Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program
Program Overview
The Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program provides direct cash assistance for small businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March of 2024. The program is funded through the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to address the:
- loss of revenue and/or the increase of costs related to the bridge collapse for small businesses in the footprint of the Key Bridge,
- need for businesses to adjust their operations model,
- opportunity to invest in the small businesses in the communities most impacted by this tragedy.
Businesses may apply only through one of these three designated small business grant partners:
- Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC): Businesses in Anne Arundel County, or other areas in Maryland.
- Baltimore Community Lending (BCL): Businesses in Baltimore City, or other areas in Maryland.
- Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC): Businesses in Baltimore County, or other areas in Maryland.
Each of these partners is offering assistance in Spanish and in English in completing an application free of charge. To take advantage of this assistance with AAEDC, please call 410-222-7410.
To apply, a business must have been in existence for at least two years as of March 26, 2024. The business will be required to demonstrate ongoing viability and provide evidence of loss of revenue or increased expenses related to the Key Bridge collapse. In addition, the business must have revenue of over $50,000, two or more employees, and be in good standing with the State of Maryland.
The grant size may range from $10,000 to $50,000, based on the revenues of the small business, and priority will be given to businesses located in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County.
How to Apply
AAEDC will begin accepting applications from impacted businesses located in Northern Anne Arundel County on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 and until Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Click here to access the application.
