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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the Maryland SBDC has served its communities.
Twelve years ago, Kyle [Devora's SBDC consultant] helped me get a $90,000 loan and hire my first employee, and I've been working with the SBDC ever since.
Devora Kimelman-Block, CEO of Kol Foods
Children's Transportation Service Pivots To Support Community
Lexi's Lil Bug was founded by President and owner Erika Jernigan, whose history of childcare and early childhood education gave her the know-how and experience to successfully start her venture. In 2019, Jernigan came to the SBDC as she was looking to grow her business. In addition to receiving business counseling, she attended the Maryland SBDC Entrepreneurial Development Workshop, where she competed in the workshop's Pitch Competition and was awarded first prize for her business idea.
SBDC has been one of the best experiences that I have had in dealing with the SBA. Very professional and very relevant work.
Andy Shallal, CEO of Busboys and Poets
"Rising Star" Teenage Entrepreneur Helps Keep Kitchens Safe
Maryland Small Business Week Award"s Rising Star Student Entrepreneur award recipient Robert "RJ" Batts invented Tip Tough, a metal finger guard for chefs and home cooks alike. In one year, Tip Tough had sold over $10K in product, and is now available for sale in more than a dozen retail chains. Batts and his family sought out the Maryland SBDC for help with the increasingly demanding manufacturing process and have worked closely with his consultant as his business continues to expand.
SBDC Success Story — Meet Brian and Donna Jordan
Jordan Research and Development is an innovation-based company with a primary goal of creating solutions to the world's biggest problems. With assistance from the SBDC, Jordan R&D has gone on to create ground-breaking products, many sold worldwide.
I was very hesitant about making anything other than our beverages, but after a weekend of contemplating a pivot, I realized that we could help the community and save lives, which is my ultimate passion as a business owner and entrepreneur.
Kathleen Bravo, CEO of East Road Beverages, LLC
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Veteran Entrepreneurs Pioneer Vegan Health Supplements
Derrell Lee and John Pace, U.S. military veterans with a passion for healthy living and fitness, worked with the SBDC on their business idea, the first vegan mass gainer on the market. They received expert counseling, as well as assistance developing their marketing strategy, accurate financial projections, forming a proper loan package and a well-developed pitch for the business. After receiving a $100K SBA loan, the pair launched their product to great success.
SBDC Success Stories: Brackish Waters
Drawing on her previous experience in the retail world, Rachel McCall took the plunge and opened Brackish Waters, an apparel and sporting goods store. She reached out to the SBDC looking for help with financing and purchasing a retail space.
