Doing business in the Baltimore District

Business requirements

SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.

Business name and registration

Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Maryland Business Express.

Business licensing and zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business.

Taxes

Maryland Taxpayer Assistance Centers
31 Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 443-853-5660

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
301 W. Preston St., Room 801
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-1184

Health and safety

Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
500 N. Calvert St., Suite 401
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-230-6020

Maryland OSHA Area Offices
1099 Winterson Road, Suite 140
Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 410-865-2055

State small business profiles

Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.

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Local assistance

Need help? Get free business counseling in your area.

SBA lending in our area

  • Loan programs

    Loan programs icon
    Learn more about SBA's 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans that you can use for your business.
  • Local lenders

    Local lenders icon
    Download a list of participating lenders in our area.
  • Lender Match

    Lender Match icon
    Describe your business needs and get matched with an SBA-backed lender in your area.
  • Lending activity reports

    Lending activity reports icon
    View 7(a) and 504 lending activity reports from our district.

Additional local resources

Download our guide to SBA resources

Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.

Last updated March 22, 2024