This month, the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) recognized National Small Business Development Centers Day on March 18 to celebrate the impact of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) across the country. These organizations support entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey, from early idea generation through expansion.
At the local level, the Maryland SBDC, Southern Region, serves businesses throughout Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties. As a valued Charles County Circle of Services partner, the SBDC is part of a network of local, regional, and statewide resources designed to help small businesses succeed in the county.
Through conversations with James Vasquez, Regional Director of the Southern Maryland SBDC, and feedback from individuals in the business community, EDD found that many entrepreneurs share the same questions: How do I secure funding? Where can I apply for grants? What support is available to help me move forward?
The Maryland SBDC, Southern Region, answers these questions and guides entrepreneurs toward actionable solutions.
“We offer one-on-one consultations at no cost to the business owner to help them refine their business plans and get them to a point where they are fundable from our local banks that offer SBA lending programs,” Vasquez explained. “We are committed to helping them get their business moving in the right direction.”
The SBDC’s team includes experts across a wide range of business areas, including financial planning, marketing, operations, and growth strategy. This ensures entrepreneurs receive well-rounded, practical guidance. When additional specialized support is needed, the network extends even further.
“If a business requires expertise beyond what our local team can provide, we tap into our SBDC network at the state level,” Vasquez said. “We have specialized teams that can step in to support those needs.”
The Maryland SBDC provides professional training and confidential business consulting at no cost, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and supported by the counties it serves. These services are available to both new entrepreneurs and existing businesses looking to grow or expand.
The SBDC meets entrepreneurs wherever they are in their journey—even at the earliest stages of idea development.
“Sometimes someone has an idea scribbled on a napkin and thinks, ‘I wish I could turn this into fruition,’” Vasquez shared. “In Charles County, we have a dedicated Pre-venture/Start-up Business Consultant who will sit down with that person, help them brainstorm, and guide them through what it takes to turn that idea into a viable business. That support is made possible through funding directly from Charles County.”
The hands-on, personalized approach makes the SBDC such a valuable resource for Charles County’s local business community.
As Charles County continues to foster a strong and supportive business environment, partnerships like the Maryland SBDC Southern Region help ideas take shape and businesses thrive. To learn more about the Maryland SBDC, Southern Region, visit their website.
