This grant provides grants of up to $10,000 to Maryland businesses in eligible locations to help cover the costs of business relocation and start-up. You can learn more about this grant opportunity if you are an active member.
Geographic Focus
USA: Maryland: City of Laurel
Grant Description Grants of up to $10,000 to Maryland businesses in eligible locations to help cover the costs of business relocation and start-up. Applicants must consult with the funding source prior to applying. The purpose of funding is to assist businesses in growing and succeeding in the Main Street business area and in the process continue to provide and create local jobs for residents of the greater Laurel area. The purpose of the Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program is to help defer the costs of physically moving an existing business to a vacant storefront or to assist in the start-up of a new business in a vacant storefront. The redevelopment of the Main Street area and the retention of commercial uses is crucial to maintaining an economically strong Main Street; a commercial area where the image, appearance, and environment encourage walkability and attract shoppers. Eligible Costs may include moving costs (truck rental or professional mover), connection and transfer of new utility services, installation costs of equipment required for the business, but not the equipment itself; interior remodeling of new location, exterior signs, and other moving incidentals. Professional, engineering, architectural and permit fees may also be included in the relocation costs.
Additional Eligibility Criteria Eligible Business Types: - Specialty / Unique Retail - Apparel / Shoe Store - Bakery - Coffee shop - Ice Cream Shop - Full Service / Fine Dining Restaurant - Grocery Store / Gourmet Food Store - Health Club / Yoga Studio - Entertainment / Family Fun Other Eligiblity Requirements: - Grant Application must be started within one (1) year of the City of Laurel issuance of the business' Use and Occupancy permit - Five (5) year lease agreement for a property within the Relocation Grant area - Letter of Agreement from the Property Owner (only applicable if the business is not the property owner) - Proof of Ownership (only applicable if the business is the property owner) - Current Business Plan - Only one (1) Relocation grant can be awarded per address in a three (3) year period Ineligible Business Types or Persons: - Office Based Businesses - Membership-Only Businesses (e.g. businesses that do not allow walk-in customers or businesses that primarily serve membership holding clients) - Personal Care Service Businesses (e.g. salons, barberships, massage) - Houses of Worship - Home-Based Businesses - Banks and Financial Institutions - Food Trucks - Corporate-Owned Franchises - Businesses that do not have a physical commercial location - Businesses located outside of the Relocation Grant area - Businesses in which City Staff and/or elected officials of the City have a financial interest of at least 25% Ineligible Expenses: - Specialized equipment required for the business operation - Purchase of tools and equipment for renovations - Furniture - Art and Decor - Business Inventory - Security Systems, cameras, software - Computers, POS systems, or software - Rent or lease paymentsAdditional Geographic Information: Relocation Grant area map: https://www.cityoflaurel.org/system/files/files/relocationgrantmap.pdf
Pre-Application Information Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. This application has a rolling deadline with a set fund amount. Once the grant fund is depleted, applications will no longer be accepted. The applicant must first have a pre-application meeting with a representative from the Department of Economic and Community Development to determine eligibility. One application per business entity is accepted.
Additional Funding Information Estimated Total Program Funding: $82,395
Estimated Size of Grant The Program provides participants the opportunity to receive a reimbursement not to exceed $10,000.
Term of Contract Businesses are only eligible to submit a completed Relocation Grant application within one (1) year of the issue date printed on their City of Laurel Use and Occupancy permit. If an extension is needed, a business may submit a formal letter to the Department of Economic and Community Development requesting an extension of up to six (6) months.
Contact Information Apply online: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/71815-City-Of-Laurel If assistance is needed with the application, please contact ECD@Laurel.md.us. Apply Online
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