Running a small business can be challenging in the best of times, but the pandemic has brought unique challenges that many small businesses hadn’t planned for, further complicating matters.  It’s more important than ever before for small business owners to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources available to them.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA), a federal agency, utilizes a resource partner network to deliver free one-on-one mentoring to small businesses across the country. SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, is one of the SBA’s key resource partners offering personal assistance on a variety of business topics including: business planning, human resources, recordkeeping, financing, marketing and more. SCORE is an all-volunteer organization comprised of both retired and career-active individuals who give back to their communities by sharing their knowledge and expertise with local entrepreneurs. All counseling services are free and training sessions are either free or low-cost.

Maryland is fortunate to have a talented and dedicated team of SCORE mentors serving all counties in the state. There are four regional SCORE Chapters in Maryland offering a combination of in-person, virtual and phone counseling. Chapters are based in Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis and Chestertown.

On October 1st, SCORE’s Mid-Shore Chapter serving Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties merged with the Southern Maryland Chapter that serves Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. By joining forces, the newly expanded Southern Maryland Chapter, based in Annapolis, Md., offers Eastern Shore entrepreneurs increased access to mentors and a broader range of experience to address the ever-increasing demands placed on both start-up and expanding small businesses and those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about starting or operating a small business and to find a mentor near you, visit sba.gov or score.org. To learn about COVID-19 relief options for small business, including the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), visit sba.gov/disaster.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more visit www.sba.gov.

SBA Baltimore District Office