2014 GUIDE
1915075
Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
2014
FIESTA FIEST A BAR & GRILL Latin American Food At It’s Finest
My kids (aged 9 and 11) declared it “the very best Mexican food they have ever had!” -Sylvia C. Arlington VA
STEAK FAJITAS
MARISCOS SOTEADOS
FREE
APPETIZER OR DESSERT!
When you purchase two regular price dinners Valid Monday-Thursday ONLY Expires 10/19/14. Not valid with any other offers. Dine in only-Limit 1 coupon per customer, per table, per visit.
TRES LECHES
HALF OFF DINNER!
Get 50% off dinner when you purchase one of equal or greater price Valid Monday-Thursday ONLY Expires 10/19/14. Not valid with any other offers. Dine in only-Limit 1 coupon per customer, per table, per visit.
135 Central Square Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 (Between Ledo’s & Outback)
410-535-1073
1936920
We have 16 5 star reviews!
1936494
Design The Ultimate Backyard Getaway
WE BUY - SELL - LOAN
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• Custom Gunite Pools • Services & Maintenance • 3D Design Capability • Chemicals & Supplies • Certified Building Professional • Certified Pool Technician Excellence From Concept To Reality 301.855.8055 or 410.257.7340 9170 Southern Maryland Blvd, Owings, Md 20736
1936498
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
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1936925
2
2014
Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
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Getting started: Business licenses in Maryland
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• Department of Assessment and Taxation with information on how to obtain a trade name (www.dat.state. md.us/) • E-License, where you may begin the process by providing your information but must appear in person to process the application (jportal. mdcourts.gov/license/)
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How to apply If you determine you need a license issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, you will need to appear in person to process the business license application. Currently, applications are processed only in an E-License format by presenting the information in person. You may begin the process by presenting the information online through E-License, but must still visit the office to process the application. The office is located at the Courthouse, 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick. 1. Complete the application by providing the following information to the Clerk: • Type of license for which you are See Licenses, Page 5
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To obtain a license, you must first determine what type of license you need, if any. The Clerk’s Office issues several types of licenses on behalf of the Comptroller of Maryland and the Calvert County Government. The Clerk’s Office will be happy to provide information regarding any of the licenses they issue and to assist with any of your procedural questions. Call 410-535-1600, ext. 2264. However, they cannot provide any legal advice or be responsible for determining the type of license you should purchase. You can quickly obtain access to information on the permits and licenses you may need to start, relocate or expand a business in Maryland by using the following links: • Business License Information System with startup information and an alphabetized list of all State licenses and permits (business.maryland.gov/ start) • Comptroller of Maryland — Business Informaton and Services with business license tips, frequently asked questions, employer withholding information, tax registration (taxes.marylandtaxes.com/Resource_ Library/)
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Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
2014
Making your business plan stand out One of the first steps to business planning is determining your target market and why they would want to buy from you. For example, is the market you serve the best one for your product or service? Are the benefits of dealing with your business clear and are they aligned with customer needs? If you’re unsure about the answers to any of these questions, take a step back and revisit the foundation of your business plan. The following tips can help you clarify what your business has to offer, identify the right target market for it and build a
growth. As a smaller business, it’s often a better strategy to divide your products or services into manageable market niches. Small operations can then offer specialized goods and services that are attractive to a specific group of prospective buyers.
Identify your niche
niche for yourself.
Be clear about what you have to offer Ask yourself: Beyond basic products or services, what are you really selling? Consider this example: Your town probably has several restaurants all selling one fundamental product: food. But each is targeted at a different need or clientele. One might be a drive-thru fast food restaurant, perhaps another sells pizza in a rustic Italian kitchen, and maybe there’s a fine dining seafood restaurant that specializes in wood-grilled fare. All these
restaurants sell meals, but they sell them to targeted clientele looking for the unique qualities each has to offer. What they are really selling is a combination of product, value, ambience and brand experience. When starting a business, be sure to understand what makes your business unique. What needs does your product or service fulfill? What benefits and differentiators
will help your business stand out from the crowd?
