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:

Public Health Emergency Grants
Conversion from Conditional to Permanent Status

Montgomery County Public Health Emergency Grants were awarded as conditional grants contingent on recipients meeting program requirements, including the submission of a report documenting how grant funds were used. 

As of June 30, 2021, County staff completed a random sampling of Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) reports to ensure that the required information was provided. If applicants have not been contacted individually by the County with follow-up questions, then all PHEG grant recipients can assume that they have met all requirements of the program and that the conditional grant has been converted to a permanent grant.  

COVID-19 Requirements Established by Businesses and Organizations

Private businesses and organizations have the right to set and enforce their own policies regarding the use of face coverings in their facilities and requirements for employees to be vaccinated. Business owners are encouraged to consult with an attorney to ensure they are in compliance with Federal and State law.
 
Please refer to Federal and State guidance for additional information:

 

Maryland Relief Act

Small Business Assistance Programs

As part of the bipartisan Relief Act of 2021, the Maryland Department of Commerce will provide funding through programs targeting specific groups of businesses.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

Eligible entities include:

  • Live venue operators or promoters
  • Theatrical producers
  • Live performing arts organization operators
  • Museum operators
  • Motion picture theater operators (including owners)
  • Talent representatives

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. 
4Business News 
Economic Revitalization Town Halls
4Business News & Updates
Highlighted events
Business community resources

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: