The Maryland General Assembly passed the RELIEF Act earlier this year and it was signed into law by Governor Hogan. Among the many provisions in the law are a number of priorities for NFIB members including additional economic assistance.

The Maryland Department of Commerce is not accepting applications at this time but is encouraging small businesses to review the programs and determine if they will qualify in advance of the programs going live.

The funding will be available through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund and Commerce’s Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Account. The funding will be targeted toward certain businesses, including:

• $10 million for businesses who do not collect sales tax and can demonstrate a need for assistance, with priority given to those who have not already received assistance;
• $500,000 for businesses seeking to set up online sales or help employees telework;
• $10 million for small, minority, and women-owned businesses; and
• $8 million for private commuter bus operators and local transit systems.

Commerce will also provide an additional $22 million to local jurisdictions for restaurants relief and another $10 million for hotels. Finally, $5 million will be available to arts and arts organizations through the Maryland State Arts Council.

Commerce encourages business owners to periodically check their website for updates. NFIB will alert members when applications are accepted.