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‘Reopen Montgomery Small Business Grants’ Still Available to Provide Reopening Assistance Grants of Up to $5,000

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 10, 2020

The “Reopen Montgomery Small Business Grant Program,” which was created by the Montgomery County Council with the support of County Executive Marc Elrich, is continuing to accept applications from businesses to help with reopening expenses  incurred to comply with County and State health and safety reopening requirements related to the COVID 19 health crisis. The $14 million program, which was launched in July, is helping businesses with grants that could be as much as $5,000.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for grants for expenditures they have incurred related to health and safety requirements from the State and County for reopening their business between March 16, 2020, and 30 days following the date when the County declares it is moving to Phase 3 of reopening. The County is still operating under Phase 2 reopening guidelines.

Details on the program and application information—in English and Spanish—can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/biz-resources/reopen/.

Questions about the Reopen Montgomery program can be emailed to Reopen@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The program to date has received 2,560 applications. At this point, 287 applications have been approved, with an average grant of $3,438. A total of $986,753 has been approved for qualified applicants and approximately $13 million remains available for awards.

Applicants who have received grants less than the allowable maximum and who have additional eligible expenses can reapply for additional grants.

Businesses that are required to register with the State of Maryland must be in “Good Standing” with the State to be eligible for Montgomery Reopening grants. Those businesses can check their “standing” through the business entity search on Maryland Business Express at https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress/entitysearch.

Montgomery Reopening grants are open to Montgomery County businesses that have purchased items needed to comply with State and local requirements designed to protect the public health.

State and County executive orders required some businesses to close completely due to the health crisis and have since been allowed to reopen. Businesses that were not required to close down, or were required to partially limit business, may also be eligible for grants and are encouraged to submit applications for reimbursement.

Businesses may request a Reopen Montgomery grant to reimburse them for a variety of expenses, including the costs of personal protective equipment; materials to create barriers, dividers or protected areas; contactless payment systems; cleaning supplies; signage; outdoor furniture; disposable food containers and utensils; and upgrades to HVAC systems needed to protect the health of customers and employees. Receipts for other items may be submitted in an “Other” category, with an explanation as to why they should be considered.

If an eligible company is notified that it is eligible for a Reopen Montgomery grant, it will have five days to upload its paid receipts to be considered for reimbursement. For applicants, it is important to have receipts readily available so they can complete their applications.

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Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD


Release ID: 20-491
Media Contact: Barry Hudson 240-300-7348