Business Resource Links
We want you to succeed in business in downtown Annapolis. If you are looking to open a business, expand a business, or sell a business, there are resources here to help you. The city, county, state, federal, non-profit, and for-profit organizations offer training on how to start a business, find a business location, business training for established businesses, special financing programs for small businesses, and how to sell your business when it's time to retire. Before you sign a lease or buy a commercial building, check with the Annapolis Planning and Zoning Department to confirm your business use is allowed in the location you are considering and what property upgrades and permits may be required before opening.
Annapolis is on the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways. The City of Annapolis has the following state designations: Main Street Improvement Program, State Priority Funding Area, Maryland Heritage Area, State Arts District, Sustainable community, Just Communities, and ENOUGH Community
Economic Development Offices
City of Annapolis Economic Development
Anne Arundel Economic Development
OPEN Maryland
Maryland Department of Commerce
Space for Rent/Lease
Downtown Annapolis Space for Rent/Lease
Annapolis Commercial Real Estate Brokers
Businesses
for Sale
Businesses For Sale in Annapolis, MD - BizBuySell
Businesses For Sale in Annapolis, Maryland - LoopNet
Businesses For Sale in Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland Businesses for Sale
Anne Arundel County, Maryland Businesses For Sale | Buy Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Businesses at BizQuest
BusinessBroker.net
Employee
Recruitment &
Guidelines
Anne Arundel Workforce Development
The Maryland Guide to Wage & Employment
Business Training
Maryland Small Business Center (SBDC)
Southern Maryland | SCORE
Entrepreneurial Studies Institute - AACC
Maryland Business Express
Marketing Help
Free starter website from Wix.com
Low cost online shopping cart. Start selling on your website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Google today by Ecwid.
Free do it yourself graphic design help from canva.com
Shop Small marketing campaign. Download free marketing materials.
Watch Anytime
Webinars
A collection of training webinars by BrightTALK
Browse popular topics and webinars to learn what’s trending in your industry. Discover the latest innovations from leading organizations.
Having trained crowd managers on site is required in Annapolis if you have a liquor licence.
Free training to help you prepare if there is an active shooter at your location.
Help prevent terrorism and related crime by knowing what to look for and how to report it.
Non-traditional Funding
The Amber Grant for Women-owned Small Businesses is a grant given out monthly to women-owned businesses.
Backstage Capital provides support to startup founders through programs and grants. Applicants must identify as women, people of color, and/or LGBTQ+ members and be affiliates with a for-profit stage company.
Maryland Financial Incentives for Business. A database of state-managed grants, loans, and tax credits for Maryland businesses.
VOLT Fund for small and minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in Maryland. Loans are between $25,000 to $500,000 for purposes such as business and commercial real estate acquisition and expansion, leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program PACE, allows property owners to make energy-efficient upgrades to their buildings with no money down.
Kiva, an organization that offers 0% interest loans to entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc (MCE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in supporting microenterprise and small business needs on Maryland's Eastern Shore and in the Annapolis - Baltimore area. MCE serves low-income and underserved entrepreneurs with business assistance, technical assistance, business training, and loans. Loan limits are $5,000 to $50,000 for microloans and $5,000 to $150,000 for small business loans. MCE was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
LGBTQ+ business grant and resource links
A list of resources and grants that are targeted for LGBTQ+ business owners.
offers growth-focused wealth-redistribution grants of $1,000 to anticapitalist businesses led by social-impact-focused individuals. In addition to funding, grantees participate in a customized year-long, growth-based mentorship program that includes access to pro bono services from a roster of experts in branding, coaching, skills-based learning, marketing, and more. The grant is designed to support individuals in systemically marginalized groups who are making a social impact and demonstrating financial need. This includes, but is not limited to, BIPOC individuals, individuals who have a disability, formerly incarcerated individuals, and queer, trans, and nonbinary folks.
Finance and Venture Capital / Maryland Small Business Development Center /
The SBDC provides financial consulting and workshops to help you identify possible sources of funds for your business venture. We will also assist you with loan packaging and investor presentations, including assistance in preparing your business plan and financial documents. We'll ensure that you put your best foot forward when meeting with a financier.
Sprinkler loans in the City of Annapolis. Fires are one of the biggest threats to historic buildings, and a sprinkler can help save a building during a fire.
Financial Assistance for Artists and Musicians
Gospel Music Trust Fund Individuals who’ve worked for 10+ years in the gospel music field (full-time) can submit a request for financial assistance to the Gospel Music Trust Fund, which grants funding in the event of an emergency or major catastrophe, terminal or severe illness.
PEN American Writers' Emergency Fund This fund is for professional (published or produced) writers and editors who are in an acute financial crisis.
Annapolis Musician Fund for Musicians Temporary support for local musicians.