PARTNERS

j-ref
 j-ref, an alternative source of financing, provides up to $250,000 in business loans to qualifying businesses. Founded upon the inspired entrepreneurial leadership of Jim Rouse, j-ref provides integrated, comprehensive services to entrepreneurs to maximize successful business growth. This specialized financial, education and training support system targets small and emerging businesses throughout Howard County. j-ref was developed through the cooperative efforts of Howard County Community College, Howard County Government, the Howard County Economic Development Authority, the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and the Baltimore/Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce.

Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)
The Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) is dedicated to helping establish and expand businesses. This is accomplished by providing a variety of management and technical assistance programs designed to help the aspiring and existing business owner. The SBDC’s confidential business consulting service helps to develop and refine business plans, solve day to day problems, find sources of capital and develop strategies to support growth and profitability with one-on-one counseling. Assistance with SBA 8(a)/SDB and MDOT certifications is also available. All of these services are offered at no cost! The Maryland SBDC offers a comprehensive education and training program presented by local business leaders from many professional disciplines. By leveraging the resources of professionals in the community, a wide range of workshops, conferences, seminars and courses are available for a nominal fee.   The SBDC’s assistance is designed to strengthen and grow businesses, thereby contributing to the growth of our local, state and national economies.

SCORE
SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business) is a 10,500-member volunteer association sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The volunteers are either retired or active business owners or managers working through one of 389 locally organized chapters. Through in-depth counseling and training, SCORE counselors help prospective entrepreneurs with business start up and assist established small business owners and managers to identify problems, determine the cause, find solutions, and maximize growth. SCORE offers workshops on a myriad of entrepreneurial topics and provides both on-site one-on-one and e-counseling via the internet.  To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (410) 313-6550.

If you have questions about small business start up or growth, contact us at (410)313-6550 or by e-mail to ccardwell@hceda.org.