MD-SERI Grant Program for Main Street Small Businesses

MD-SERI Grant Program for Main Street Small Businesses

Funder: Waverly Main Street (WMS), funded by the State of Maryland

Program Type: Need-based, one-time grant awards with no repayment required

Geographic Scope: Small businesses located within the Waverly Main Street catchment area in Baltimore City (one of the largest designated Baltimore City Main Streets)

Purpose

Covid Emergency Relief Grants for Main Street Communities to support local businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic

Eligibility Requirements

A business must meet ALL of the following:
• Have a permanent, physical address currently located within the Waverly Main Street catchment area
• Have been in operation in Baltimore before 2020
• Be in good standing with the State of Maryland
• Have suffered demonstrable loss in revenues and/or increase in costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 1, 2020 to June 5, 2021

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds

• Previous or future rent/mortgage
• Previous or future utility expenses
• Previous or future staffing expenses
• Paid sick leave for COVID positive employees
• Previous or future capital purchases for COVID related equipment or systems
• Exterior enhancement such as signage and walk-up windows
• Third-party delivery fees
• Additional expenses not covered by other relief grants (case-by-case basis)
• Expenses can be for reimbursements starting from March 1, 2020 or for future expenses until June 5, 2021

How to Prove Need

Documentation showing need is required. Revenue loss or increased costs may be proven by:
• Past years revenue/tax returns vs 2020 revenues
• Gross receipts
• Loss of bookings/events
• COVID related capital expenses (walk up windows, barriers, lighting, outdoor furniture)
• PPE supplies/sanitization services
• Utility bills
• Mortgage/rent bills
• Bank statements from previous months (Business Account statements preferred)
• Canceled checks
• Wages
• Equipment rentals
• License fees
• Insurance costs
• Any other method of proving revenues and expenses

Scoring

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis using a points system scoring matrix. Businesses receive scoring points for specific needs and COVID-19 related revenue reductions or increased expenses.

Important Notes

• No guarantee of full funding: WMS cannot guarantee that all businesses will receive funding or that the full requested amount will be awarded
• All application information disclosed to WMS will be kept strictly confidential
• Final receipts/documentation must be submitted by June 15, 2021
• If funding remains available after the first deadline, a second round will be opened
• Funds awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted

Contact Information

Matthew Smith
• Email: Grants@WaverlyMainStreet.Org
• Office: 410-889-8100
• Cell: 717-668-2790