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Business

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1. As a local business person in Harford County, how would I go about trying to sell my goods or services to the County?

Vendors can submit their name and the commodities/services they provide to be included in the Vendor's List database. Go to Downloads and choose Vendor's List Application to complete this form online. This list can be used by Procurement Agents, departments and agencies for purchases in the three competitive tiers.

In addition, Business owners and managers can review all formal bids and proposals we advertise on the Online Bid Board, EMaryland Marketplace and on the bulletin board outside of the Procurement office. If interested and qualified, companies can submit a bid or proposal according to the instructions in each solicitation. It is important to note that sealed bids must be clearly marked with the bid or proposal number and due date, and delivered on time to the Department of Procurement's Office. Bids or proposals that are not time-stamped in our office by the designated deadline will be returned unopened.

All bids or proposals submitted must follow the instructions outlined in the County's Bid or Proposal Package and must utilize the forms or formats provided in those packages or their submission may be considered non-responsive.

2. Does Harford County maintain a Procurement Vendor's list?

Businesses interested in doing business with the County should check our website frequently for all bidding opportunities.

3. Does Harford County provide grants to organizations in the county?

Harford County currently has 2 programs, Grant-in-Aid and Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grants. Funds are available on a competitive basis. Organizations must meet certain eligibility criteria and must submit requests by a predetermined date, using an application form provided by Harford County. For more information, contact Harford County Department of Community Services at 410-638-3117 or 410-638-3389.

4. Does my business need to be pre-qualified to do business with the County?

For construction projects only, the County requires companies be pre-qualified in order to ensure that a company has the experience and skill necessary to perform each construction project valued at $100,000 or more.

A Pre-qualification Application can be downloaded from the County's website. The application is completed detailing a company's qualifications and examples of the type of work performed as it relates to the various type of pre-qualification categories. The application is submitted to the Procurement Office where it is reviewed and evaluated. A Certificate of Pre-qualification is issued based on the company's qualifications and work history. If approved, a Certificate is issued for a 2 year period only. All pre-qualified companies must resubmit their application prior to the expiration of their current Pre-qualification Certificate in order to continue to be pre-qualified to do business with Harford County. Pre-qualification Application (PDF)

5. How can I find out the zoning and permitted uses on my property?

For information on zoning and permitted uses on a property, visit Harford County Planning and Zoning or call 410-638-3103. Planning & Zoning Page

6. How can I find out what goods/services are currently being solicited by Harford County government?

Bids and proposals currently being solicited are posted on our online bids, eMaryland Marketplace, and on the bulletin board located outside of the Procurement Department's entrance on the 3rd floor of the Harford County Administrative Office Building, at 220 South Main Street, Bel Air, MD. eMaryland Marketplace

7. How can I obtain procurement bid results?

Bid results may be obtained by using our online bid results or by calling the Department of Procurement at 410-638-3550. Bid results are also posted on the bulletin board outside of the Department of Procurement. Online Bid Results

8. How do I apply for Workforce Technical Training Grants?

Workforce Technical Training Applications can be obtained by contacting the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059. Office of Economic Development

9. How does the Fast Track Permitting process work?

Fast Track enables an industrial user to establish a time schedule for the issuance of permits and licenses to meet the project's completion schedules. For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059 or visit Fast Track. Fast Track

10. How to obtain public information from the Liquor Control Board?

Anyone requesting information, must complete the Public Information Request Form, located on the Liquor Control Board page or at the office of the Liquor Control Board. Liquor Control Board

11. Is there a residency requirement in Harford County to apply for a license and if so, what is the requirement?

Please view information on Obtaining a License to Sell Alcohol.

12. What are the requirements for obtaining a license to sell alcoholic beverages?

Please view information about Obtaining a License to Sell Alcohol.

13. What assistance and incentives are available to businesses locating and expanding in Harford County?

The Office of Economic Development offers many valuable resources including Site Location Services, Fast Track Permitting Assistance, Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and Financial and Workforce Assistance including Workforce Technical Training Grants. For more information, visit the Business Toolbox section of the website or contact 410-638-3059.

