Small business grants Maryland 2026: federal, state, and local programs

Small business grants Maryland 2026. Maryland small business owners have access to at least 40 grant and low-cost loan programs through federal, state, county, and private channels. This is a curated list of the highest-leverage options as of 2026. Federal grants. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) does not directly issue grants to most small businesses, but it does run the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) for export-ready businesses, the Veterans Business Outreach Center program, and the Womens Business Center program. The SBA Baltimore district office covers the entire state. Federal grant databases: grants.gov. State of Maryland grants. The Maryland Department of Commerce runs several grant programs: the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA) provides loan guarantees. The Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) provides conditional grants and loans for job creation and capital investment. The Maryland Department of Commerce also offers the Maryland Defense Cybersecurity Assistance Program for businesses in the defense and aerospace supply chain. The Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program at the University of Maryland provides matching funds for university-business research collaborations. County-level programs. Montgomery County Department of Economic Development runs the Small Business Innovation Fund and the Wheaton Gateway program. Frederick County Office of Economic Development runs the Frederick County Microloan Program. Howard County Economic Development Authority runs the Howard County Innovation Fund. Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation runs the PGCEDC Microloan Program. Minority-owned business grants. The Maryland Minority Business Enterprise program certifies Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and provides access to set-aside state contracts. The Capital Region Minority Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce run their own grants and accelerator programs. Veterans-owned business grants. The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs runs the Maryland Veterans Small Business Grant Program, providing up to $10,000 for veteran-owned businesses. The Veteran Business Outreach Center at the SBA Baltimore office provides free counseling. Women-owned business grants. The Maryland Womens Business Center provides training and access to capital. Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification provides access to corporate and government set-aside contracts. How to apply. Each grant program has its own application process and eligibility criteria. Most require a current SAM.gov registration, a Maryland business license, and proof of operating in the 301 area code. Apply early, most grant cycles are 60-90 days. Browse small businesses in Maryland that have received grants at https://301businessdirectory.com/categories.