Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Insights from the BPW

If you want to gain an insightful understanding of how the State of Maryland spends taxpayer dollars, look at the Board of Public Works (BPW). Composed of the governor, comptroller, and treasurer, the BPW protects and enhances the State's fiscal integrity by ensuring significant expenditures are necessary and appropriate, fiscally responsible, fair, and lawful. This occurs through semi-monthly meetings to review and approve capital projects, procurement contracts, and the acquisition, use, and transfer of state assets. Maryland is the only government to have this process. All the meetings are open to the public and live-streamed, and all meeting documents are published on the website. I hope you'll take the time to learn more about the BPW and its role for assuring Marylanders that executive decisions regarding tax payer dollars are being made responsibly and responsively.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary 

Maryland Business Express Expands Online Services

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) has expanded its award-winning Maryland Business Express website to allow online filing of resolutions, which add, edit, or remove a resident agent and change the principal office location for businesses. In addition, Maryland Limited Liability Companies in good standing can now file Articles of Cancellation online. Documents updating customers on the status of their filings have been enhanced to provide more details, ensure authenticity, and increased security. With this update, more than 18,000 filings previously submitted by mail or in-person annually can now be filed online. Maryland is open for business and SDAT is continually enhancing Maryland Business Express in an effort to help businesses thrive.

Maryland Business Express

Small Business Insurance Tips and Considerations

Operating a small business is challenging enough without having to worry about suffering financial losses due to unforeseen and unplanned circumstances. Commercial insurance can protect your business from some of the more common losses such as property damage, business interruption, theft, liability, and employee injury. If you own a business, you need insurance, and purchasing the right coverage is critical. The Maryland Insurance Administration has put together a comprehensive guide that outlines policy and coverage options for business owners. Take some time to review the guide then have a discussion with your trusted insurance advisor.

A Business Owners Guide to Commercial Insurance
 

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance

Maryland businesses and residents affected by severe flooding in Howard County and Baltimore City on May 28, 2018 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Loans up to $2 million are being made available in response to a letter from Governor Larry Hogan requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. It covers Baltimore City and Howard County as well as the adjacent counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George's. Claims must be filed by August 24. Contact the local field office for details.

SBA's Baltimore District Office

Ocean City, Here We Come! 

Our August Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop will be held in beautiful Ocean City on Friday, August 17. We're flattered to be joining the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer conference at the Roland Powell Convention Center to bring our free workshop to small, minority, women, and veteran business owners. Learn how to navigate the procurement process and meet state and county buyers. Find out what they are buying right now and what's in the pipeline. You can also connect with a variety of resource partners who can help your small business grow. After the morning workshop, MACo is offering a discounted lunch ticket that includes access to their extensive exhibitor hall. Check out all the details and register today.

Ready, Set, GROW in Ocean City