About MBOC

Helping Maryland Businesses Move Forward

The Maryland Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) connects established Maryland businesses with expert guidance, trusted resources, and practical support for the next stage of growth.

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See If You Qualify

No cost to eligible businesses

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MBOC staff and partners at a program event

Who We Are

Built to Help Maryland Businesses Advance

MBOC is a Maryland-based, SSBCI-funded program that helps established businesses overcome barriers to funding, growth, and long-term stability.

Operating as a program of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Maryland, MBOC was created to provide accessible, no-cost business guidance for eligible entrepreneurs not yet ready for traditional support programs. Funded through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), the center connects small business owners with expert resources, technical assistance, and strategic support designed to strengthen long-term business growth and opportunity.

Our Mission

Make Expert Guidance Easier to Access

Our mission is to provide practical, structured, and accessible support to Maryland businesses that are ready to grow, strengthen their operations, and pursue new opportunities.

Provide accessible guidance to underserved Maryland businesses

Support informed, practical decision-making

Strengthen operational readiness and long-term sustainability

Connect businesses with valuable tools and professional resources

Maryland business owners at an MBOC gathering

Officials and business owners at a program announcement

Part of a Larger Support System

SSBCI-Funded Business Support

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federally funded program designed to improve access to capital and business support for Maryland small businesses. Through this initiative, MBOC provides technical assistance and advisory services that help entrepreneurs strengthen financial readiness, improve business stability, and prepare for future funding opportunities.

MBOC supports entrepreneurs through one-on-one guidance, financial advisory consulting, loan packaging assistance, business planning support, and referrals for specialized technical services. The program is designed to help businesses facing financial, geographic, and economic barriers access practical resources that support long-term growth and operational readiness.

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SSBCI Support Includes

Financial advisory consulting and funding readiness guidance
Accounting and bookkeeping assistance
Business plan and loan packaging support
Financial webinars, workshops, and training opportunities
Technical assistance referrals for legal and specialized services
Networking opportunities with business and community partners

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Maryland-based small businesses
Businesses with fewer than 500 employees
Priority consideration for underserved and very small businesses

Strategic Partnerships

MBOC collaborates with financial institutions, local government agencies, chambers of commerce, and professional service providers to connect entrepreneurs with broader business development resources and technical assistance opportunities across Maryland.

Who MBOC Serves

Support for Businesses Ready to Act on What Comes Next

MBOC is designed for Maryland businesses and eligible organizations that are ready to address a meaningful challenge or pursue sustainable growth.

2+

Established in Maryland

Businesses that are registered in Maryland, in good standing, generating revenue, and operating for at least two years.

✓

Ready to Address a Priority

Owners who are prepared to work on a specific financial, marketing, operational, growth, or legal challenge.

MD

Eligible Community Organizations

Nonprofits, schools, and community organizations may qualify when they meet the same operating, standing, and revenue requirements.

See If You Qualify

The People Behind the Program

Meet Our Team

Arthur Toole III, MBA

Program Director

Arthur is a U.S. Army veteran, business strategist, and director of the Maryland Business Opportunity Center. He leads the program’s work to connect Maryland businesses with practical expertise, stronger systems, and opportunities for sustainable growth.

Jada Riley

Program Coordinator

Jada supports MBOC’s client experience, training, events, and program coordination. She helps business owners move through the intake process and connect with the right resources for their needs.

Kylie-Ann Delgado

Compliance and Procurement Coordinator

Kylie-Ann brings experience as a banker, bank regulator, educator, relationship management expert, and money management professional, including 15 years serving the nonprofit community. At MBOC, she provides administrative oversight of program resources and adherence to guidelines governing financial activities.