Don’t become a jack of all trades — learn to strategize It’s important to clearly define what you’re selling. You do not want to become a jack-of-all trades and master of none because this can have a negative impact on business
Defining your market strategy Marketing is the process of creating customers, and customers are the lifeblood of your business. When developing your business plan, you’ll want to define your marketing strategy. There is no single way to approach a marketing strategy; your strategy should be part of an ongoing busi-
ness-evaluation process and unique to your company. However, there are common steps you can follow which will help you think through the direction and tactics you would like to use to drive sales and sustain customer loyalty. An overall marketing strategy
should include four different strategies: • A market penetration strategy. • A growth strategy. This strategy for building your business might include: an internal strategy such as how to increase your human resources, an acquisition strategy such as buying another business, a franchise strategy for branching out, a horizontal strategy where you would provide the same type of products to different users, or a vertical strategy where you would continue providing the same products but would offer them at different levels of the distribution chain. • Channels of distribution strategy. Choices for distribution channels could include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), an internal sales force, distributors, or retailers. • Communication strategy. How are you going to reach your customers? Usually a combination of the following tactics works the best: promotions, advertising, public relations, personal selling, and printed materials such as brochures, catalogs, flyers, etc. After you have developed a com-
Creating a niche for your business is essential to success. Often, business owners can identify a niche based on their own market knowledge, but it can also be helpful to conduct a market survey with potential customers to uncover untapped needs. During your research process, identify the following: • Which areas your competitors are already wellestablished? • Which areas are being ignored by your competitors? • Potential opportunities for your business. Information provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba. gov)
prehensive marketing strategy, you can then define your sales strategy. This covers how you plan to actually sell your product. Your overall sales strategy should include two primary elements: • A sales force strategy. If you are going to have a sales force, do you plan to use internal or independent representatives? How many salespeople will you recruit for your sales force? What type of recruitment strategies will you use? How will you train your sales force? What about compensation for your sales force? • Your sales activities. When you are defining your sales strategy, it is important that you break it down into activities. For instance, you need to identify your prospects. Once you have made a list of your prospects, you need to prioritize the contacts, selecting the leads with the highest potential to buy first. Next, identify the number of sales calls you will make over a certain period of time. From there, you need to determine the average number of sales calls you will need to make per sale, the average dollar size per sale, and the average dollar size per vendor. Information provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (www. sba.gov)
2014
Licenses Continued from Page 3
applying • Owner’s name (Individual, Corporation, etc.) • Location address • Mailing address • Social Security Number or Federal Tax Identification Number • Phone number • Worker’s Compensation Policy Number or Certificate of Compliance Corporate ID Number and number of employees (if applicable) • Amount of inventory, if applying for a Trader’s License • Number of Vending Machines, if applying for a Vending Machine License • VIN number of vehicle, if applying for a Junk Dealer’s License 2. The application must be signed by the owner or a corporate officer. 3. Obtain the following necessary approval signatures: (obtain in order listed) • Planning & Zoning — must
General information Courtesy copies of the applications for retail sales tax and trade name registration are available upon request. Please contact the appropriate issuing agency for more information about those applications or for information about other types of licenses not issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Call For Details
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1936868
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approve ALL new licenses and any changes of business location address. Planning & Zoning is located in the County Services Plaza, 150 Main Street, Prince Frederick. Call 410-535-2346. • Assessment & Taxation — located across from the Courthouse in the Louis L. Goldstein State Office Building, 2nd floor, 200 Duke Street, Prince Frederick. Call 443-550-6840. • Calvert County Treasurer’s Office — located 1st floor, Courthouse, 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick. Call 410-535-1600, ext. 2272. 4. Pay required license fees to the Clerk of the Circuit Court — cash or check only.
Remodel Your Kitchen in 4 Days, not 4 Weeks!
Replace your old leaky roof now!
Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
www.cavetocastleremodeling.net www.cavetocastleremodeling.net
Drum Point Storm Harry Richardson
• Limited Edition Prints • Custom Picture Framing • Original Oil Paintings • Pottery • Fused Glass • Photo Restoration
CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING 410-257-6616 301-855-4515 medartgalleries.com Monday - Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 - 4:30
Now Offering
PHOTO Restoration
10735 Town Center Blvd, Suite 1 Dunkirk, MD 20754 (Next to Dunkirk Hardware)
1936884
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Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
2014
How to improve your company image
Many people are familiar with the conventional wisdom about first impressions. When you only have one chance to make a first impression, it’s a good idea to make the most of that opportunity. But not every first impression inspires fond memories, and while erasing a bad first impression might be impossible, that does not mean a second impression can’t trump its predecessor. That’s especially true for businesses. Businesses typically experience a few stumbles out of the gate, and sometimes those stumbles coincide with a customer’s first encounter with an establishment. When such experiences hurt your image, a business owner can employ strategies to restore that image and increase the likelihood that future interactions with customers go as smoothly as possible.
