FAQ

What is the Women’s Business Center affiliation with Maryland Capital Enterprises?

Maryland Capital Enterprises (MCE) is a private, nonprofit, Community Development Financing Institution (CDFI) and is a Small Business Administration approved lender.  MCE provides access to capital and technical assistance to Maryland’s small businesses.  The Women’s Business Center is a program of MCE.

How is the MCE’s Women’s Business Center Funded?

The Women’s Business Center is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration.

What does a Women’s Business Center do?

The Women’s Business Center provides technical assistance to women entrepreneurs, especially those that are underrepresented or excluded.  The Woman’s Business Center provides assistance to women entrepreneurs in the areas of finance, management, marketing, and other business-related areas.

What does MCE/Women’s Business Center consider a woman-owned business?

We define a woman-owned business as any business that is 51 percent owned by a woman or women.

What is “Certification” and how do I get it?

“Certification” is an official recognition given to businesses by certain government and private entities. Businesses can be certified as a woman-owned business (WBE), minority-owned business (MBE), veteran-owned business (VBE), or a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE).   Certification may help you qualify for bid preferences on certain contracts.  Different types of certifications are available with federal, state, and local governments, as well as for private industry.  Call our office for additional information, or visit https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WQFA/Pages/mwbe.aspx.

Where is the MCE/Women’s Business Center located?

MCE is proud to have two Women’s Business Centers!  One is in Salisbury, Maryland, at 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD and the second location is soon to open in Baltimore City.

What services does the MCE/Women’s Business Center provide?

We offer counseling, mentoring, and training for women entrepreneurs.  Whether you already own a business or have just decided you want to start one, the Women’s Business Center offers a variety of resources to help make your business dream come true.

What geographic areas does MCE/Women’s Business Center work in?

MCE provides counseling, loans, and technical assistance to the following counties in Maryland: Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne’s, and Kent on the Eastern Shore, and Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County.

Do you accept walk-in clients?

Our offices are currently open however, due to Covid-19 we are still meeting with clients virtually or by phone appointments. When our offices can safely open to the public we are happy to welcome walk-in clients, or if you prefer you may book an appointment with a counselor, click (intake form) here.

I need specific help with QuickBooks or other business topics, can you help me?

We offer classes in QuickBooks and our instructors do an excellent job teaching students how to use the program.  Check our Education section for information on when the next class is scheduled.  We offer many different types of business education courses.  Check our website often as we are constantly adding new classes.

I own my business with my husband, or other partner, can you still help me?

Yes.  We target women entrepreneurs, but our services are open to everyone.  We can bring in the resources from Maryland Capital Enterprises to help any business owner with their needs.

I have an idea for a business, but no business plan, can you help me?

Absolutely.  We have business consultants that can help you draft your business plan and help you every step of the way.  We also offer a variety of trainings to assist you in writing your business plan.

Are grants available to help my business grow or mitigate the impact of Covid-19?

From time to time MCE offers grants to small businesses based on our funding availability.  Check with a staff member to see if MCE is currently offering any grants, the eligibility requirements, and for an application.

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