Check Out this Great Baltimore County Resource

Story by Bryen C. Glass

For those who want to start a business or is looking for employment, Baltimore County has a department that offers you a multitude of valuable resources. According to the official Baltimore County website, the "Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) works to make Baltimore County a thriving location for businesses and a place where well-educated and trained residents enjoy ample economic opportunity." Check out some of the great resources that they offer. According to Selisa Jefferson, Retail and Commercial Economic Development Representative, the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development offers the following resources:

Economic Department

Baltimore County Boost Fund is offering flexible loans from $50,000 to $250,000 that can be used for capital towards the acquisition of business assets leasehold improvement and even working capital. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/economic-development/business/boost-fund

Eligibility

- Small Business

- Minority-owned businesses

- Women-owned businesses

- Veteran-owned businesses

Small Business Resource Center https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/economic-development/business/

The SBRC center’s counselors have real-world experience and success within the small business arena, equipping you with expert advice. Take advantage of the following services:

- Business plan development

- Marketing advice

- Financial assistance

- Minority Business Enterprise certification

- One on One Counseling

- Strategic planning

- Demographic studies

- Needs assessment

Workforce Development Career Centers

West Side: 3637 Offutt Road, Randallstown, MD 21133

Central: 11101 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031

East Side: 7930 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD 21224

Job Seeker Service

Career Centers are staffed with a team of trained and committed professionals. Some of our services included:

- Resume development

- Interview preparation

- Computer skills enhancement

- Job search strategies

- General job readiness

- Career pathways guidance

- Career development workshop

- Referrals for support services

- Referrals to GED courses, ESOL and literacy course

- Re-entry service

- Apprenticeship opportunities

Workforce Solution Service

Need help finding employees? Collaborate with our American Job Center, local educational institutions, partner agencies, and business and trade organizations to attract the best candidates. Recruitment strategies may include:

- Job posting through the Maryland Workforce Exchange

- Pre-screening and assessment of candidates

- Providing facilities for recruitment initiatives

- Job fairs and advertising

- Access local state or federal employer incentives

- Promote your company’s internships, apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities

Youth Service

The Youth Service program focuses on enhancing and maximizing the rich diversity of knowledge and life skills possessed but the emerging workforce. Aiming to keep youth at the leading edge of today’s hyper competitive workforce, youth gain support in the following areas:

- Adult mentoring

- Financial literacy

- Entrepreneurial skills training

- Problem solving

- Leadership and development

- Time management

For more information contact businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-8000.

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