing their businesses, the Small Business Administration is here to help.  It has a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees, and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, in addition to a venture capital portfolio of $13 billion.

Here in our County, we're considered to be an SBA HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone).  That means your business, if located in Garrett County, will qualify for preferential status in competition for federal government contracts.

Tri-County Council for Western Maryland:
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, located at One Technology Drive, Suite 1000, on the Frostburg State University campus, is a working partnership of federal, state, and local governments, serving our County, as well as Allegany and Washington Counties, and 24 municipalities.

The Council facilitates economic and community development through program coordination, grant assistance, revolving loan programs and marketing activities.

For more information, please contact the Tri-County Council at (301) 689-1300, or one of the following staff members via e-mail:
     Leanne Mazer, Director -- lmazer@tccwmd.org
     Guy Winterberg, Deputy Director -- gwinterberg@tccwmd.org

Western Maryland Business Resource Center:
The Western Maryland Business Resource Center, located at 113 Baltimore Avenue, Cumberland, provides resources, consulting and referral services, and training programs to help Western Maryland businesses expand and grow in Maryland and compete globally. Individual counseling is provided at no cost to the client to assist in developing and refining business plans, solving specific problems, locating capital and brainstorming innovative strategies to support growth and profitability.

The Center also offers training programs for all stages of small business development and has a resource library with information on starting, operating and growing a small business. For additional information, please contact the Center at (301) 722-2773 or stop by during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Small Business Development Center:
The Small Business Development Center -- Western Region is a satellite center for the Small Business Administration.  Located at One Technology Drive, Suite 1100, on the Frostburg State University campus, it is designed to provide comprehensive management and technical assistance to Western Maryland's small business community (Allegany, Garrett, Frederick and Washington Counties).

The Center serves as a focal point for combining federal, state, and local government resources with those of the private sector, and provides counseling and training services for aspiring and existing small businesses to resolve organizational, financial, marketing, technical, regulatory, and other issues they might encounter.  For more information, please contact Mark Malec, Regional Director, at (301) 687-1080 or email  him at mcmalec@frostburg.edu.

Western Maryland Consortium:
Serving our region since 1974, the Western Maryland Consortium provides workforce development services in Garrett, Washington, and Allegany Counties through federal funding provided by the Workforce Investment Act.  For more information, please contact the Western Maryland Consortium at (301) 334-8136.

For more information on the resources these agencies have to offer you and your business, check out their websites.