Look the part A T-shirt and flip-flops may be your ideal outfit, but such attire is rarely appropriate in a professional atmosphere. First-time customers who see employees decked out in less formal attire may feel the company also takes a lax attitude toward its work, so avoid fashion that might give the wrong impression. Consider uniforms, matching garb or simply business casual wear.
Prioritize positive customer service Many businesses suffer from bad word of mouth that’s spread when past customers share horror stories of negative experiences with company employees. Such a problem is easily remedied by prioritizing customer service. This includes emphasizing that those who answer the phones always address customers respectfully and, when responding to emails or engaging in online chats, write professional responses that steer clear of informal language. Customers often understand that a product may malfunction, but poor customer service is inexplicable and will reduce the likelihood that a customer will return — or spread positive information about your business.
Commission a better website Today’s consumers often rely on the Internet to connect with a business. Consumers may want to peruse a restaurant’s menu before booking a reservation or view a retailer’s online catalogue before walking into the store. A good website can be a tremendous asset to a business, while a bad website can drive customers away before they spend so much as a dollar. A good website is informative and easy to navigate. Restaurant owners should include some photos of their establishment on the site to show customers the type of ambiance they can expect when dining. The site’s URL should include only the name of the restaurant, which makes it easy for potential customers to find the site when using a search engine. If the name you prefer is already taken by a similarly named establishment in another region, then include your state or city in the URL, such as JoesPizzaNY.com. If you are not skilled at building websites, hire a professional to build it for you. He or she can establish the site, set up its bones and turn the “keys” over to
you, allowing you to update it as the seasons, trends and menus may change. Such an investment will likely pay for itself sooner rather than later and will increase the chances that customers’ first impressions are good ones.
Establish a social media presence Another way to rehabilitate or improve a business’ image is to establish a social media presence that connects the business with existing and potential customers. Use the various social media platforms in different ways. A Facebook page can explain the history of the company, while Twitter can be used to alert followers to special promotions or events. Social media can also be used to solicit customer feedback, which can be used to ensure you are meeting your customers’ needs and adapting to meet those needs when necessary. A business that listens to and actively engages its customers is more likely to have a positive image than one that does not, and social media can be the tool businesses use to connect with those customers.
2014
Serving Ser ving Calvert, Anne Arundel, Arundel, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties. Port Republic Owings Lusby
20 American Ln.
1936890
4405 Broomes Island Rd.
410-586-0520
7
Great Customer Service.
We are proud to announce the opening of Rausch Crematory P.A. Calvert County’s only on-site crematory.
410-326-9400
Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
8325 Mount Harmony Ln.
410-257-6181
www.RauschFuneralHomes.com www.Rausc www.R auschF hFuneralHom uneralHomes.com es.com
What You Expect, What We Deliver! Three convenient locations to serve you! 10745 TOWN CENTER BLVD DUNKIRK, MD 410-257-1300 WWW.DUNKIRKHARDWARE.COM
1936819
1936817
DEALE
HARDWARE & HOME CENTER
JIM’S
TOOL & PARTY RENTAL
668 DEALE ROAD 470 SOLOMON’S ISLAND ROAD DEALE, MD PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 410-867-8080 410-257-3003 WWW.DEALEHARDWARE.COM WWW.JIMSTOLL.COM
1936907
DUNKIRK
HARDWARE & HOME CENTER
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Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
2014
Simple ways to connect with your customers
Dunkirk Animal Hospital Full ServiceVeterinary Clinic Complete medical care for dogs & cats
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mondays - Fridays: 7 AM – 7 PM Saturdays & Sundays – 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM 11470 Southern Maryland Blvd. Dunkirk, MD
301.855.8126 – 410.257.5798 www.dunkirkanimalhospital.com
Like us on
1936886
Dunkirk Wine & Spirits
www.dunkirkwineandspirits.com 10802 Town Center Blvd., Dunkirk, MD 20754
Phone - 410-286-9235 1935888
Hours: Sunday 10am-7pm Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Share your history
CHESAPEAKE BEACH RAILWAY MUSEUM P.O. Box 1227 • 4155 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
Children’s Summer Programs
Select Thursdays Jun - July 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Summer Concert Series
2nd Tuesday June September 7:30 PM Weekend Hours Jun - Aug 11:00AM - 5:00PM, Mar, Apr, May & Nov 1:00PM - 4:00PM Weekday Hours Apr - Oct M-F 1PM - 4PM All other hours by appointment All programs are FREE
PROOF
410.257.3892 - www.cbrm.org
Establishing and maintaining a lasting connection with customers is a goal for businesses big and small. Nowadays, accomplishing that goal is easier than ever before, as businesses can take advantage of the Internet and social media to keep in touch with their customers and keep those customers abreast of sales or special offers. But as effortless as it can seem to maintain a connection with customers, establishing the initial connection that makes customers want to bring their business to you time and again can be more difficult. While a great product or service is at the core of every successful business, savvy business owners know the value of connecting with their customers on a deeper level. The following are some simple ways businesses big and small can connect with their customers.
