"Without the assistance of the SBDC who helped us formalize our dream, mold our dream and understand the pitfalls that we may encounter, we would not have been prepared to allow our dream to become a reality." – Joe and Vanessa Williams · Brighter Beginnings Child Care · Aberdeen

Three Steps to SmartSTART Your Business

Step 1: Opportunity Assessment and Online Training:

If you are considering starting a small business, complete our online SmartSTART Assessment©. This free, online evaluation will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and direct you to additional free, online guidance, suggestions, and resources. Once you have completed the assessment, visit our Virtual Classroom. If you have difficulty accessing the Assessment or Virtual Classroom, contact the SBDC at 443-412-2237 ext 1 or sbdc@harford.edu. Funded by SBDC contributors.

Step 2: Comprehensive Business Training

Option 1: Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Business©:

This six hour course is designed for anyone who is considering starting a small business but is unsure of where to start. Learn the vital steps to be done "before" to avoid mistakes "after". We are able to offer this course at below market value rate ($150) due to the generous support of the SBDC Contributors, course fee covers manual and textbook.

Sessions held at Harford Community College, Edgewood Hall (See below for registration information):

Course: 45755
T 9/1 & F 9/4, 3-6PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $29, Sessions: 2

Course: 45756
T 12/1 & 12/8, 3-6PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $29, Sessions: 2

Sessions held at Cecil College, Elkton Station, Rm. 210 (To register, call 410-287-1078):

Course: BDC150-01
T 9/8 & 9/15, 5:30-8:30PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $24, Sessions: 2

Course: BDC150-02
T 10/20 & 10/27, 5:30-8:30PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $24, Sessions: 2

Course: BDC150-03
T 11/10 & 11/17, 5:30-8:30PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $24, Sessions: 2

Option 2: Small Business Success: Starting, Managing and Running a Profitable Business©:

This 30 hour program (10 three hour sessions) is an expanded version of Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Business©. Presentations will discuss all of the subject areas in the short course in much greater detail and offer more time for questions and answers. Each student will develop a strategic plan for their business by the end of the course and a loan proposal (if necessary). This class is recommended for people interested in either starting a new business, or are already in business and struggling to make their business profitable.

Learn how to write a business plan
Learn which permits, licenses, rules and regulations are applicable
Learn how to keep proper financial records and report taxes
Learn how to market your business
Learn how to evaluate financing options

We are able to offer this course at below market value rate ($750) due to the generous support of the SBDC Contributors, course fee covers manual and textbook.

Sessions held at Harford Community College, Edgewood Hall (See below for registration information):

Class: 45757
M 9/14 – 11/16, 6-9PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $49, Sessions: 10

Sessions held at Cecil College, Elkton Station, Rm. 342 (To register, call 410-287-1078):

Class: BDC155-01
M 9/17 – 11/19, 5:30-8:30PM
Tuition: $0, Course Fee: $49, Sessions: 10

For Harford Sessions, click here to download the registration form for Nuts and Bolts and Small Business Success.
Complete and send in Harford Community College’s registration form with payment. For questions on registration, call 443-412-2376. Walk-ins are accepted (with completed HCC registration form and check or credit card payment - no cash), but there is no guarantee of available seating.

See additional comprehensive business training options below Step 3.

Step 3: Professional Business Counseling:

Once you have the training to run a business and you have a draft business plan, take advantage of our FREE professional management counseling services. Our team of business counselors can help you turn your plans into a profitable business operation. When you have a business plan to be reviewed, call 443-412-2237 ext 1 or e-mail sbdc@harford.edu.

Town of Bel Air · City of Havre de Grace · Point Breeze Credit Union · Freedom Federal Credit Union · Web Ad.vantage
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development · Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union (APGFCU)
Harford Business Ledger · Dryer Vent Wizard · Harford County Public Library · Susquehanna Workforce Network

Additional comprehensive business training offered by the SBDC:

Click here or call 443-412-2376 for details about registering for classes.

Sessions held at Harford Community College, Edgewood Hall (See above for registration information):

Franchising: The Safe Business:

This straight-forward class is for those looking to get into a proven business. With over 5,000 franchise options, how can you tell the best fit for you? Learn how to investigate and evaluate franchisors, their operating system s and fees, funding, and how to negotiate a franchise agreement.

Tuition: $69, Course fee: $0

Course: 45313
W 11/11, 6:30PM-9:45PM, Havre de Grace Hall

Sessions held at Cecil College, Elkton Station (To register, call 443-412-2237, ext. 3):

Want freedom, personal & financial independence? Consider a Franchise:

You have a unique opportunity to learn about franchised business opportunities from the oldest franchise consulting company in the US, Frannet. A franchise is viewed as the safest route to small business ownership. Franchises have a far greater success ratio than independently owned businesses and account for over 40% of all retail sales in the US. A new franchised business opens every 8 minutes. While franchising isn't for everyone, Frannet has helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve their business objectives. Find out IF franchising is right for you and if so what kind of business would best suit your background, personality and goals.

Tuition: $0, Course fee: $0

TH 12/10, 6-8PM, Cecil College, Elkton Station