Maryland does offer real small business grants in 2026, but most are narrow: they target a location (the Purple Line corridor, Baltimore retail corridors), an activity (exporting, workforce training, university research) or a sector (manufacturing, tech, agriculture). This guide lists the programs we verified on official sources as of October 2026, what each one pays, who qualifies, and whether it is open right now, so you can skip the expired lists and apply where you actually fit.
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Open Maryland grant deadlines this fall
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These programs have dates coming up in the next few weeks. If one fits, start now, because each needs preparation before you submit.
| Program | Award | Deadline | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) | Up to $100,000 per phase (up to $90,000 for startups), company match required | October 15, 2026 | Maryland companies of any size working with a University System of Maryland faculty member |
| TEDCO Maryland Innovation Initiative | Up to $300,000 (Company Formation phase) | October 15, 2026 (quarterly) | Startups that licensed technology from JHU, Morgan State, UMB, UMBC or UMCP in the last 12 months |
| MDOT Purple Line Small Business Grant | Up to $50,000 | November 7, 2026 (Round 3) | Businesses within a quarter mile of the Purple Line with 50 or fewer employees |
| ExportMD | Up to $5,000 reimbursement | 1st of each month | Export ready small businesses operating at least one year |
The MDOT Purple Line Small Business Grant is the most accessible grant on this list for main street businesses in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. You must have operated at your location since before January 1, 2025, have gross sales of $2 million or less, and be in good standing with the state. Applications go through the Maryland OneStop Portal with a W-9 and proof of good standing.
State grants from the Maryland Department of Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce runs the core state grant programs. Most are matching or reimbursement grants, so plan your cash flow before you apply.
Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ)
PWQ reimburses up to 50 percent of qualified employee training costs. The minimum award is $5,000 on a project of at least $10,000, and the maximum is $200,000 per employer per year. You need at least 10 full-time employees, and manufacturing and technology firms get priority. There is no fixed deadline; you apply through your regional Commerce representative.
ExportMD
ExportMD reimburses up to $5,000 for international marketing such as trade show fees, foreign travel and translated websites. Applications are due on the 1st of each month, and you must hold an export counseling meeting first, so contact the program at least two weeks ahead.
Maryland Manufacturing 4.0
Manufacturing 4.0 pays $25,000 to $500,000 toward Industry 4.0 technology for manufacturers with 3 to 250 employees, with a 25 or 50 percent match. The 2026 window closed August 31, and the next window is expected to open August 2, 2027. Use the gap to complete the required technology assessment through Maryland MEP.
Larger projects: Advantage Maryland and Build Our Future
Advantage Maryland (MEDAAF) provides conditional grants and loans for expansion projects in target sectors and requires local government support. The Build Our Future pilot funds facilities and equipment but needs a 200 to 400 percent match, which puts it out of reach for most small businesses.
TEDCO and university grants for tech startups
TEDCO is the main source of early capital for Maryland tech founders. Not everything it offers is a grant, so check the type before you apply.
- SBIR/STTR Matching Funds (grant): if you win a federal SBIR or STTR award, TEDCO matches it with the lesser of 25 percent or $25,000 for Phase I, and the lesser of 25 percent or $75,000 for Phase II. You must apply within six months of the federal award, and awards are issued quarterly.
- Maryland Innovation Initiative (grant): MII funds university technology commercialization, with up to $300,000 for the Company Formation phase. Engage a TEDCO Site Miner at least 30 days before the quarterly deadline.
- Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant (grant): up to $50,000 for student-founded tech startups at eligible Baltimore-area institutions, which nominate the ventures.
- Concept Capital (convertible note, not a grant): $25,000 to $50,000 at zero interest for early tech companies with founders from rural or disadvantaged communities.
- Social Impact Funds and Seed Funds (equity): investment, not grants, for early-stage Maryland tech companies.
The Maryland Industrial Partnerships program at UMD pairs your company with a university researcher and pays up to $100,000 per phase toward the joint project, with decisions within 60 days of the deadline. TEDCO also hosts regular info sessions such as the BRIDGE Program Open Forum and the Investment Open Forum, and its 2026 Entrepreneur Expo on October 27 is a good place to meet program staff.
County and city grants in Maryland
Local programs are often easier to win than state ones because fewer businesses compete for them.
| Jurisdiction | Program | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City | BDC Facade Improvement Grant | $10,000 to $50,000 depending on type | Reimbursement, mostly 1:1 match, pre-approval required |
| Montgomery County | Economic Development Grant and Loan; Small Business Impact Assistance | $5,000 to $100,000; up to $25,000 | County SBIR/STTR match under revision |
| Prince George's County | FSC First Tech Grant | Up to $10,000 | Quantum, AI, bioscience or cyber businesses |
| Anne Arundel County | Agricultural Business Improvement Grant; Tandem Grant | Up to $10,000; up to $50,000 grant portion | Tandem applies in Commercial Revitalization Districts |
| Howard County | Apprenticeship Retention Grant | $5,000 per apprentice, up to $15,000 | Plus LIFT and FLEX loans |
| City of Frederick | GROW Conditional Grant | $5,000 to $10,000 | 50/50 match, under 25 full-time employees |
Sources: Baltimore Development Corporation, Montgomery County business financing, FSC First, AAEDC grants, Howard County EDA and City of Frederick. See our directory pages for Baltimore Development Corporation, MCEDC and AAEDC for contacts.
Programs that are closed or often misreported
Several programs still appear on grant lists but are not available to most applicants today:
- Business Boost Microgrant (DHCD): closed since October 14, 2024, with no new round posted.
- Project Restore 2.0: closed, and it was only open to place-based economic development organizations, not individual businesses.
- Montgomery County Technology Innovation and Founders Funds: the first round closed in January 2025 with no reopening date.
- MEA Commercial and Industrial Grant: the FY26 round closed; watch the Maryland Energy Administration incentives page for FY27.
Loans that work like grant alternatives
When no grant fits, low-cost loans are the next step. The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority offers loan guaranties, contract financing, surety bonding and equity for businesses that cannot get standard financing. DHCD's Neighborhood BusinessWorks program lends in designated communities, Baltimore Community Lending makes loans from $10,000 to $150,000, Maryland Capital Enterprises makes microloans up to $50,000, and FSC First runs a statewide Small Business Flex Fund from $25,000 to $250,000.
How to apply without getting scammed
The SBA states plainly that it does not provide grants to start or expand a business. The FTC warns that the government will not call, text or message you about a grant and never asks for gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Before applying anywhere:
- Confirm your entity is in good standing with SDAT; file your annual report by April 15 each year. Check status on Maryland Business Express.
- Gather a W-9, recent tax returns or projections, and a short use-of-funds plan.
- Book a free session with the Maryland SBDC or the Maryland Women's Business Center for help with applications.
- Montgomery and Prince George's businesses are served by the SBA Washington Metropolitan Area District Office; the rest of Maryland by the SBA Baltimore District Office.
Still forming your company? Start with our guide on how to start an LLC in Maryland, then browse upcoming DMV startup events where grant staff often speak.
Get the weekly list of DMV startup events, grants and deadlines. Join the StartDMV list at https://startdmv.org.