Specialized Business Assistance

Computer Assistance

MCE offers on-site computer access made possible through a grant from ‘Micro Enterprise Council of Maryland’ (MCM). MCE staff is available to help individuals navigate through Microsoft Office Programs, Internet and QuickBooks software for their small business needs. It can also be used for typing up business plans and researching industry information for your small business.

There is no charge for this service. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Minority Business Certification Assistance (MBE)

MCE’s business counselors are trained in identifying businesses who qualify in becoming a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). MCE’s counselors can help you through this procurement process which enables a small business owner to bid on federal, state and government contracts. Please set up an appointment with our counselors to guide you through the process.

Credit Repair/Building

Through reporting of loan payments to the credit-reporting agency MCE offers an opportunity to establish/repair credit histories of our loan borrowers. MCE’s counselors are trained to help you analyze your credit report and to offer basic credit repair solutions.

Mentoring

On the basis of individual assessment, volunteer mentors from the business community are paired with program businesses. Building on the skills, abilities and experiences of those within our mainstream community, mentoring provides an additional avenue of experienced, individualized assistance to program businesses. Mentoring additionally serves as a vehicle of integration in the building of bridges between mainstream and under served businesses. The pool of mentors has grown with SCORE, SBDC, and Chamber members.

On-Site Visits

As part of individualized assessment and training, MCE provides initial and ongoing semi-annual site visits. These visits are made to the place of business to evaluate current needs and weaknesses and to provide counseling. For businesses which have obtained loans, site visits continue throughout the duration of the loan. Site visits are coordinated by MCE and can include a member of SCORE, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, or a loan committee member.