Financial Assistance

State Programs

Throughout the course of the pandemic, the Department of Commerce distributed funding to businesses through various programs. No new applications are being accepted for any Commerce COVID-related programs. If you have applied to any programs administered through Commerce and have questions, please contact COVID-19.application@maryland.gov.

Additional state financial assistance programs launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic include:

$5 million is available to help socially or economically disadvantaged tech-based businesses in the state’s rural counties, administered by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).
Through Project Restore, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is offering rental grants and sales tax relief rebates to help offset startup costs and incentivize commercial investment in vacant spaces. Businesses that begin new or expanded operations in spaces that have not been generating sales tax receipts for the past six months or more will be eligible for the program. Small businesses of 50 or fewer employees will be eligible for additional benefits.
The U.S. EDA has awarded Maryland with $3.4 million to support the state’s small businesses. From this, $770,000 has been awarded to recapitalize the Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund (MEAF) program.

Local Programs

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, funding has been available through a variety of programs at the county level. To see what programs may be offered in each county, please visit their websites below.

Caroline County

Cecil County

Charles County

Dorchester County

Frederick County

Garrett County

Prince George’s County

Federal Programs

Under the American Rescue Plan, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. The EDA has made the funding available through a series of six innovative challenges.

Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration will accept applications for its Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. Additional information on the program can be found here.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is accepting applications from small businesses, private non-profits, and agricultural businesses.
SBA's Targeted EIDL Advance has two priority groups for funding, including those who previously applied for EIDL assistance but did not receive it.
SBA allows small businesses with existing loans to defer payments by up to six months to supplement their cash flow during the crisis. Those businesses should reach out to their lenders to talk about this sort of modification.
View general SBA guidance for businesses or use this interactive map to find local assistance, including Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE business mentors, and more.

Need assistance applying for EIDL Loans?
The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help. Sign up for free counseling today via their website and select the County of your business location for assistance.

American Rescue Plan

The State of Maryland expects to receive $3.9 billion in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan. Major components of the agreement will provide targeted relief for businesses, including:

$1.1 billion in federal funding will be dedicated to shoring up the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to help stabilize unemployment insurance tax rates for businesses for calendar years 2022 and 2023. 
$75 million will be dedicated to a variety of apprenticeships and employment training programs, and $15 million will be dedicated to promoting teleworking in the public and private sectors.

The state is also using funds to implement critical infrastructure and broadband projects, which could open up more opportunities for local businesses. See a full breakdown of American Rescue Plan funds.

Additional Resources

Eviction - Governor Hogan’s Moratorium on Evictions During State of Emergency currently remains in effect. On March 16, 2020, Governor Hogan issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can demonstrate that their inability to pay rent was the result of COVID-19 - for example, because of lost or reduced employment, needing to care for a school-aged child, because they are diagnosed with or under investigation for COVID-19. If a tenant feels they are being unfairly threatened with eviction, they should contact the Office of the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or call 410-528-8662. The State of Emergency ended Thursday, July 1, 2021 which will mark the beginning of a 45-day grace period, where certain regulations will continue to be relaxed to complete the administrative transition out of the pandemic. This includes the moratorium on evictions related to COVID-19.
Independent Lenders - Maryland banks, credit unions, and financial service providers are operating under precautionary measures, with increased focus on mobile, phone, and online services. If you anticipate having trouble making a loan payment, please notify your lender or loan servicing company as soon as possible to discuss your options. Early and regular communication is important. Visit the Maryland Bankers Association or view a list of credit unions operating in Maryland and their contact information.
Neighborhood BusinessWorks - Provides flexible financing to small businesses and non-profit organizations in sustainable communities and priority funding areas
Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account - The state’s Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Fund uses proceeds from slots to assist small, minority, and women-owned businesses located in targeted areas surrounding six Maryland casinos.