Partners and Resources
We are focused on building and sustaining a business-friendly community that is welcoming, supportive and appreciative of the businesses that make our illustrious quality of life possible
General Business Resources
There are many services to help move your new or existing business in the right direction. Our team works with the collaborative assistance of a wide variety of partners and allies to bring quality information, assistance, and guidance to businesses. Entrepreneurs are welcome to visit the resources listed which offer assistance to start-ups, existing, or expanding businesses. In addition to the organizations in our six business neighborhoods, the following are among the many additional groups that reflect the strength and diversity of our city's vibrant economy.
Community Partners
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce - Provides networking, professional development, government advocacy, and programming.
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation - Provides innovative, high quality workforce development services to Anne Arundel County businesses and citizens.
Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation - Provides investment and technical assistance and fosters community revitalization initiatives.
Business Training and Development
Maryland Small Business Development Center - Counselors provide training, confidential consulting, and market and industry research to aspiring and existing small businesses.
SCORE – Southern Maryland - Volunteer mentors offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge.
Anne Arundel Community College Entrepreneurial Studies Institute - Offers courses, professors, mentors and resources to launch a new business.
Networking Groups
Launch! Annapolis - A place for startup founders, investors and innovative thinkers come together to launch high-growth ventures in the state’s capital.
Entrepreneur’s Exchange - Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and problem-solving among entrepreneurs and small business owners.
LinkAnnapolis - Connects people who want to help each other build their businesses by gathering on a bi-monthly basis to exchange opportunities and ideas.
State and Federal Government Support
Maryland Department of Commerce - Promotes the state's economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism.
Maryland Tech Council - Supports member companies who are driving innovation through advocacy, education, workforce development, cost savings and connecting entrepreneurial minds.
U.S. Small Business Administration - Provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Workshops & Events
Often the best ways to educate yourself to successfully start, manage, and grow your business is to take advantage of the many workshops and training programs available to small business owners in several formats. By attending these workshops, you will learn not only from the presenters, but also from the other attendees who are going through the same process.
A variety of small business workshops can be found through the Maryland SBDC and SCORE Southern Maryland
For other local opportunities, check our AED calendar, as well as AAEDC’s calendar.