Business Partnerships

Queen Anne’s County Planning & Zoning

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Planning and Zoning provides staff support to the Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Commission and the Board of Appeals. This office also implements the goals and objectives of the County’s Comprehensive Plan through the administration of the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, critical area ordinance and forest conservation regulations.

Queen Anne’s County Treasury Division

The Treasury Division collects all revenues deposited in all County accounts as well as mailing real property tax bills and various other billing and collections.

Queen Anne’s County Liquor Board

For information about regulation, permits, and applications to serve alcohol within the county.

Queen Anne’s County Health Department

Licensing and monitoring of all food service related business, and provides information regarding general community health and safety practices, including COVID-19.

Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce

A membership-driven organization to serve, represent and advocate for members in such a way as to enhance the quality of life and well being of our unique county, its residents and visitors, through the continued growth of our business enterprises.

Offers networking events, advocacy for the local business community. Attends regular meetings and disseminates information to keep members up to date on information relevant to local businesses.

Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board

Providing Career and Training services that will lead to employment that is relevant and supportive to the local five-county economy.  USWIB is committed to assisting employers by offering in-demand training options designed to qualify individuals for careers in the region.

Maryland Small Business Development Center

Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers FREE individualized consulting, from start up to established businesses, along with comprehensive training programs, from those just thinking about starting a business to executive training, with most classes at low to no cost.

Maryland Capital Enterprises

A non-profit organization that provides counseling, support, training and funding for small businesses including start-ups and expansion.

• Women’s Business Center
• Business Loans

Rural Maryland Council

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland.

Score of the Upper Shore Region

Provide mentorship and guidance to new small businesses including support with business plans, expansion and growth, and marketing / networking. Offers the local community seasoned professionals that provide one-on-one counseling.

Department of Commerce

As the state’s primary economic development agency, the Maryland Department of Commerce works to stimulate private investment and create jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. They also promote economic advantages and local products and services.

Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR)

Supporting the economic stability of the state, the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation works to provide businesses, the workforce, and the public with high-quality employment and training services.

Key Programs of Interest: 

Youth Apprenticeship Program  Building and maintain career pathways between all Maryland job-seekers and Maryland businesses seeking workers. Maryland’s Registered Apprenticeship and Training Program is a nationally recognized model.

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Working to improve housing and communities with targeted investment throughout the state.

Key Programs of Interest: 

Neighborhood BusinessWorks  A loan program providing flexible financing to new or expanding small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Sustainable Communities and Priority Funding Areas throughout the state.

USDA Rural Development

Business Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs work through partnerships with public and private community based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation.