Over One Quarter of Marylanders Have Owned or Operated Businesses, State Survey Says

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GOVERNOR O'MALLEY: "We are fortunate 

to have within our state so many innovative 

self-starters, small and micro businesses, 

and rapidly growing gazelle firms 

that are an important part of our diverse 

business community."

A statewide survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC), has found that more than one quarter of Marylanders--28 percent--have owned or operated a business.

A report based on the survey, which was conducted by OpinionWorks, a research firm in Annapolis, reviews the business start-up by industry, life-cycle and size; identifies owner demographics, characteristics and interests; and examines policies, services and the role government and advocacy groups can play to support entrepreneurs.  

"We are fortunate to have within our State so many innovative self-starters, small and micro businesses, and rapidly growing gazelle firms that are an important part of our diverse business community," said Governor O'Malley. "The results of this survey will help guide our efforts, both through policy and programs, to provide the resources, support and infrastructure needed to sustain and advance Maryland's entrepreneur community so together we can create the next generation of companies and jobs."

What Are Your Small Business Saturday Plans?

If your small business in Upper Baltimore County is actively participating in the Small Business Saturday initiative sponsored by American Express, we'd like to hear from you. What are you doing to encourage local consumers to include you in their holiday shopping plans the day after Black Friday? Are you using materials and tactics that American Express and their co-sponsors are providing? Are you promoting your Small Business Saturday efforts on social media? Are you holding a Small Business Saturday sale? Let us know at editor@upper-baltimore-business.com, and hopefully we'll be able to feature your comments in a story on Small Business Saturday in the Upper Baltimore County Business Bulletin!