Small Business Grants in Maryland
Maryland offers approximately 20 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
In This Article
Which Maryland grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Maryland Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Maryland small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Business Boost Microgrants (Neighborhood BusinessWorks)
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
$20,000–$50,000
Deadline Oct 14, 2024Through the Neighborhood BusinessWorks program, DHCD offers microgrants to small businesses that need capital for growth or expansion in designated Sustainable Communities. Your business must have annual revenue between $50,000 and $1 million and be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Status check, The Business Boost application round closed as of October 14, 2024, at 5 PM. Page states any incomplete applications after the deadline are ineligible.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program
Maryland Department of Commerce
$25,000–$500,000
Deadline Aug 31, 2026This competitive grant program helps small and mid-sized Maryland manufacturers invest in Industry 4.0 technologies, robotics, and digital business practices. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs for small manufacturers (3–50 employees) and 50% for mid-sized manufacturers. FY2026 funding was set at $6 million.
Status check, Application opens August 3, 2026 at 9AM and closes August 31, 2026 at 5PM. Informational webinar scheduled for July 14 at 10AM.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
ExportMD Program
Maryland Department of Commerce
Up to $5,000
RollingExportMD provides matching grants of up to $5,000 to reimburse expenses associated with international marketing projects, including trade show fees, brochures, and travel. Applications are accepted on a monthly basis from qualifying Maryland companies.
Status check, Applications accepted monthly on a rolling basis, due on the 1st of each month. Applicants should contact office at least two weeks prior to application deadline. Up to $5,000 reimbursement available.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ)
Maryland Department of Commerce
$5,000 minimum (up to 50% of training costs)
RollingPWQ provides matching training grants that reimburse up to 50% of qualified direct costs for worker training in manufacturing and technology companies. At least 60% of funds must go to businesses with 150 or fewer employees.
Status check, Program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Contact regional Commerce representative to apply. Minimum grant is $5,000, reimburses up to 50% of qualified training costs.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
Project Restore 2.0
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Up to $300,000
ClosedProject Restore 2.0 provides up to $8 million to place-based economic development organizations that sub-grant funding to businesses for rental assistance, renovation, and equipment to activate vacant commercial spaces in business districts.
Status check, Page explicitly states Project Restore 2.0 is currently closed. Businesses that received sub-granted funds had until December 2025 to open and be operational.
Last verified, Jul 10, 2026
MDOT Purple Line Small Business Grant Program
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Up to $50,000
Deadline Jul 31, 2026This program provides direct grants to small businesses impacted by Purple Line construction in Prince George's and Montgomery counties. Funded at $1 million per year through 2028, with up to three application rounds annually.
Status check, Round 2 of 2026 grants open until July 31. Provides up to $50,000 to small businesses along Purple Line corridor impacted by construction. Round 3 opens October 12.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
NourishMD Grant Program
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Varies
Deadline Oct 14, 2024NourishMD provides grants to support the development, stabilization, and expansion of retail outlets that provide fresh food in Maryland's food deserts. Part of the Moore-Miller Administration's $10 million Community Business Compass initiative.
Status check, Both Project Restore 2.0 and Business Boost application rounds are explicitly stated as closed. Business Boost closed October 14, 2024. No reopening date mentioned.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
TEDCO Concept Capital
Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)
$25,000–$50,000
RollingTEDCO's Concept Capital provides convertible notes with founder-friendly terms (zero interest, negotiable valuation caps) to bridge the early-stage funding gap for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Eligible founders include those in rural or disadvantaged communities.
Status check, Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Convertible notes of $25k to $50k for underrepresented Maryland tech entrepreneurs. Recent news items from June 2026 show active funding.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Maryland grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Maryland grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Maryland.
Women-owned Business Grants
Maryland's MBE certification program through MDOT includes women-owned businesses, and TEDCO's Concept Capital specifically targets female founders. The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs provides additional procurement support.
- ›MBE Certification (MDOT)
- ›TEDCO Concept Capital
- ›Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
Minority-owned Business Grants
Maryland requires state agencies to allocate 29% of procurement contracts to certified MBE firms. TEDCO's Minority Business Pre-Seed Fund invests up to $40,000 in minority entrepreneurs with technology-based ideas, and the MSBDFA promotes businesses owned by economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
- ›MBE Certification (MDOT)
- ›TEDCO Minority Business Pre-Seed Fund
- ›Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Maryland's MBE program includes veteran-owned businesses in its procurement goals. The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs and local county programs provide resources for veteran entrepreneurs.
- ›MBE Certification (MDOT)
- ›Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
Rural Business Grants
TEDCO's Concept Capital specifically supports rural-based founders with convertible notes of $25,000 to $50,000. Western Maryland and Eastern Shore businesses may also qualify for USDA Rural Business Development Grants.
- ›TEDCO Concept Capital
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Maryland is a top state for technology startups, with TEDCO managing multiple funding programs including the Maryland Innovation Initiative and SBIR/STTR support. The Manufacturing 4.0 program provides grants for Industry 4.0 technology adoption.
- ›TEDCO Maryland Innovation Initiative
- ›Maryland Manufacturing 4.0
- ›SBIR/STTR Programs
Tips for Applying in Maryland
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Ensure your business is in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) before applying to any state program. You can verify your status on the Maryland Business Express website.
- 2Register for a TEDCO ID before applying to any TEDCO-administered programs, including the Maryland Innovation Initiative and Concept Capital. This one-time registration streamlines future applications.
- 3Consider obtaining MBE certification through MDOT's Office of Minority Business Enterprise if your business qualifies. Certification is free and gives access to the state's 29% procurement allocation goal.
- 4Contact the Maryland SBDC for free consulting help with your grant application. The SBDC Network, hosted by the University of Maryland, has regional offices across the state and can help strengthen your business plan and financial statements.
- 5Prepare standard documentation in advance: most Maryland grant applications require a business plan, financial statements, proof of Maryland business registration, and an IRS W-9 form.
State Economic Development Agency
Maryland Department of Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce is the state's primary economic development agency, offering financing, grants, tax credits, and business support services to help small businesses start, grow, and compete.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Maryland can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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