US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA offers many online tools to help start-ups. SBA’s Small Business Planner offers step-by-step assistance, from writing a business plan to developing an exit strategy.
Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)
The SBDC offers free online classes as well as confidential business consulting services to help entrepreneurs develop and refine business plans, solve problems, find sources of capital, and develop strategies to support growth and profitability.
Service Corps of Retired Engineers (SCORE)
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE's network of working and retired executives and business owners offer free and confidential small business advice to entrepreneurs, both online and in-person, as well as low-cost workshops.
Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center provides free workshops, seminars, and training programs for the regional entrepreneurial community.
Maryland Intellectual Property Legal Resource Center (MIPLRC):
The MIPLRC provides free counseling to individuals and companies needing assistance with basic legal and business formation issues, protection of intellectual property assets and securing of rights, law firm/attorney referral as well as advice on management of legal counsel. The MIPLRC hosts seminars, lectures and networking opportunities on issues related to technology, business, funding and their interplay with the law.
Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech):
Mtech Ventures provides entrepreneurship education to technology creators and delivers a portfolio of services and resources to entrepreneurs. Mtech's Biotechnology Research and Education Program offers bioprocessing facilities and services, graduate degree programs, training, and consulting for Maryland companies.
UMBC ACTiVATE
The ACTiVATE® program was developed to address a growing need in Maryland for more technology entrepreneurs who are skilled at commercializing technologies from research institutions. Initially supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the ACTiVATE® program addresses this need by recruiting, training, and supporting mid-career women who are serious about becoming technology entrepreneurs. The year long program uses an applied model for entrepreneurship training with a goal of forming technology-based companies at the conclusion of the program.
Women in Bio (WIB)
WIB is an organization of professionals committed to fostering and encouraging entrepreneurship and career development of women involved in the life sciences industry. Through their Entrepreneur and Executive Programs, WIB provides networking opportunities as well as informal, intimate forums that focus on a specific business or regulatory theme, led by an expert panel. Moreover, WIB's Professional Development programs are aimed at building personal skills and competencies that may have an important impact on professional development and career satisfaction.
Rockville Economic Development, Inc.’s (REDI) StartRight!
Business Plan Competition for Women Entrepreneurs
The StartRight Competition is designed to give new businesses a boost with cash prizes, publicity, and an opportunity for review and recommendations from an experienced panel of judges from area businesses, financial institutions, organizations, government agencies and colleges. The competition requires submission of an executive summary and several copies of the business plan to REDI.
Resources Offered By Local Economic Development Groups
Regional economic development offices offer resources and programs that help bioentrepreneurs get their companies started. These include business innovation networks, small business mentorships and business development programs.