Employment & Business Assistance

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Employment

Business Assistance

Maryland Workforce Exchange

Job Seekers! If you are interested in finding a better job or career, the Maryland Workforce Exchange allows you to search for current job openings in your community, create multiple resumes to use to apply on-line for jobs and research careers that are expected to be in high demand, file for unemployment insurance and find occupational training that meets your needs.

Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP)

The VWIP works to meet the workforce investment needs of veterans and performs outreach and public information activities to develop and promote employment and job training opportunities. The program offers among other services, training, job development, and employment referral. To obtain more information contact the Maryland Disability Workforce Information Exchange.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)

The DVOP specialists provide intensive services to meet the employment needs of disabled veterans and other eligible veterans. In addition to helping veterans find employment and training opportunities, DVOP staff provides vocational guidance, referral to supportive services and case management services to veterans with significant barriers to employment. To obtain more information on the DVOP program contact your local Maryland One-Stop Career Center.

Local Veteran Employment Representative Program (LVER)

The LVER conduct outreach to employers and engages in advocacy efforts with hiring executives to increase employment opportunities for veterans, encourage the hiring of disabled veterans, and generally assist veterans to gain and retain employment. LVER staff conduct seminars for employers and job search workshops for veterans seeking employment, and facilitate priority of service in regard to employment, training, and placement services furnished to veterans by all staff of the employment service delivery system.

LVER staff are thoroughly familiar with the full range of job development services and training programs available at One-Stop Career Centers and Department of Veterans' Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program locations.

To obtain more information on the DVOP program contact your local Maryland One-Stop Career Center.

Veterans Establishing Businesses

Maryland offers a wide range of resources to individuals establishing businesses. For more information, please contact the Governor’s Office of Business Advocacy (GOBA)
(410) 767-6300.

Veteran-Owned Small Business Preference in Maryland

Governor O’Malley signed a bill into law establishing Maryland’s Procurement Preference Program for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).  The Law was effective October 1, 2008 and establishes a percentage price preference of up to 7% for certified VOSBs and up to 8% for SDVOSBs.   The VOSB and SDVOSB certification is restricted to veterans domiciled in Maryland.

For more information, please read the Frequently Asked Questions PDF - opens in a new window and the BPW Advisory Number: 2009-03 Word document.

Military Personnel and Service-Disabled Veterans No-Interest Loan Program

The Department of Business and Employment Development in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs provides a no interest loan via the Military Personnel and Service-Disabled Veteran No-Interest Loan Program for the purpose of:

(1) Providing financial support to:

(i) a business owned by a military reservist or National Guard member who is called to active duty; or

(ii) a small business employer of a military reservist or National Guard member who is called to active duty;

(2) Making the home, motor vehicle, or place of employment of a service–disabled veteran accessible to individuals with disabilities, including purchasing equipment necessary to enable a business to employ a service–disabled veteran; and

(3) defraying other necessary expenses, as determined by the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, incurred by a service–disabled veteran or:

(i) a business employing a service–disabled veteran as a result of the veteran’s disability;

(ii) a service disabled veteran, or

(iii) a business owned by a service-disabled veteran

Click here for a copy of the Fact Sheet PDF - opens in a new window and a copy of the application form Word document. If you need more information, please send an email to mdveteransinfo@mdva.state.md.us.

Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)

The SBDC is dedicated to helping you establish and expand your business. We accomplish this by providing a variety of management and technical assistance programs designed to help you, the aspiring and existing small business owner.

To obtain more information and find the SBDC office nearest you visit the SBDC web site.

The Governor's Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA)

GOMA is a cabinet-level state office dedicated to the needs of Maryland’s minority and women business owners. GOMA provides a wide range of referral and technical services for clients who either own an existing business or want to start a new business. In addition to helping minority businesses navigate Maryland’s complex certification and procurement processes, GOMA is responsible for managing and overseeing the Minority Business Program for all state agencies.

To learn more about specific programs that you may benefit from call 1-(877) 558-0998 or visit the GOMA web site.

Reach Independence through Self-Employment (RISE)

RISE is a program for people with disabilities interested in starting their own business and who are eligible for services through the MD Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Individuals interested in starting there own business must first speak to a DORS counselor. The RISE program helps business clients explore the feasibility of self-employment as a realistic vocational option; develop a comprehensive business; receive individualized technical assistance; explore multiple funding sources for your venture; obtain market information to help you select the right industry; and receive an assessment of your plan by business and banking experts.

In addition, DORS will provide limited funding for a small business if necessary after the business plan has been favorably reviewed by the RISE Program's Business Plan Review Committee and approved by DORS.

For more information call (888) 788-7473 or visit the RISE web site.

Maryland Financing Programs

Maryland offers a number of financing programs to assist the state’s business community. Specific financing programs for small business clients include the following:

  • Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority
  • Neighborhood Business Development Program
  • Economic Development Opportunities Fund (Sunny Day Fund)
  • Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority
  • Community Development Block Grant Program
  • Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund

Information about all small business financing programs offered by the state can be found at the Department of Business & Economic Development web site.

Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP)

To assist Maryland small businesses in how to do business with federal, state, and local government agencies. This assistance is provided at no cost to the small business owner. Small businesses (as defined by the Small Business Administration) that have a product or service needed by a government agency are welcome to apply for services.

More information can be found on the PTAP web site.