Two years ago, Naddia Clute stepped into the role of Small Business Navigator for Montgomery County, taking on the mission of helping business owners navigate local government, access resources, and overcome challenges. Now, with two years of experience in the role, we sat down with Naddia to reflect on what she has learned, the progress made, and what small business owners need to know moving forward.

If you’re a business owner in Montgomery County, this is your chance to understand how the county is working to support you—and how you can take full advantage of the resources available.

The Challenges of Supporting a Diverse Business Community

One of the biggest hurdles Naddia faced in her role was simply spreading awareness. Many business owners don’t realize that the county has a dedicated Business Center, which provides free support, from licensing guidance to funding connections.

“There are so many different needs that business owners have,” Naddia shared. “If they don’t know we exist, how can they reach out for help?”

To address this, she and her team have prioritized direct outreach, growing the Business Center’s capacity with four business liaisons who actively visit businesses across the county. Their goal? To make sure that when county representatives show up, it’s not just for inspections or regulations—it’s to offer support, guidance, and resources.

Another key challenge has been navigating complex county systems. For example, if a business owner wants to open a restaurant or food truck, should they start with permitting, zoning, or health and human services? The answer isn’t always clear, and many business owners find themselves bouncing between departments. Over time, Naddia has worked to streamline these processes, ensuring that when business owners come to the county for help, they’re given a clear roadmap instead of the runaround.

Key Initiatives and Progress Over the Past Two Years

Since taking on the role, Naddia has been involved in several impactful initiatives aimed at making it easier for businesses to start and grow in Montgomery County.

1. A More User-Friendly Website

One of her first major projects was revamping the county’s business website, making it easier for entrepreneurs to find information and get help. The addition of a contact form now allows business owners to submit inquiries without having to call or visit in person, reducing the fear or hesitation some may have about reaching out to a government office.

2. A Business Database That Didn’t Exist Before

When Naddia started, there was no database tracking which businesses had received assistance from the county. This made it difficult to follow up or understand recurring challenges. She helped implement a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system, which now tracks business interactions, referrals, and areas where additional support is needed.

This system has improved coordination within the Business Center, ensuring that businesses aren’t getting lost in the shuffle and that recurring issues are flagged for larger-scale solutions.

3. Stronger Relationships Between the County and Business Owners

Beyond just individual assistance, Naddia and her team have worked to change the perception of the county’s relationship with small businesses. By ensuring more transparency, proactive outreach, and direct connections, the county is positioning itself as a partner rather than just a regulator.

How Business Needs Have Changed in the Last Two Years

While access to funding and business planning support remain top concerns, Naddia has noticed a shift in priorities among Montgomery County’s entrepreneurs.

• An Increased Need for Marketing & Social Media Assistance – Many businesses now recognize that online visibility is critical and are looking for help with branding, digital marketing, and customer engagement strategies.
• A Rise in Solopreneurs & Home-Based Businesses – More individuals are leaving traditional jobs to run their own businesses full-time, increasing the demand for startup capital and financial management resources.
• Growing Interest in Government Contracts – More businesses want to work with the county but need better guidance on how to navigate procurement processes.

In response, Naddia and her team have built stronger connections with the Office of Procurement to better educate businesses on what it takes to successfully bid on and win government contracts.

New & Upcoming Resources for Business Owners

Montgomery County continues to introduce new programs to support its business community. Some recent and upcoming initiatives include:

• A Business Licensing & Permitting Education Program – Partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Permitting, this program will help businesses in the food industry better understand how to navigate regulations.
• A Multicultural Business Accelerator Program – The first version of this program, done in partnership with M&T Bank, was delivered entirely in Spanish. Based on positive feedback, discussions are underway to expand it to English-speaking businesses as well.
• Expanded Support Through The Montgomery County Black Collective & Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce – These organizations have received county funding to develop new programming specifically for Black-owned businesses.

If you’re a business owner looking to tap into these resources, now is the time to reach out.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Montgomery County’s Business Center?

Looking forward, Naddia’s top goals include:

• Continuing to Increase Awareness – Many businesses still don’t know about the Business Center and the resources available to them. She wants to make sure more entrepreneurs see the county as a first stop for support.
• Expanding Procurement Training & Financial Management Support – With many businesses looking to work with the county, Naddia is pushing for more training on contracts, financial planning, and lease agreements.
• Finding Better Ways to Serve Home-Based & Solopreneur Businesses – Since these businesses don’t have physical storefronts, outreach efforts are more challenging. Exploring ways to connect with these entrepreneurs through digital and social platforms is a priority.

How to Get Involved & Stay Connected

If you’re a small business in Montgomery County, your voice matters. The county relies on feedback from business owners to improve its processes and introduce new initiatives.

Here’s how you can connect with the Business Center:

• Submit feedback or request assistance through their online form:https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/business/contact-us.html
• Reach out directly to Naddia Clute for concerns or suggestions.
• Stay informed by engaging with organizations like The Montgomery County Black Collective and The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, both of which are working to expand resources for Black entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts: The County is Here to Help – Take Advantage!

The biggest takeaway from our conversation with Naddia Clute? Montgomery County WANTS to help small businesses succeed—but you have to take the first step and reach out. Whether you need funding guidance, licensing support, or help understanding procurement, the Business Center is your go-to resource.

Don’t wait until you’re frustrated or stuck—connect with the county early, stay informed, and use the available resources to push your business forward.

Because when Black-owned businesses thrive, the entire community wins.