$250K Approved For Teleworking Relief In Montgomery County

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County lawmakers have unanimously approved $250,000 in emergency grants for businesses and nonprofits that have implemented teleworking programs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Councilmember Andrew Friedson — who sits on the county's economic development committee — spearheaded this special appropriation, which was sponsored by the entire council.

The all-Democratic council can now create the Telework Assistance Program to reimburse businesses and nonprofits for technology costs associated with teleworking during the public health crisis. The money will come from the county's General Fund Reserves.

Officials say eligible businesses and nonprofits can receive up to $2,500 in grants each for verified teleworking equipment and software. The grant will be based on actual expenditures.

A business or nonprofit is eligible to receive aid from the Telework Assistance Program if:

• Its physically located in the county
• Its county-based locations account for more than 50 percent of the total number of employees or 50 percent of gross sales;
• It employs 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees;
• It has not received financial assistance from the county or state for teleworking expenses related to the coronavirus crisis;
• And it has incurred teleworking expenditures after March 1, 2020 and before June 1, 2020