1936861
Sharing the history of your business is a simple yet effective way to establish a personal connection with your customers, many of whom may enjoy learning how your business started, especially if you overcame difficult odds before ultimately becoming successful. Sharing the history of a business that has withstood the test of time also inspires customer confidence, as many consumers correctly feel that a company that has been around a long time must be doing something right to keep its doors open. Share your story on the company website, whether it’s the first thing customers see on your homepage or under its own tab labeled “Our Story” or “About Us.” A story also can be shared via social media outlets.
Survey the troops Surveys are another valuable tool you can use to engage and connect with customers. Surveys allow businesses to learn what’s working and what’s not with regard to pleasing their customers, and customers will appreciate that you value their feedback and want to know how you can make their experiences more enjoyable. Surveys can be administered in per-
son when customers visit your store. In such instances, ask customers to return the surveys on their next visit. Surveys also can be administered via email or social media platforms. When designing the surveys, include a section for comments where customers can include any suggestions or concerns they did not have a chance to address when completing the original survey.
Promptly respond to emails and other feedback Customers willing to take the time to email a business to share their experiences or provide feedback, be it positive or negative, appreciate when those businesses respond in a timely fashion. A relatively quick response to such feedback demonstrates your business values its customers and their input. When responding to negative feedback, investigate any incidents or problems before responding so you are in a better position to address the customer’s concerns.
Make it personal Whenever possible, personally respond to new customers to thank them for their business and encourage them to return. As valuable as online customer surveys can be to your business, responding personally to survey participants, customers or others who provide feedback, be it through a personal card or note sent via the mail or a personal message sent through social media, is a great way to foster a lasting and positive relationship with clients and customers, many of whom will likely spread the word about your thoughtful gesture to friends and family members.
2014
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a 560-mile land and water route that tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region. It connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. The trail traces American and British troop movements, introduces visitors to communities affected by the war, and highlights the Chesapeake region’s distinctive landscapes and waterways. Congress established the StarSpangled Banner Trail in 2008. For more information on the trail, visit www. starspangledtrail.net.
War on the Chesapeake During the War of 1812, the British occupied
the Chesapeake Bay to disrupt trade, bring war to the center of the country and draw troops from the north. Waterfront towns were raided and burned at will. Southern Maryland suffered more raids and skirmishes than any other region of Maryland. In an attempt to open the bay, a flamboyant ex-privateer, Commodore Joshua Barney, came up with a plan to use a flotilla of nimble gun boats that could access the bay’s shallow waters. Barney assembled 18 small gun boats, barges and sloops and headed down the bay in June of 1812. Barney’s Chesapeake Flotilla came upon the British fleet commanded by Rear Admiral George Cockburn at the Patuxent River. The British chased the fleet up the Patuxent where they battled on June 8-10 and again on June 26 during the Battles of St. Leonard Creek. This was the largest naval engagement in the history of Maryland. The naval engagement was supported on land by American Army, Marine and militia units. Both the land units and the flotilla engaged the British, with hundreds of shots per hour exchanged between the two forces. Today you can visit this location, now the site of Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (www.jefpat.org). Information provided by Choose Calvert (www.choosecalvert.com).
