As we celebrate Veterans Appreciation Month, we recognize our local veteran-owned businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Maryland. Here at Maryland Commerce, we proudly support veterans in a number of ways, including managing two specific programs targeted towards hiring veterans and veteran-owned businesses.

The Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business Loan Program provides no-interest loans to veterans, National Guard personnel, military reservists, and more to help offset financing costs for one to eight years. Additionally, the Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit provides small businesses with a state income tax credit for hiring qualified veterans after January 1, 2017.

Over the past year, a variety of businesses have taken advantage of our veteran-based programs to add office space and new jobs across the state.

Based in Baltimore County, Moore's Income Tax Service looked to the veteran loan program to grow its company and expand to a new location. Founded in 1976, the Moore's family-owned business is now run by its second generation and has grown from the family's basement to an office space in Randallstown. By being able to cover expenses for the new location – including equipment, computer systems, and furniture – Moore's has expanded its reach and landed new clients in Baltimore and Carroll Counties.

"I am grateful to have served in uniform for this country and now I am humbled to have the opportunity to grow the family business my father started as a veteran," said president Thel Moore Jr., a veteran of the United States Army. "If you have the passion to run your own business, go for it and make a difference. Try to use all the veteran assistance programs available to you – it can be a great help."

Scooter Equipment Inc., a personal mobility company that sells, rents, and repairs equipment, believes working hard and doing the right thing will carry businesses to success. Located in Elkridge, the company is run by husband and wife Brian and Susanna Taylor and focuses the majority of its service on in-home repairs and installations, such as fixing power chairs and scooters and installing chairlifts. The veteran-owned business is proud to be living the American dream and appreciates servicing those in need in the local community and beyond.

"Knowledge is a big thing. Know your business, know what you're doing, and have a good financial person that can keep things going," said Brian, a Navy veteran and owner and president of Scooter Equipment. "You can't wait for the business to come to you – you have to go out there and get it, and you have to work hard at it."

If you are a veteran interested in doing business in Maryland, or you want to learn about veteran-specific programs, visit commerce.maryland.gov. For even more veteran information, visit the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.