Entrepreneurship

The first step in starting a business is registering with the State of Maryland. The Comptroller of Maryland offers a helpful checklist to guide entrepreneurs through the registration process.

Licensure varies from business to business, but Maryland Business Express helps you refine requirements by industry. In some instances, you might need additional licensure from the County or the Department of Health.

Permit requirements vary based on your industry and business activities, but the Department of Planning and Growth Management (PGM) helps guide businesses through the permitting process. 

Maryland’s Small Business Development Center, Southern Region, is a front-line resource for entrepreneurs on the move. Offered online or on-site, their New Venture Workshops help entrepreneurs master the mechanics of the process. The SBDC offers no-cost and low-cost training and no-cost, confidential consulting.

The Economic Development Department connects Charles County businesses with capital resources tailored to their goals and industries. From loans to tax credits and opportunity zones, EDD guides enterprises to financing solutions that support growth and long-term success in Charles County.

Financial Resources

The EDD supports businesses looking to locate in Charles County by identifying available properties and highlighting location-based advantages aligned with their industries. EDD streamlines the site selection process and provides support ranging from site and building identification to financing, workforce training, and research, while also helping businesses access relevant incentives. Services include confidential connections to key local and state partners, customized site tours, and assistance with facilitating incentives, agreements, and permitting processes.

Find a Property

Businesses looking to expand their network may benefit from connecting with organizations such as the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, which offers business networking opportunities, member events, educational programs, advocacy, and visibility for local businesses, and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, which supports Black business owners across Maryland through networking, training, advocacy, member connections, and growth resources.

EDD helps businesses connect with federal, state, and local resource partners who can support growth, planning, financing, procurement, training, and long-term development. 

Business Resource Partners