Small Business Marketing Grant Program

Small Business Marketing Grant Program is sponsored by Garrett County, Maryland. Aims to aid in the promotion of small, non-agriculture businesses with 25 or fewer employees in Garrett County, Maryland.

FY 2027 Small Business Marketing Grant | Business Development Garrett County, Maryland Agricultural Marketing Grant Small Business Marketing Grant Property Tax Incentive Program More Jobs for Marylanders Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Agricultural Marketing Grant Small Business Marketing Grant Property Tax Incentive Program More Jobs for Marylanders Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses FY 2027 Small Business Marketing Grant FY 2026 SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY IN FY 2027.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2027 - unless available grant funds are exhausted sooner. The Small Business Marketing Grant Program is designed to assist local small for-profit, non-agriculture businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, by helping fund marketing and promotional efforts that improve visibility, attract new customers, and grow business operations.

Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000 Required Match: Minimum of 10% of the total project cost Grant Type: Reimbursement only — purchases must be made after written grant approval and within specified timelines. Taxable Income: Grant awards are taxable as income. Grant recipients will receive a 1099 at the end of the calendar year in which the grant is awarded.

Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants must meet all the following criteria: Be a for-profit, non-agricultural business with a physical location in Garrett County, Marylan d. Have 25 or fewer employees. Be a registered business in good standing with the State of Maryland and Garrett County Government.

Hold a current business license, if one is required for your business type.

Ineligible applicants include: National franchises and chains (unless locally owned and operated) Agriculture-based businesses and organizations Eligible Marketing Expenses: Website development or redesign (including e-commerce integration) Print advertising (e.g., newspaper, magazines, mailers) Radio or television advertising Graphic design for branding or promotions Ineligible expenses include: Items or services purchased before grant approval Marketing materials created in-house Marketing materials purchased from another company owned by the applicant or the applicant’s owners Promotional items, including, but not limited to, branded t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other clothing apparel Operating expenses not directly tied to marketing Travel, meals, or entertainment Personal or household expenses Any other expenses not listed in “Eligible Marketing Expenses” above Program Rules and Requirements: Applicant must submit a completed application (including a completed and signed IRS W-9 form and vendor information request form) and receive written grant approval before making any purchases.

The application, IRS W-9 form, and vendor information request form must reflect the same mailing address. Incomplete applications will be denied. All approved marketing purchases must be completed within 30 days of written grant approval .

Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant. Proof of purchases (itemized receipts/invoices) and payments (credit card receipts or fronts/backs of canceled checks) must be submitted within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.

Grant funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement after documentation is received and verified, and only if all grant requirements are met. An applicant is not eligible for multiple awards during any given fiscal year. Grant funds are subject to availability of funds.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for applications is March 31, 2027, unless grant funds are exhausted sooner. FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant recipients are not eligible to apply in FY 2027.

Describe marketing materials to be purchased. Provide cost estimates or vendor quotes. Document at least 10% matching funds.

Include a detailed summary of all employees (e.g., employees’ names, job titles, and average number of hours worked per week). Include business license (if required) and verification of good standing from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Include completed and signed IRS W-9 form.

Include completed Vendor Information Request form (applicant is the vendor). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified in writing of approval status.

Purchases must be made within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant. Submit proof of purchases (itemized invoices/receipts) and payments (credit card receipts or fronts/backs of canceled checks) for reimbursement within 30 days of written grant approval.

Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant. Reimbursement will be provided for approved expenses only up to 90% of $1,000. GUIDELINES - FY 2027 SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT APPLICATION - FY 2027 SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development, Garrett County Department of Business Development PH: (301) 334-1992 | Email: kdurst@garrettcountymd.

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