Grant Programs
Through grants focused on technology and retail investment in the Downtown Management Authority (DMA), we support site selection and provide brokerage help for businesses looking to invest and expand in Downtown. Scroll down to learn more about Downtown Partnerships current grant programs.
Grants for Downtown Businesses
The list below represents a variety of grant programs available for Baltimore-based businesses. Some of these grant programs are internal and managed by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. Some of them are external, and our goal in including them is to help businesses get connected to as many viable funding opportunities as possible. The internal vs. external distinction is noted below.
Facade Improvement Program
DPOB administers a Facade Improvement Grant that aims to encourage and assist property and business owners to restore existing storefronts in Downtown Baltimore. The Facade Program covers 50% of eligible costs up to $10,000 on properties within the Downtown Management Authority boundaries. With recent support from ARPA grant funds, DPOB has up to 40 more facade improvement grants available right now. For questions about this grant, reach out to Amy Seitz at aseitz@dpob.org.
Learn MoreTechConnect
Downtown Partnership’s TechConnect initiative offers grants of up to $10,000 to technology companies leasing commercial space within the Downtown Management Authority boundaries. See if your company qualifies and apply today.
Learn MoreOperation Storefront
For nearly a decade, DPOB has offered flexible grants to retail businesses that relocate to vacant Downtown storefronts. DPOB was recently awarded APRA grant funds to increase the number of businesses per year and increase the average grant size to approx. $20,000. Businesses must be willing to relocate to the Downtown Management Authority area. Interested businesses should reach out to Shantel Frederick at sfrederick@dpob.org.
Email Us For More InfoDowntown BOOST Program
Presented by Guinness, this program provides up to $50K in grant and business development support to Black-owned businesses looking to expand in or move to Downtown Baltimore.
Learn MoreBGE's Energizing Small Business Grant
In 2021, BGE awarded 176 small business with $20,000 grants through its Energizing Small Business Grants program. This grant program is part of BGE’s $15 million pledge to assist small businesses with COVID-19 relief and recovery and is a multi-year commitment expected to run through at least 2023. Applications are now open for Round 1 of the grant program for 2022. Applicants must be an existing BGE electric and/or gas customer with positive BGE credit history and other requirements can be found by clicking the link below.
Learn MoreThe Baltimore BASE Network's Economic Recovery Fund
The Baltimore BASE (Business Assistance and Support for Equity) Network is a partnership between the Baltimore Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development that is committed to helping Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) owned small businesses located in Baltimore City access pandemic-related recovery assistance. The Network's Economic Recovery Fund will provide grants and technical assistance to small businesses with the goals of helping businesses recover, stabilize, and grow.
Learn MoreBaltimore City Artist Recovery Grant (ARG)
Applications are now open for the Baltimore City Artist Recovery Grant Award (ARG), administered by Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) on behalf of the city, to support Individual Artists impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Learn MoreBDC Outdoor Spaces Grant
The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) offers an Outdoor Spaces Grant to assist business owners with the cost of installing outdoor seating, parklets, landscaping, and other features that enhance a business’ use of outdoor space. Outdoor spaces accommodate unmet demand for public space along retail corridors, encourages community interactions, and promotes a vibrant street life for Baltimore neighborhoods.
Learn MoreFill out our grant inquiry form and someone from team DPOB will get back to you.
Small businesses, including restaurants and retail establishments, are encouraged to apply for DPOB's grant programs.
Click the link below to learn more about how Downtown Partnership utilizes Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development grant programs to address blight and better serve the Downtown community.
Learn More
