Start a Business in Maryland Today

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a business in Maryland, then you’ve probably weighed all of the necessary details and costs of doing so. It can seem overwhelming, but having the right expectations and knowing what you have to do to make your business idea into a reality can put you on the path to success.

Guide – Starting a Business in Maryland

Starting a business in Maryland will take some hard work, but our guide and the many services we offer can streamline the process. Find out what you have to do to start a business in Maryland below.

Step 1: Create a business plan for your Maryland company

The first step to becoming a business owner in Maryland is to write a comprehensive business plan. A business plan explains what the business is, how it will run, and the revenue it will bring in. More specifically, a good business plan will provide a list of “SMART” goals, explore ideal customers, and examine competitors. A large part of the plan will cover financials, with a detailed look at the investments made, the investments needed, and the potential for earnings over time.

Need help creating a business plan for your Maryland startup? We put together a comprehensive library of articles and guides on business planning.

Using Your Business Plan as a Financial Tool

New business owners can use their business plans as a financial tool to apply for a loan. Banks like Headway Capital offer loans and a line of credit for Maryland businesses, which could be a source of startup cash. 

Creating an Operating Agreement

A business plan and an operating agreement (for an LLC) are often discussed simultaneously. An operating agreement explains the inner workings of the company and how finances are managed. Once a business plan is complete, an operating agreement should be considered.

Step 2: Choose a business structure

As a potential business owner, you need to decide how to structure your business entity. There are several different types of businesses to choose from that we went over above, and each has its pros and cons. The most common entity types for small business owners and entrepreneurs are sole proprietorships, general partnerships (GPs), corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs). 

Sole Proprietor and General Partnership (GP)

Sole proprietorships and GPs are unincorporated businesses that are free and simple to set up. Taxation is straightforward, but sole proprietors and GPs can leave themselves open to personal liability if something goes wrong with the business. For example, someone suing the business can go after the owner’s personal assets.

Maryland Corporation

The corporation structure offers liability protection, so if your business ends up in trouble, your home, bank accounts, and other assets are protected. There are two types of corporations: C corporations and S corporations. Here’s what you should know about them:

• C corporations come with a less-than-ideal tax setup that taxes income once at the corporate level and again on personal tax returns.
• S corporations provide liability protection, too, without double-taxation, but are harder to qualify for.

Speak with a business attorney for more information about the two.

Maryland Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company (LLC) can be a best-of-both-worlds option. LLCs require more paperwork and setup costs than a sole proprietorship, but there are significant benefits as well. The biggest benefit of an LLC is that it legally separates your personal assets from the company.

By doing so, it provides personal liability protection if the business files for bankruptcy or gets sued. Yet, you’ll still only get taxed once for income on your personal tax return just like with a sole proprietorship.

To establish a Maryland LLC, you need to register it with Maryland Business Express and pay a filing fee. Typically, an LLC is approved within several business days, but you can pay an extra fee to have the process expedited.

Step 3: Determine startup costs for your Maryland business

As you consider joining thousands of small business owners in Maryland, calculate your business costs. A business has startup costs, which are usually one-time hits like equipment, incorporation fees, and initial inventory, but there are also ongoing costs to consider 

Ongoing Costs

Ongoing costs usually fit into two buckets: fixed expenses and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are bills that don’t change like your monthly lease. Variable expenses can increase or decrease. An energy bill can vary, for example, and the same goes for labor costs if you hire seasonal help.

Curious about “how much it costs to start a business in Maryland?” Look no further. This helpful guide will walk you through business cost calculation and more.

Business Insurance and Tax Costs

Business insurance and taxes will likely be ongoing costs, too. While the world of insurance and taxes can be confusing, the Maryland Insurance Administration has a helpful online guide and the Comptroller of Maryland provides useful information on taxes.

Step 4: Name your Maryland business

After brainstorming company names, visit Maryland Business Express to run an entity search. You need to make sure that your business name isn’t already taken by another Maryland business. The state won’t allow two businesses to operate with the same name. 

If you’ve chosen the perfect name and want to reserve it while you finish setting up your business, you can reserve a business name with us.

Choosing the Best Name

Aside from checking name availability, make sure that yours is descriptive and easy to understand. Names like Johns Hopkins Medicine and Perdue Farms, two of the state’s biggest companies, have descriptive and recognizable names, for example. Make sure your name is catchy and perfectly identifies what your business offers.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name

If you want to use a business name other than your LLC name for branding purposes, you can file a “doing business as” (DBA) designation with the state as well. We can help you register a DBA name in Maryland.

LLCs and corporations often use DBAs to differentiate different lines of business. For instance, a bakery might have a separate name for its wedding catering side.

Sole proprietorships and GPs often find DBAs to be particularly valuable. That’s because sole proprietorships and GPs are legally required to use their owner’s first and last name, like Tim Smith or Heidi Jones.

With a DBA name, you could give your sole proprietorship a more brandable name like Smith Video Production or Jones Lawn Care.

Consider a Web Domain Name

Many business elect to have an online presence via a website. Consider registering a company domain name and setting up social accounts at this stage, too. We can help you register a domain.

Step 5: Register your business in Maryland

To get up and running, you need to register your business and set up financial accounts. If you chose an LLC as your business type, you’ll file Articles of Organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and pay a filing fee. LLCs and corporations must also file an annual report with the state.

Here are some other things you should consider.

Get an EIN

Most businesses need a federal employer identification number (EIN), which you can obtain easily at the IRS website. An EIN is a nine-digit number that serves as your tax ID, and it’s used to pay income tax, hire employees, and set up bank accounts.

If you’re running your business as a sole proprietorship, you have the option of using your social security number as your tax ID, but this can leave you more vulnerable to identity theft. If you’d like to get an EIN, we can help.

Business Licenses and Permits

You may also need to register your business through the Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation to receive a state ID number and set up tax accounts. Some entities in Maryland are required to get business licenses or permits. Check Maryland Business Express to see what, if any, is required for your company. 

Need more information about licenses and permits in Maryland? Read all about licenses for different industries and how to apply for them in our Maryland business licenses guide.

Open a Business Bank Account

Consider setting up a business bank account to keep your personal property and assets separate from the business. Large banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, and Capital One have all earned high rankings for business banking in the state. We can also help you set up a business bank account.

Step 6: Market your business

Your marketing tactics will likely depend on your target customer. However, since much of the state’s population is internet-savvy, consider investing in digital advertising and targeting smaller groups of customers with personalized ads to maximize your ad dollars. 

Social Media

Your company needs a social presence on top of a website, which we discussed earlier. Pick the channels that work best with your customer demographics. The older crowd leans towards Facebook while the younger generation uses Instagram and Snapchat. And the business-minded audience uses LinkedIn. 

It’s also a good idea to follow helpful groups on social media, like the Maryland Small Business Development Center or the Baltimore Small Business Meetup Group. 

Online Directories

Register your company with online directories like Google My Business and YellowPages to help consumers locate your business, too.

Benefits of opening a business in Maryland

The state of Maryland offers several pro-business tax incentives. The One Maryland Tax Credit, for example, gives companies a tax incentive to create jobs, and research development tax credits offer companies a break when they spend money on R&D.

Grant and Loan Programs

Maryland has more than a dozen different grant and loan programs for businesses. The ExportMD Program, for example, helps startups offset costs for marketing products internationally, while other grants focus on specific industries like energy and agriculture. 

Affordable Commercial Space Costs

The cost of commercial space in Maryland is also a benefit, with the average being one of the most affordable in the country. In suburban areas, you’re more likely to find low cost commercial spaces than in larger cities, so take this into consideration.

Choose the right business entity

There are plenty of business entities to choose from for your business idea. Which one is best is something you’ll have to carefully consider and research. A few common business types include:

• Maryland Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Maryland Professional Corporation
• Maryland Corporation
• Maryland Nonprofit Corporation

Still unsure what business structure in Maryland is best for you? Feel 100% certain by reading this guide that compares formation types.

Examples of good businesses to start in Maryland

Maryland’s small business economy employs more than one million people. While the economy is strong, you may be wondering what kinds of businesses could fare well in Maryland.

For inspiration, the Small Business Administration (SBA) lists the following industries as the state’s biggest employers: 

• Healthcare and social assistance
• Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Accommodation and food services
• Construction
• Retail Trade
• Administrative, support, and waste management
• Wholesale trade

Looking for more ideas? Check out our list of the best businesses to start in Maryland.

Bottom Line

The Old Line State is a good spot to start a business. The state takes a proactive approach to welcome companies with tax incentives and grant programs. The cost of commercial space is below the national average, and the state is home to different types of consumers willing to spend money. With all those benefits, Maryland provides a great business climate for startups.

Top Maryland Cities to Form Businesses

Baltimore: Maryland’s largest city with a diverse economy. Strengths in healthcare, life sciences, and port-related industries. Home to the BioPark and Johns Hopkins University, supporting biotech and medical research.

Bethesda-Rockville: Part of the I-270 Technology Corridor, renowned for biotechnology.

Hosts major institutions like NIH and FDA, ideal for health sciences and biotech ventures.

Rich environment for research and development.

Columbia-Ellicott City: Noted for high quality of life with a mix of technology, healthcare, and professional services. Strategic location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Supports a diverse range of businesses.

Silver Spring-Frederick: Combines urban and suburban qualities; Frederick has a growing biotech sector. Silver Spring offers proximity to D.C. and a diverse economy. Supports startups and established businesses in technology and biosciences.

Annapolis: State capital with a steady focus on government services, tourism, and maritime industries. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Business environment bolstered by hospitality and marine services.

These cities offer a mix of industrial strengths, strategic locations, and supportive business environments, making them suitable for various types of business ventures in Maryland.