14. What is an Enterprise Zone?

Enterprise Zones are areas designated by the State of Maryland which insure the retention and spur expansion of resident businesses, encourage the creation of well paying jobs, promote development and occupancy of vacant, underutilized land and buildings and support the county's commitments to revitalizing older industrial areas of Harford County. For more information contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059. Business Toolbox

15. What is the Harford County Green Business Network?

The Harford County Green Business Network was designed to foster a networking environment for businesses to collaborate and discover innovative, sustainable business practices. For more information call the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059 or join the Harford County Green Business Network online. Harford County Green Business Network

16. What is the inventory requirement for a licensee with a Class A1, Beer, Wine and Liquor License?

5:02 Class A-1 OR A-2, Beer, Wine and Liquor - Off-Sale Only - Article 2B §6-101(n)

Permits the sale of all alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises only. Holders of this type license shall provide a separate outside entrance for the use of off-sale customers if the majority of retail sales are of items other than alcoholic beverages. Additionally, if the business is predominately one of other types of retail sales, alcoholic beverages shall be displayed and purchased in an area separate and distinct from that of the other retail items. At the discretion of the Board, partitions may be required. A minimum stock of $8,000 in alcoholic beverages, based on an average wholesale value, is required to be maintained at all times. A Class A-1 or A-2 License Holder may not convert his license to a Class A Beer and Wine License unless there is available a Class A License.

17. What is the next deadline for Workforce Technical Training Grants?

For the most up-to-date Workforce Technical Training Grant schedule, see the Workforce Technical Training Grant Application online or contact the Harford County Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059.

18. What is the primary function of the Liquor Control Board?

The most important function of the Harford County Liquor Control Board is to administer and enforce the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Laws as contained in Article 2B, Annotated Code of Maryland and the Board Rules and Regulations as prepared and adopted by the Liquor Control Board of Harford County with particular emphasis on making certain that alcohol is kept out of the hands of underage persons.

19. What is the process to change an officer on a liquor license?

All club licenses are issued to three officers of said clubs. Any time there is a change of officers, a supplemental application must be filed with the board along with copies of the minutes showing election of new officers and a new license shall be issued. However, if the resident applicant or majority stockholder is changed a complete application must be filed.

20. Where can I find information on starting a business?

Harford County offers a wealth of information for starting your new business. To get started, you can contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059 or visit the Small Business Technology Development Center online. Choose Maryland

21. Where can I find information on the Harford County Opportunity Fund?

For information on the Harford County Opportunity Fund, contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3103 or Financial Services. Financial Services

22. Where can I find out if my business is in an Enterprise Zone?

If your business is located in Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood or Joppa, you may be located within an Enterprise Zone. For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059.

23. Where can I obtain a building license?

Please view Buildings Services.

24. Where can my Harford County organization get help writing a grant?

Technical assistance is provided by the Department of Community Services, Local Grants Office, 410-638-3117. This includes general, written information on grant writing as well as assistance in developing proposal concepts and review of proposals. In addition, many libraries have books on grant writing and groups such as the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers or Harford Community College often offer courses, seminars, and workshops on grant related topics.

25. Where do I get help with my business plan and loan application?

The Maryland Small Business and Technology Development Center provides counseling and support to entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses with business plans, identifying sources of capital and the entire loan process. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059. Maryland Small Business and Technology Development

26. Who do I contact if I want to sell property to the County or lease County-owned property?

Property Management should be contacted at 410-638-3213.

27. Who should I contact if I have questions about County right-of-ways or County owned property?

Property Management should be contacted at 410-638-3213.

28. Can I operate a business out of my home and do I need a permit?

Under certain criteria, a business may be operated from the home with a valid permit. The business must be incidental and subordinate to the residential use. Some uses are prohibited (i.e.dancing or karate schools, medical clinics, gift stores, construction businesses.)