Request for Applications: Purple Line Small Business Grants Program (US)

Funding Information

• The Program will primarily take the form of direct grants up to $50,000 to eligible small businesses to offset the impact that construction closures or detours may have on business operations. Program activities and funding may also include marketing funding for businesses along the corridor and other business support. Grant funds must be used for business-related expenses, including payroll/healthcare benefits, contract labor, working capital, business rent or mortgage payments for business property, supplier payments, machinery and equipment, critical operating expenses, and utility payments for business locations. Grant payments will generally be made within thirty days of notice of grant award. All grant recipients are highly encouraged to register to receive payment by electronic funds transfer.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for a grant, a business must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Business Status:
    • Be an existing business in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. A screenshot of the results will suffice, a formal certificate of good standing is not required.
    • The business must also be in good standing with all federal and State taxing and licensing authorities.  Grant payments are subject to interception by the IRS and/or Maryland Comptroller if outstanding debts are owed to the federal or State government.
    • The business must have been open and operational at its current location along the Purple Line alignment prior to January 1, 2022.
  • Location:
    • Do business directly with customers primarily onsite at a business location that is within one-quarter mile of the existing or future Purple Line Light Rail tracks.
  • Small Business :
    • Must be a small business, defined as one of the following:
    • An entity with 50 or fewer employees in the most recently completed fiscal year;
    • An entity whose gross sales did not exceed an average of $2,000,000 or less in its most recently completed three fiscal years; or
    • Is a business certified in the State of Maryland’s Small Business Reserve Program.
  • Prioritization of Funding:
    • Grant awards will be prioritized based on 1) the location of the business and its proximity to significant construction impacts in the previous three months or anticipated for the next three months; and 2) businesses located in an area designated as a Sustainable Community, Priority Funding Area, or Opportunity Zone.

For more information, visit Purple Line MD.