Start-Up Carroll Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Start-Up Carroll, a Carroll County, Maryland service provided by BDG Entrepreneurial Services, recently passed the 5 year mark of helping individuals start businesses in Carroll County. Start-Up Carroll has helped with many of the challenging aspects of getting a business up and running including providing:

• Initial Consultation
• Preparing a Game Plan
• Prepare Initial Budget and Financial Projections
• Advice on Entity Type / Tax Structure
• General Advice
• Filing for Federal and State Tax ID Numbers

The founder of Start-Up Carroll, Doug Howard, shared his excitement about the program's reception and success:
"When we started five years ago, we saw a real need to provide people with desparately needed guidance embarking on one of the most exciting journeys of their lives. We met people that had excelled in their respective trades, but did not have any idea about many of the things that needed to be done to open and run a business. So, we helped with everything from legal requirements to helping people put together a business plan. Little did we know that we'd be helping hundreds of people with all kinds of businesses. What is very rewarding is seeing a sizeable number of businesses in the Carroll community who we've helped open their doors."

Some of the businesses that Start-Up Carroll has helped over the years include:

• Landscaping
• Italian restaurant and catering
• Hairdresser
• Manufacturing
• Woman's clothing designer

In addition to helping many Carroll County businesses get off the ground, Start-Up Carroll has also provided entrepreneurial guidance through classes at Carroll Community College, seminars, business event sponsorships, and participation in the 4 Partners, 1 Purpose program in joint effort with Carroll County Economic Development, Carroll Community College, and the Maryland Department of Economic Development.