PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – June 17, 2020 – Applications are now being accepted for the Calvert County COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund Grant. The grant was developed to provide assistance to local for-profit and nonprofit businesses that have experienced adverse financial impacts or expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant application will remain open until June 24, 2020, at 11:59 a.m. Closing date is subject to change based on the number of applications received.
Those interested in applying for a grant can reach the application portal by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/COVID19ReliefFund. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria prior to applying. FAQs can be viewed online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/COVID19ReliefFundFAQ.
The county government will provide up to $1.25 million in grants to Calvert County businesses and up to $500,000 for nonprofits providing services in Calvert County that meet grant criteria. The grant may be used for expenditures related to business interruption or unusual expenses incurred due to the public health emergency. Repayment is not required for any funds received through the grant program.
Grants will be awarded by business type in the following amounts:
• Sole Proprietor: $1,500
• Micro Business (1-15 employees): $5,000
• Small Business (16-30 employees): $7,000
• Nonprofits: Up to $10,000
To be considered eligible to receive a grant, both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations must:
• Be in good standing with the State of Maryland;
• Be current on all county tax liabilities;
• Have no outstanding/open zoning or permitting code enforcement issues;
• Have been operational and earning revenue prior to Jan. 1, 2019; and
• Be able to demonstrate significant financial impact caused by COVID-19.
In addition, businesses must:
• Have a physical commercial location in Calvert County;
• Not be a franchise or national chain (unless locally owned and operated);
• Have annual revenues less than $2 million; and
• Have no more than 30 full-time equivalent employees.
Nonprofit organizations must:
• Be in compliance with the Maryland Solicitation Act;
• Be in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation; and
• Be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service.
The relief program is funded through the Maryland Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Questions about the grant may be emailed to grant@calvertcountymd.gov. For business assistance, call the Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583. For nonprofit assistance, call the Department of Community Resources at 410-535-1600, ext. 8803.