Small Business Development Center Programs

The resources provided by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) help small businesses and start-ups to grow and manage their business. Listed below are upcoming sessions offered through the SBDC.  Most sessions are being held at Harford's Leading Edge Training Center Powered by the Ratcliffe Foundation (LETC), which is located at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford & Cecil Counties, Edgewood Center. The training center is operated by Harford Community College.

Ready, Set, Go! (in-person)

First Wednesday of the month, 9–11 AM, Harford's Leading Edge Training Center Powered by the Ratcliffe Foundation

Ready, Set, Go is held monthly and designed for small businesses in the planning phase of building a company. Participants will learn the nuts & bolts of becoming an entrepreneur, from business planning to legal business entity formation. Additional information is shared with the participant on the SBDC, its services, what one can expect when entering the business world, the business plan, finance management, funding sources, marketing – a guide to beginning a successful future in a business world. There is no cost to attend.

Register for November
Register for December

Ready, Set, Go! (virtual)

Virtual; fourth Thursday of the month, 9–11 AM

Register for October
NOTE: Due to holidays, there will be no sessions in November or December.

Microlending/Alternative Funding Seminar

Wednesday, October 19, 6-8 PM, Harford’s Leading Edge Training Center Powered by the Ratcliffe Foundation (Edgewood, MD); Registration deadline: October 18

Are you a small business owner looking to take your business to the next level? The Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, M&T Bank, MMG Capital Group, and Harford County Economic Development are presenting an in-person seminar to small businesses that are looking for alternative methods of funding. We will be discussing the programs and services that are offered by each organization, how to create a strong business plan, and the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with lenders and cash flow statements. There is no cost to attend. Register here.

Demystifying the Business Plan

Wednesday, November 9, 9-11 AM, Harford’s Leading Edge Training Center Powered by the Ratcliffe Foundation (Edgewood, MD); Registration deadline: November 8

Training topics include the Business Plan, Business Start-up/Preplanning, and Managing a Business. There is no cost to attend. Register here.

Pathways to Entrepreneurship Certification Course

Revolving Enrollment | Self-paced

Virtual + scheduled time with a business consultant

An entrepreneur identifies a need in the marketplace, comes up with an innovative business solution to fill that need, and takes on both the risks and rewards of implementing their idea. As the leader of their company, an entrepreneur assumes full responsibility for the execution and success of the business on a daily basis, including creating a business plan, doing market research, developing a sales and marketing plan, developing and creating a budget, pricing and margin analysis, managing human resources, managing risk, and navigating future growth strategies. The Pathways to Entrepreneurship workforce training program prepares attendees for their venture into entrepreneurship. Learn core competencies in business planning, market research, budgeting and accounting, human resources, managing risk, growth strategies, and much more. Includes one-on-one consultation. The cost is $429 and includes text, business consulting, and the cost of the certification exam. For information, contact Kelly Zajicek at 443-412-2163 or kzajicek@harford.edu.

Coming soon! SBDC Open House events at LETC where small businesses and entrepreneurs can meet with a business counselor. Check the website. Times and dates will be posted as they become available.

Additional training events are also available through the SBDC. Learn more here.