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Captain John Smith Trail Four hundred years ago, Englishman John Smith and his small crew set out to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Smith documented nearly 3,000 miles of the bay and its rivers. In December 2006, the U.S. Congress designated the routes of Smith’s explorations of the Chesapeake as a national historic trail. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail offers countless opportunities for recreation and discovery. Take to the water by kayak, sailboat or boat. Bicycle or hike along woodland trails or follow winding roads through rural landscapes and historic villages. Visit places that celebrate American Indian heritage and watch wildlife in marshes, waterways and forests. Explore your options — and a continually updated roster of special events — through the trip planner at www. smithtrail.net. Calvert County sites along the Captain John Smith Trail: • Battle Creek Cypress Swamp • Calvert Cliffs State Park • Calvert Marine Museum • Chesapeake Beach Railroad Museum • Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center • Flag Ponds Nature Park • Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum • Kings Landing Park • Parkers Creek Preserve Information provided by Choose Calvert (www.choosecalvert.com)
1928392
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
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Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
2014
Get the word out: Effectively marketing your startup Competition has always played a significant role in the business world, and today’s business owners know that the competition for customers is a never-ending battle. For startup owners, that competition can prove even more challenging. Successful startups often credit their initial marketing efforts as a linchpin of their evolution from startup to successful business. Marketing a startup involves careful consideration of a host of factors, and what’s proven successful for one company will not necessarily produce similar results for another. But there are some elements of marketing a startup that owners can employ regardless of the type of business they’re beginning.
Keep your initial focus narrow Successful startups often start with a small target customer base and go from there. Though it can be tempting to market your business to any and all potential customers, targeting a small number of customers who are most likely to help you establish the busi-
ness could be more in line with your initial meager marketing budget. Once those customers you initially targeted have helped you establish and grow your business, you can then consider targeting a broader customer base.
Contact local media Local media can be a friend to startups if the owners of those startups allow them to be. Contact the local newspaper and local radio station to let them know your business is opening. Let local newspaper reporters try your product and write a review, and go on local radio to announce your grand opening, which should include some type of incentive (free food, product raffles, etc.) to attract potential customers. Local media benefits when local businesses thrive, so developing a partnership with local media early on can prove beneficial to your startup for years to come.
Use social media to your advantage Traditional media isn’t the only
media startup owners can use to their advantage. Social media is another way to engage customers; just be sure to use your social media platform for more than just promotion. While promoting products is a great way to use social media, such platforms also are an ideal way to share interesting information about your products and even you and your employees. Social media platforms now vary greatly, and each can be employed in different ways. For example, Instagram is a great way to share photos of new products or instore events, while Facebook can be a great tool to share the story of your business and how it came to be.
Reward loyal customers Customers love to know their loyalty is being rewarded, and incentivizing that loyalty is a great way for startups to establish a customer base. LoyalBlocks, for example, is a loyalty-marketing tool for traditional brick-andmortar businesses that allows them to connect with their customers, who can earn special offers or rewards toward products each time they check in on
their smartphones when making purchases in the store. The cost of enrollment in such a program or the cost of incentivizing purchases will likely prove negligible the larger and more loyal your customer base becomes.
Don’t shy away from recognition Recognition of your efforts is a great way to build a strong reputation, so don’t be afraid to participate when communities are doling out awards to local businesses. You may or may not need to apply for such awards, but don’t feel sheepish if you must apply. Awards make for great (and often free) publicity, and awards are earned on merit, so they’re nothing to be embarrassed about. Building a startup can be as challenging as it can be rewarding. Marketing plays a significant role in many successful startups, and there are many steps startup owners can take to market their business effectively.
Patuxent Wine Trail The Patuxent Wine Trail presents the wineries of Calvert, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties, bounded by the Patuxent and Potomac rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The birthplace of Maryland, the area is rich in history and flavor, home to many historical landmarks, lighthouses and quaint waterfront towns. The region offers stunning water vistas and beautiful rolling farmland that will soothe the soul. The area’s soil and climate are a close approximation of the famed Tuscany region, and local wine makers are creating sumptuous award-winning wines to rival those anywhere. Every aspect of the region’s charms are on display at the seven wineries on the Patuxent Wine Trail. Roam the trail and sample superb wines in a restored tobacco barn, on the slopes of a rolling vineyard or along the banks of a pristine creek. You will be treated with warm Southern Maryland hospitality and will take home a wealth of memories.
