Grow Your Business in Anne Arundel County
Whether you’re looking to hire your first employee, expand your physical footprint, or anything in between, AAEDC offers the resources and expert guidance to help you achieve your next stage of growth.
Our goal is simple:
To save you time, money, and stress as you continue to build your business in Anne Arundel County.
Find Your Ideal Location
Whether you’re looking for your first brick-and-mortar, a larger space, or land for a new build, we can help you find the right location to support your growth.
Share your specific parameters and zoning requirements with our team, and we’ll provide a curated list of available properties and connect you with trusted local brokers who can help you take the next step. You can also explore current opportunities at any time using our site selection tool.
Financing to Fuel Your Growth
Whatever your next step is, AAEDC’s financing programs offer the affordable capital to help you make it happen. From gap financing to targeted funds, our team can help identify the right solution to support your goals and accelerate your growth.
IVP Business Accelerator
AAEDC’s Inclusive Ventures Program (IVP) is an eight-week accelerator designed to help small businesses in Anne Arundel County grow, scale, and access new opportunities. The program focuses on support for small, minority-owned, women-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses, providing the tools, resources, and connections needed to advance to the next stage.
Regulatory Guidance
If your growth involves navigating the regulatory process, our team can help simplify it. We work closely with county partners to guide you through permitting, licensing, zoning, and other requirements, ensuring you’re connected to the right resources at the right time.
From navigating building and fire codes to health, environmental, and public works approvals, we help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and speed.
Permitting and Plan Review
Building Permits and Tenant Fit Outs
A Tenant Improvement Permit is a Building Permit that is required for new tenants to occupy a space in an existing building, even if improvements are not made. This may include moving into the space “AS IS” (no changes); reconfiguring the layout of a space; updating the finishes and fixtures, and/or installing new equipment and technology.
Click here for more information about the tenant improvement permitting processes
Click here to find information about building, grade, fire and other permits
Food service facility permits
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is responsible for inspecting and licensing most facilities in the County that prepare food for the public.
Click here for more information about licensing requirements for food service facilities
Development Plan Review
New development or redevelopment requires a comprehensive analysis of a proposed development and site configuration for compliance with the County Code. The Development Division in the Office of Planning and Zoning leads the review of development applications.
Click here to find out more information about the review process and requirements
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Success Stories
“As we began exploring expansion opportunities and long-term growth, AAEDC stood out as an organization that genuinely supports and invests in the success of small businesses. It quickly became a trusted resource thanks to its staff’s accessibility and willingness to engage in real conversations, and their support has been instrumental in helping us think bigger while staying grounded.”
Joshua Buxton
Buxton Media Productions
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Success Stories
“Working with AAEDC set the stage for our growth. They quickly grasped our needs and helped us navigate early challenges, then guided us to the resources that were critical to scaling our operations – from early financing options to strategies for attracting talent.”
Susan Beall, Founder
Nue Information Systems
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Success Stories
“The VOLT Fund loan made it possible for me to expand my business in a way that simply would not have been achievable otherwise. It allowed me to grow Skinlogic beyond aesthetics into a true wellness space, while also creating new job opportunities and services for the community. I am deeply grateful to AAEDC for believing in my vision and supporting this next chapter of growth.”
Meredith Baker
Skinlogic
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Success Stories
“The VOLT Growth Fund came at the perfect time for our business as we experienced rapid growth and needed additional cash flow to scale. The funding allowed us to invest more in proven marketing strategies while securing inventory to meet increasing demand. It has been an invaluable tool in helping us confidently grow and prepare for future sales.”
Adam Ashley
Plus Up, LLC
Flexible Office Space Options & Temporary Housing
Access AAEDC’s guide to flexible office space and temporary housing across Anne Arundel County, designed for businesses looking to expand. Discover coworking spaces, executive offices, and short-term solutions in Hanover, Annapolis, and Fort Meade/Odenton, offering flexible terms and scalable options to support your growth.
Tools & Resources for Growth
Explore a curated collection of tools, programs, and guidance designed to support your next stage of growth in Anne Arundel County. Our resource library brings together trusted county, regional, and state partners alongside AAEDC programs, making it easy to find the support you need in one place.