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Counseling & Training Resources

A number of organizations offer counseling services to startups, much of it is free of charge. Tapping into their advice and experience will improve the chances of success.

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration and its nationwide network of partners help millions of potential and current small business owners start, grow and succeed.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
A 10,500-member volunteer nonprofit association which operates under cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration with more than 40 years experience helping small businesses succeed, matches volunteer business-management counselors with clients in need of expert advice.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information, advice and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations. The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments.

Small Business Resource Centers (SBRC)
SBRCs provide free services to help small businesses get established, grow and improve. Counselors have real world experience and success within the small business arena, equipping them to offer expert advice and a wealth of information about many subjects that affect small businesses, from planning and financing to marketing and insurance.

• International Chamber of Commerce
• International Finance Corporation
• International Monetary Fund
• United Nations
• World Bank Group
• World Trade Organization

• CIA World Factbook
• International Trade Commission
• US Agency for International Development
• US-ASEAN Council
• U.S. Census Bureau
  
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• U.S. Department of Commerce
• U.S. Department of State

• Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
• Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development
• Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce
• Business Guide to Marketing
• Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Maryland Secretary of State’s Office
• Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland
• World Trade Center Institute

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The Business Plan

A written guide to starting and running your business is essential for success. This plan serves as a road map for the development of the business, facilitates obtaining capital, and generally promotes growth.

The following links to outlines, tutorials and templates can help you through the planning process.

Write Your Business Plan (SBA). Outlines how to write your plan.

Market research and competitive analysis (SBA) The following tips can help you clarify what your business has to offer, identify the right target market for it and build a niche for yourself.