R E S O U R C E S 

Baltimore Business Resources

1. Baltimore Small Business Resource Center (SBRC): The SBRC provides counseling services at no cost to small business owners, offering training and outreach programs to help with business development, marketing, and financing strategies.

Baltimore offers a variety of resources and opportunities tailored to support small businesses and startups. Here are some key programs and organizations that can assist you:

Business Organizations

3. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Baltimore District Office: The SBA provides assistance with funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery, connecting businesses to partner organizations, lenders, and community groups.

2. Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC offers free individualized consulting and comprehensive training programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, covering topics from startup basics to executive training.

4. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) – Business Boost Microgrant: Through the Neighborhood BusinessWorks program, DHCD offers microgrants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 to support small businesses seeking capital for growth and expansion opportunities.

5. Downtown Partnership of Baltimore – Grant Programs: This organization provides funding opportunities for small businesses, non-profits, and artists in the region, aiming to address blight and better serve the downtown community.

6. Baltimore County Department of Economic Development – Business Services: Offers assistance with finding funding, market research, writing business plans, and obtaining business licenses to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

7. Enoch Pratt Free Library – Small Business Guide: Provides reliable information related to starting a small business in Maryland, including resources on taxes, writing business plans, and more.

8. FUND Baltimore – Small Business Funding Bootcamp: A free bootcamp designed to help small business owners understand and evaluate funding options to scale and grow their businesses, covering topics like assessing financing options and understanding loan terms.

These resources are designed to support the growth and success of small businesses and startups in Baltimore, offering financial assistance, training, and valuable guidance.

Tax Credits & Incentives

One of the key advantages of being based at City House is the access to valuable tax incentives, such as Enterprise Zone (EZ) Tax Credits and Opportunity Zone Tax Incentives, both of which are available in Baltimore City.

On top of these financial advantages, businesses based in City House have access to a wide array of programs and resources provided by the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC). Key programs include:

  • BDC Loans: The BDC offers the Baltimore Micro Loan Fund, providing financing ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to both existing and start-up small businesses. These loans can be used for working capital, as well as the purchase of furniture, fixtures, machinery, and equipment. The program aims to stimulate employment, assist small businesses in obtaining fixed-rate financing, and encourage private sector investment within Baltimore City.

  • Job Creation Tax Credit: Offers up to $3,000 per new full-time job created in Baltimore (or $5,000 per job if in a revitalization area), encouraging local employment growth.

  • Maryland Commuter Tax Credit: Businesses can receive a tax credit of 50% of the eligible commuter benefits provided to employees, up to $100 per employee per month.

  • One Maryland Tax Credit: Supports businesses making significant investments ($500,000 or higher) in capital projects and job creation (at least 10 new jobs), in designated areas, promoting economic development. These businesses may qualify for income tax credits up to $5 million.

  • Small Business Relief Tax Credit: Offers tax relief to small businesses and allows them to claim up to $1,000 in annual tax credits to help offset costs such as state filing fees and unemployment insurance taxes.

  • Open Access Baltimore: This initiative focuses on expanding high-speed broadband access to businesses throughout Baltimore, enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure. By improving internet accessibility, the program aims to support business operations and foster economic growth in the city.

  • Baltimore Source Link: A resource hub connecting entrepreneurs and small businesses with a wide range of business-related services for business planning, loans and financing, marketing and sales, licenses and permits, product development, training classes and mentorship opportunities and much more.

  • BGE Seed: Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) offers the Smart Energy Economic Development (SEED) Program to support business growth and job creation in central Maryland. The program provides eligible businesses with incentives such as a 25% discount on electric and natural gas distribution and demand charges for the first five years of operation. To qualify, businesses must be new or expanding firms located in a BGE-designated SEED zone and meet specific job creation and energy usage criteria.

With these robust incentives and resources, City House is not only a great location for high-end office space but also a strategic choice for business owners looking to minimize costs and maximize growth opportunities in Baltimore City.