Small Business Grants in Maryland
Last updated October 3, 2026
There are 45 active small business grants tagged to Maryland, part of 1,030 active small business grants listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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| ★ | Grant |
|---|---|
| Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship Salisbury University · State Not published · Varies The Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship serves as a dynamic hub where entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses can access resources, support, and opportunities to develop and grow their ventures. | |
| Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVSBLP) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies MPVSBLP provides no interest loans of up to $100,000, from one to eight years, for businesses owned by military reservists, veterans, National Guard personnel and for small businesses that employ or are owned by such persons. | |
| Various Funding Programs for Maryland Businesses Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies | |
| Maryland Global Gateway Soft Landing Program Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies The Soft Landing Program provides eligible foreign companies seeking a physical presence in the U.S. up to $10,000 in funding towards rent, services and other market entry costs through a statewide network of incubators and accelerators. | |
| Employer Security Clearances Costs Tax Credit (ESCC) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies ESCC provides income tax credits for expenses related to federal security clearance costs, construction of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and first-year leasing costs for small businesses doing security-based… | |
| Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs · State Not published · Varies Prime contracting procurement program for small businesses participating on designated state-funded contracts. Once a contract is designated to the SBR Program, the award can only be made to a certified SBR vendor. | |
| Enterprise Zones State Department of Assessments and Taxation · State Not published · Varies Provide property tax credit to encourage new or existing businesses to expand or locate in enterprise zones designated by the State in economically distressed areas. County Government, For-Profit, Individuals, Non-Profit | |
| Enterprise Zone Tax Credit (EZ) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies The EZ program provides state income and real property tax credits to businesses located in designated Enterprise Zones that create jobs and invest in real property improvements. | |
| Maryland Capital Access Program (MCAP) Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development · State Not published · Varies MARYLAND CAPITAL ACCESS PROGRAM (MCAP) is a revitalization loan guarantee resource to support the growth and success of small businesses in Priority Funding Areas throughout the State of Maryland. | |
| More Jobs For Marylanders Program - Manufacturing Tax Credit (MJM) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Provides refundable tax credits to manufacturers and certain businesses that create new qualified jobs and increase wages in Maryland. | |
| Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund MD Dept of Commerce · State Not published · Varies | |
| Cannabis Business Assistance Fund Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies The Cannabis Business Assistance Fund provides grants and loans for small businesses entering the adult-use cannabis industry. | |
| Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit (BIITC) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Provides tax credits to investors who invest in qualified Maryland biotechnology companies, helping biotech startups attract private capital. | |
| Maryland State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development · State Not published · Varies Maryland's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation. Federal Funds will be used to support small businesses. | |
| Maryland Global Gateway Exchange Program Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies The Global Gateway Exchange Program allows Maryland companies to expand into global markets at an affordable rate through an official network of international partners. | |
| ExportMD Program for Small and Medium Sized Maryland businesses Maryland Dept. of Commerce · State Not published · Varies | |
| ExportMD Program Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Provides reimbursement grants up to $5,000 to help Maryland small and mid-sized businesses offset the cost of international marketing and export activities. | |
| One Maryland Tax Credit (OM) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Provides tax credits to businesses that make significant capital investments and create jobs in economically distressed counties in Maryland. | |
| Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs · State Not published · Varies A unit of the Executive Department, the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs connects members of the small, minority, women, and veteran vendor communities to greater economic opportunities. | |
| Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Program provides a State income tax credit to small businesses for hiring qualified veterans, providing up to $1,800 per eligible veteran hired in their first year. | |
| Maryland Opportunity Zone Enhancement Credits Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Enhancements to existing state tax credit programs (like Job Creation or One Maryland Tax Credits) for businesses located in Maryland Opportunity Zones, offering higher credit levels when certain criteria are met. | |
| Linked Deposit Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development · State Not published · Varies The MARYLAND LINKED DEPOSIT PROGRAM is a statewide initiative designed to stimulate opportunities for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Small Businesses by reducing the interest rate on loans they obtain from participating… | |
| Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs · State Not published · Varies Procurement program for small minority and women-owned firms to perform on state-funded contracts. | |
| Job Creation Tax Credit (JCTC) Maryland Department of Commerce · State Not published · Varies Provides tax credits to businesses that create new full-time jobs in Maryland, with enhanced benefits available in designated revitalization areas. |
Showing 1–24 of 45
About small business grants in Maryland
Small business grants provide free funding you never have to repay — unlike loans. Federal agencies, state economic development offices, and private foundations offer grants for everything from startup costs to expansion, research, and hiring. Competition can be stiff, but the payoff is significant: non-dilutive capital with no interest or equity cost.
Small Business Grants in other states
Other grant categories in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small business grants really free money?
Yes. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid and unlike venture capital, they require no equity. However, most grants come with reporting requirements and must be used for the stated purpose. Some grants reimburse expenses rather than providing upfront cash.
What is the easiest small business grant to get?
Local and state-level grants tend to have less competition than federal programs. Look for community development grants from your city or county, state small business innovation programs, and foundation grants targeted at your specific industry or demographic. Micro-grants under $5,000 often have simpler applications.
Can startups apply for small business grants?
Absolutely. Many grants specifically target early-stage companies. The SBIR and STTR programs fund R&D startups, while foundations and state programs offer startup-specific grants. Some require an existing business entity, while others fund pre-revenue ventures.
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