The State of Maryland has a new program to encourage more Maryland workers to save for a more secure retirement and Baltimore agencies Kapowza and the C-360 Agency are on board to help spread the word about MarylandSaves, a new workplace savings program sponsored by the Maryland Small Business Retirement Savings Program.

Kapowza updated the program’s visual identity and brand guidelines and its board’s website. Kapowza has also produced broadcast commercials and other video assets featuring one of the participating businesses, while the C-360 Agency is getting underway with PR and media relations, social media strategy, web content and direct outreach to Maryland business owners and influencers.

Many small companies don’t offer any retirement savings for a multitude of reasons, including complexity, risk of legal liability, and cost; setting up a 401k plan can be prohibitive for small employers, especially if their plans include some form of matched funds.

With MarylandSaves, workers can set up a WorkLife Savings Account that is automatically funded from their paychecks. MarylandSaves is a free program for businesses, and the State waives the $300 Annual Report Filing fee for businesses every year they participate in MarylandSaves or offer another qualified benefit plan.

“MarylandSaves is an advance on traditional retirement savings,” said MarylandSaves Board Chair Joshua Gotbaum. “It’s automatic savings from each paycheck, savings that help with life’s emergencies now and can keep helping after people retire and need it most.”

“We’ve worked hard to make MarylandSaves free, quick, and easy for businesses,” said MarylandSaves Acting Executive Director Glenn Simmons. “Employers can register and sign up their employees online, and in many cases, use their payroll processors.”

In order to claim the $300 Annual Report Filing Fee waiver for 2023, businesses must register with MarylandSaves or certify that they already offer a qualified plan by December 1, 2022. For more information visit MarylandSaves.com. The C-360 Agency is a Capitol Communicator sponsor.