Laurrapin Grille Selected for Special Maryland Business Program

Laurrapin Grille is getting help taking its business to the next level, thanks to a special program offered through state and national economic development agencies.

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and the National Center for Economic Gardening sponsor the program, called Advance Maryland.

“Second stage” businesses—which have between 10 and 99 full-time employees and make $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue—are eligible to apply for Advance Maryland, which connects them to resources for growing and developing their organizations. Last year, five businesses were selected to participate.

”I am so proud of Bruce and Sherifa Clarke of the Laurrapin Grille for establishing such a fabulous restaurant here in Havre de Grace,” Delegate Mary-Dulany James said in a recent announcement of Laurrapin’s admission into the program. “They have worked so hard for over 13 years to build this into a first-class organization. I hope with the help of the Advance Maryland Program, they will continue to grow and develop.”

Through Advance Maryland, businesses gain access to a strategic research team which consults with them for eight to 12 hours, then develops a game plan with next steps.

Research teams will begin meeting with Laurrapin leaders to identify goals, opportunities and strategies this month, James said.

Then, the team will offer recommendations and next steps to help develop and grow the business, which could include prioritizing sales leads, refining business models and using social media.