Local wineries include . . . • Cove Point Winery, a small micro-winery in Lusby, is the first licensed and bonded
winery in Calvert County. Cove Point obtains grapes and juice from local growers as well as other sources. Located at 755 Cove Point Road, Lusby. Call 410-326-0949. • Fridays Creek Winery, which boasts an acre of vines to tour and a larger vineyard down the road on the shores of the Patuxent. Located at 3485 Chaneyville Road, Owings. Call 410-286-9463. • Perigeaux Vineyards and Winery, a microwinery specializing in making the highest quality wines from their own estate vineyards. Features 8 acres of vines on a 27-acre farm. Located at 8650 Mackall Road, St. Leonard. Call 410-586-2710. • Running Hare Vineyard, set on 300 acres in the heart of Calvert County. Features a landscape reminiscent of Napa with a unique vineyard. Located at 150 Adelina Road, Prince Frederick. Call 410-414-8486. • Solomons Island Winery, one of the first of a new generation of wineries in Maryland. Located at 515 Garner Lane, Lusby. Call 410394-1933. Information courtesy of Choose Calvert (www.choosecalvert.com)
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Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
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Grapes ripening at Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick. Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON
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Weddings • Business Meetings • Parties
Calvert County’s Best-Kept Secret • Professional Staff • Sparkling Chandelier
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• Catering Service Options
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The Reception Hall For All Of Your Needs.
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Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
2014
Think you have what you need for a business loan application? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is not your only source for small business loans. State and local economic development agencies as well as numerous nonprofit organizations provide low-interest loans to small business owners who may not qualify for traditional commercial loans. Make sure you are prepared when you decide to apply for a small business loan with these tips.
Documentation needed for small business loan applications While every loan program has specific forms you need to fill out and documents you need to submit, you will likely need to submit much of the same information for different loan packages. Before you start applying for loans, you should get some basic documentation together. The following are typical items that will be required for any small business loan application: • Personal background: Either as part of the loan application or as a separate document, you will probably be asked to provide some personal background information, including previous addresses, names used, criminal record, educational background, etc. • Resumes: Some lenders require evidence of management or business experience, particularly for loans that are intended to be used to start a new business. • Business plan: All loan programs require a sound business plan to be submitted with the loan application. The business plan should include a complete set of projected financial statements, including profit and loss, cash flow and a balance sheet. • Personal credit report: Your lender will obtain your personal credit report as part of the application process. However, you should obtain a credit report from all three major consumer credit rating agencies before submitting a loan application to the lender. Inaccuracies and blemishes on your credit report can hurt your chances of getting a loan approved. It’s critical you try to clear these up before beginning the application process. • Business credit report: If you are
already in business, you should be prepared to submit a credit report for your business. As with the personal credit report, it is important to review your business’ credit report before beginning the application process. • Income tax returns: Most loan programs require applicants to submit personal and business income tax returns for the previous 3 years. • Financial statements: Many loan programs require owners with more than a 20 percent stake in your business to submit signed personal financial statements. You may also be required to provide projected financial statements either as part of, or separate from, your business plan. It is a good idea to have these prepared
and ready in case a program for which you are applying requires these documents to be submitted individually. • Bank statements: Many loan programs require one year of personal and business bank statements to be submitted as part of a loan package. • Collateral: Collateral requirements vary greatly. Some loan programs do not require collateral. Loans involving higher risk factors for default require substantial collateral. Strong business plans and financial statements can help you avoid putting up collateral. In any case, it is a good idea to prepare a collateral document that describes cost/value of personal or business property that will be used to secure a loan.
• Legal Documents: Depending on a loan’s specific requirements, your lender may require you to submit one or more legal documents. Make sure you have the following items in order, if applicable: —Business licenses and registrations required for you to conduct business —Articles of Incorporation —Copies of contracts you have with any third parties —Franchise agreements —Commercial leases Information provided by the SBA (www.sba.gov)
2014
HOURS Mon-Thurs: 2:30-8:30PM Sat: 10AM-2PM Sun & Fri: Closed
Calvert County Business & Tourism Guide
10735Town Center Blvd., Suite 7, Dunkirk MD (Behind the WalMart/Giant Shopping Center)
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1936932
Southern Souther n Maryland’s Mar yland’s Premier Premier
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1914224
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www.StevensonPools.com
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The many benefits of
buying locally
Buying locally is a great way for consumers to find the products and services they’re looking for and help their local economy along the way. The small businesses in your community may be owned by your next-door neighbor, who relies on his or her fellow townspeople to keep the business going strong. Buying locally is not only beneficial for local business owners; keeping money in your community also benefits consumers and local folks in a number of ways. • Buying locally creates jobs. The number of unemployed men and women has gradually declined in recent years, but those figures are still high in many communities. Buying locally creates jobs in your community, potentially creating a job for you or a friend or family member. • Buying locally helps the environment. Buying within your community reduces the amount of fuel you’re likely to use for a weekend shopping trip while also reducing pollution. In addition, many local store owners use local materials and ingredients, reducing the amount of fuel consumed to get products into the store.
