Small Business Pledge
Business makes Maryland better — let’s make Maryland better for business
Show your support for small business in Maryland
With more than 570,000 small businesses employing 1.2 million employees — nearly half of Maryland’s workforce — our state's economic health depends on the success of our small business community. Yet, small businesses continue to face uncertainty on the road to success.
Sign the pledge
Sign onto our Small Business Fundamentals pledge and give Maryland entrepreneurs, innovators and hard-working small business owners confidence that our state’s leaders support their growth and economic future.
Small Business Fundamental Principles
I agree that small founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners should be able to operate in an environment where they can:
1 — Hire and Manage Employees
Government should not unduly burden a small business’s ability to establish their own employment policies nor interfere with their ability to fairly compete for talent, including using independent contractors and part-time workers.
2 — Control Their Daily Business Operations
Small business owners should be free to manage their business operations without unnecessary and onerous government intervention.
3 — Have Reasonable Costs for Doing Business
Small business owners should enjoy a tax climate that is competitive, attracts and retains businesses and top talent, and encourages investment in Maryland’s economy.
4 — Help Eliminate Burdensome Regulations
Small business owners are key stakeholders in the development of regulations and laws impacting their industry and daily business activities. State government should seek the feedback and counsel of the business community during the regulatory and legislative process while striving to allow market force principles to work in the state’s economy.
5 — Have Access to a Skilled Workforce
Maryland’s small businesses should have access to a top-tier workforce as a product of an educational and vocational ecosystem focused on developing, retaining, and attracting a more globally competitive workforce.
6 — Be Protected from Frivolous Lawsuits
Small businesses in Maryland should have the right to operate without fear of profit-based litigation that uses the threat of lawsuits to extort payments.
Every day in Maryland, policy decisions are made that have a direct impact on our state’s business community — and on your bottom line. Make sure you have a say in the rules, regulations and policies that will impact your business, your operations and your employees.
Join us — and join a coalition of more than 6,800 businesses and job creators working to make Maryland better for business. Become a member today and help ensure policymakers hear the voice of business on issues including: