Small Business Rental Assistance Grant Program Accepting Applications Sept. 1

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A new $2 million Small Business Rental Assistance grant program for Montgomery County retail service establishments will open for applications Sept. 1. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30.

The program can provide each eligible business with a grant of up to three months of rent based on its current lease or $10,000, whichever is less.

A business could be eligible to receive assistance from this program if it:

• Has its physical location(s) only in the county or its county-based locations account for more than 50 percent of the business’s total number of employees or 50 percent of the business’s gross sales.
• Received $500,000 or less in annual revenue prior to the COVID-19 health crisis.
• Is classified as a retail or service-related business, but is not a restaurant or food service business, medical practice, professional services business, religious organization or licensed childcare program.
• Has a commercial lease in the county.
• Can demonstrate a revenue loss due to the health crisis.

Informational webinars will be held Aug. 16 and Aug. 19: Montgomery County Small Business Rental Assistance Program

“Our retail businesses were hit hard by the pandemic,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said. “We are fortunate to be able to access this federal funding to provide support to these businesses that employ 12 percent of our county’s workforce. I encourage all eligible county retail service establishments to apply for this newest round of grants.”

This is the second round of SBRA grants provided by the county using American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds. To date, more than $910,000 has been distributed.