• Buying locally creates a more closely knit community. Juggling a career and a family can make it hard for men and women to get to know their neighbors and other members of their community. Buying locally is an opportunity to strengthen that bond with your neighbors, creating a close knit community in which residents may feel safer and more comfortable. • Buying locally is more convenient. Convenience is paramount to many consumers, and buying locally saves both time and money. Driving to a faraway mall or shopping center or paying costly online shipping fees is not nearly as quick or convenient as shopping within your community, where you can purchase and take home items on the same day without using a full tank of gas or paying for shipping. • Buying locally benefits your local economy. In 2004, the consultancy Civic Economics was commissioned by Chicago’s Andersonville Chamber of Commerce to examine the economic impact of 10 local businesses against that of chain businesses. The study found that of every $100 spent at local
businesses, $68 remained in the local economy, while only $43 of every $100 spent at chain stores remained in the local economy. That’s a significant boost to your local economy, and all it requires is shopping at local retailers. • Buying locally can increase your property value. Homeowners might be able to increase the value of their homes by buying locally. A joint study from Independent We Stand and Civic Economics found that cities with a strong centralized small business district had a 54 percent greater increase in property values than communities that did not have such a district. A more thriving local community, including a thriving shopping district, is no doubt attractive to prospective home buyers.
Negotiating a commercial lease that works for you Leasing commercial space is a fact of life for many business owners. The expense of commercial leasing is considerable, but cost is not the only factor to consider when leasing a commercial space. The following are a few tips for business owners when negotiating their commercial space lease. • Enlist some professional help. While seasoned business owners may be able to negotiate their commercial lease on their own, new business owners often benefit from the services of real estate brokers and real estate lawyers. Real estate lawyers can negotiate your lease, explaining key terms and conditions that may prove confusing to first-time business owners. Real estate brokers can help you find the right location, and many real estate brokers have a long working history with landlords. Such relationships can make the negotiating process easier, and they also can benefit business owners looking for the best possible location for their businesses. Real estate brokers often get first choice at the most desirable locations, so teaming up with an established real estate broker can increase your chances of
landing a desirable property. • Emphasize affordable renewal options. The length of commercial leases favored by small businesses is often similar to the length of a lease on a private residence. Though the language might be more complex than that of a private residence lease, the length of a commercial lease agreement is typically one to two years. But business owners must be diligent regarding renewal options and the cost of such renewals. Come the end of your lease terms, you don’t want
to be met with a considerable and unexpected hike in rent just as your business is starting to take off. Work to get the most favorable renewal options possible so more of your operating budget can go into your products and not toward your lease. • Pay attention to extra fees. Many commercial leases include fees in addition to the monthly rent. Maintenance fees are common, and there may even be a separate set of maintenance fees when sharing commercial space. When negotiating your lease, ask to see a list of the costs and fees current tenants typically incur each month. When discussing maintenance fees, confirm who must pay for less routine maintenance, such as HVAC or plumbing repairs, and be sure to get such information included in the lease. When discussing such fees, inquire about utility costs as well. Utilities are often the responsibility of the tenant, but it still behooves business owners to confirm who will be paying the monthly utilities. • Negotiate an exclusivity clause. Business owners often don’t want
their competitors to move in across the street, and they certainly don’t want them to move into the same building. Protect your business from such a development by negotiating an exclusivity clause into your lease. Such clauses prevent landlords from leasing other spaces on the property to your competition. • Carefully read the default language. Before signing a commercial lease, business owners must familiarize themselves with the default language therein. Determine what happens if you default on the lease, including if you will be locked out upon your first missed payment and if the landlord will immediately initiate eviction proceedings in such instances. Many commercial leases also include language stating tenants are responsible for any legal fees landlords accrue in the case of a default. Though it might be difficult to negotiate the default language in a lease, business owners should still know that language prior to signing a lease.
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