Our staff of experienced economic development professionals will work confidentially with your business to provide information and consultation to help you evaluate Baltimore as an expansion or relocation site.

We provide:

Brownfields Assistance
We promote the re-use of vacant or under-utilized industrial and commercial properties that may be affected by the presence (or perceived presence) of environmental contamination. See “Brownfields” under BDC Initiatives for more information.

Coordination of city services with other city agencies
We share our expertise and relationships to bring appropriate city services to bear in resolving issues impacting your decision to expand or locate your business in Baltimore.

Enterprise Zone Certification
We administer the State of Maryland Enterprise Zone by certifying, as eligible, those properties and businesses located with the City’s State Enterprise Zones (EZ). This certification allows property owners and businesses to benefit from Employment, Property and Personal Property Tax Credits through 2012.” See “Enterprise Zones” under Business Assistance.

Foreign Trade Zone Management
We administer Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #74. Foreign Trade Zones are designated areas within U.S. borders, but considered outside of U.S. Customs territory for the purposes of assessing and collecting duties. As the designated agent responsible for administering, managing and marketing FTZ#74, the BDC reaches out to existing and prospective businesses to encourage use of FTZ benefits.

Financial Assistance
We work with you to fill financial gaps in your capital project by making banking and investor connections for you and/or, if your business is eligible, providing direct financial assistance.

General Real Estate Development Assistance
We share our Baltimore real estate experience to inform, advise and assist you in making your project successful.

Navigation of Public Review and Approval Processes
We assist your business and/or project through the public processes sometimes required to obtain various permits and/or zoning changes.

Site-Selection Assistance
We work with brokers and our own database of properties to identify sites that work for your particular needs.

Small Business Resources and Mentoring
We connect your business with our Small Business Resource Center or Emerging Technology Centers for services and mentoring specific to the needs of start-up and small businesses.

Tenant/Purchaser Referrals
We work with you to match your available sublease space with companies seeking a Baltimore City location.

Workforce Recruitment and Training
We work collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) to insure that your business takes advantage of available recruitment, retention and training services. MOED and BDC work with numerous local and regional workforce development partners to meet the recruitment needs of Baltimore employers.