COVID-19: Resources for Businesses

Local, State and Federal Business Assistance Programs

Montgomery County encourages local businesses to explore all forms of Federal and State assistance that may be available.

Resources to assist in this search include:

Hotel Grant Relief Program 

The Hotel Grant Relief Program provides financial assistance to hotels and other lodging providers located in Montgomery County. 

The hospitality industry has been extremely hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and will have a long recovery. Governor Larry Hogan announced this relief program and is providing the funding to local jurisdictions to help the lodging industry. This program is part of a $50 million relief program for hotels and lodging providers that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Business Advancement Team in the Office of the County Executive will work with the Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County to distribute the $6,232,666 in funding allocated to the program. 

Learn more about the Hotel Grant Relief Program.   

Restaurant Relief Grant Program -- Phase II coming soon

The restaurant industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic, losing revenue and customers due to public health related concerns, closures and restrictions. In response, Governor Hogan set aside $50 million for restaurant relief, sending approximately $8 Million to Montgomery County to aid its restaurants.

The Governor has allocated an additional $4.9 Million to Montgomery County for a second round of restaurant relief.

Although applications for the second round of funding are not yet being accepted, businesses can prepare now so that they are ready to apply. 

Businesses are encouraged to be sure they are in Good Standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. To check your standing, visit Maryland Business Express and search for your business. If the status is Not in Good Standing, act now to correct any issues. 

There are multiple reasons you may not be in Good Standing with the state of Maryland. If you are Not in Good Standing, your listing on Maryland Business Express will include the reason(s) and additional resources for correcting your standing. 

Details about the program are available on the MCEDC Restaurant Relief Grant Program home page. Email questions to: restaurantrelief@thinkmoco.com.

If you are planning to provide service outdoors in a tent, please review guidelines for outdoor tents and heaters:
Businesses COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Tents
Electrical Circuit Guidelines for Outdoor Heaters

 

Important Updates on Unemployment Benefits

Includes self-employed, independent contractors, “gig” workers.

Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act Unemployment Insurance Programs

On December 27, the federal COVID-19 relief package, called the “Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act” that extends the CARES Act programs and provides additional federal unemployment benefits, was signed into law.

Read the details of  the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act

Visit the Maryland Department of Labor Division of Unemployment for additional information. 
Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Instructions and Application


State and County Resources:

Contacts

Maryland Secretary of Commerce
Montgomery County Government
For Grocery stores to provide hours of service for the elderly and at-risk
 

Additional Business Resources: