Sponsored by The Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation.
The Center for Business Innovation and Trades (CBIT) works to expand the economy one business at a time. Through expert guidance, professional insight and developmental resources, CBIT provides the support you need to advance your new or existing business ideas.
Turn your idea into a winning plan and earn seed money at the Annual Business Plan Competition. This event promotes economic development among CCBC students and alumni with the support of faculty and local entrepreneurs.
CBIT can equip you with the knowledge to navigate your business journey with confidence. Building a successful business takes time, but we’re here to help you lay a strong foundation and turn your vision into reality.
Earn credits and learn how to launch a business.
In addition to offering business and management courses, CCBC also offers a unique course, MNGT 216, that allows students to serve as consultants to a start-up so they can apply the principles and concepts in the classroom to a real business.
Students earn three credits in this unique elective. There are no exams and there are no textbooks. Instead, students evaluate each other's performance as they work in teams to help a business get started. Leading the students is Associate Professor Dennis Sullivan, who has launched more than 100 products and businesses in his career.
CBIT features a series of 60- and 90-minute topical workshops with an opportunity for participants to network and learn from experts in the entrepreneurial world. Past topics include digital and social media marketing, Intellectual Property in entrepreneurship and Communicate with Charisma, Clarity and Compassion.
Learn how to expand, innovate and streamline operations through CBIT’s business growth programs. These immersive programs will help you refine existing strategies to ensure sustainable progress.
The Small Business Ownership Program emboldens entrepreneurs to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. Experienced professionals provide practical guidance and valuable insight to help students strengthen their existing businesses. Those who have completed the Small Business Ownership program are eligible to participate in CCBC’s Annual Business Plan Competition.
This comprehensive program is a 12-session series where students will learn how to utilize practical business principals and strategies like:
Learn more about CCBC's Small Business Program.
Note: This program is recommended for small business owners who have been in business for at least six months. However, this is not a requirement.
CBIT's Elite 10 Accelerator Program is available by invitation-only to the top 10 companies that have been part of CCBC's Business Plan and Pitch Competitions. The purpose of the Elite 10 Accelerator Program is to support early-stage, growth-driven companies through education, mentoring and financing as they continue to take their business to the next level.
Members work with one of the area's top business minds each month as a group and they also receive one-one-one coaching. Costs for similar accelerator programs run about $20,000, but thanks to the generous support from the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, the Elite 10 Accelerator Program is provided at no charge. In addition, members receive a grant for their successful participation to help them fund new initiatives.
The Growth Lab Accelerator Program helps small businesses in targeted Baltimore County communities strengthen their operations, overcome challenges, and position themselves for sustainable growth through focused training, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Following the successful launch of its inaugural cohort in Randallstown in January 2026, Growth Lab is expanding to Essex for its second cohort in Spring 2027.
Selected participants will engage in interactive training sessions, receive individualized business coaching and mentorship, and have the opportunity to qualify for up to $5,000 in seed funding to implement strategies that support business growth.
Growth Lab is supported by the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship's Everyday Entrepreneur Program.
For more information, please read the Growth Lab's full program packet.
The upcoming Essex cohort will run from January through April 2027, providing selected business owners with hands-on training, expert guidance, and opportunities to develop actionable strategies for growth.
Interested business owners are encouraged to attend the information session to learn more about program eligibility, benefits, expectations, and the application process. Application window opens November 4, 2026.
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Executive Director
Project Director, Center for Business Innovation and Trades