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MOVE Grant Program

About the program

The updated MOVE grant program helps businesses that are signing their first commercial lease or expanding their existing lease by at least 500 square feet in office space in Montgomery County. All MOVE grant awards will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date of receipt of submitting all required documentation and subject to the availability of funding.

Before applying, carefully review all criteria below and Executive Regulation 12-24 (PDF) to ensure you apply through the correct application portal and have the necessary documentation. All capitalized terms are defined in the Executive Regulation.

Completed applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.

If you have questions about this grant program, qualifications, or need assistance, please contact the Montgomery County Business Center at [email protected]. A Business Center staff will follow up with you in two business days.

Apply for a MOVE Grant

Grant Amount

Businesses will receive a grant based on the Eligible Square Feet, as defined in the Executive Regulation, of the signed lease.

Eligible Square Feet Award Per Eligible Square Foot Maximum Possible Award
Less than 7,500 SF $8/SF $60,000
7,501 SF to 10,000 SF $10/SF $100,000
More than 10,000 SF $12.50/SF $150,000
Strategic Industry $15/SF $150,000

Eligibility

A Business is eligible for a MOVE grant if:

  1. The Business submits an executed Inaugural Commercial Lease or an Expanded Commercial Lease.
  2. The term of the Inaugural Commercial Lease or Expanded Commercial Lease is 36 months or greater.
  3. The Inaugural Commercial Lease or Expanded Commercial Lease is for Office Space in the County.
  4. The Business is in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
  5. The Business submits its signed Articles of Incorporation or equivalent documents.
  6. The Business submits a utility bill or equivalent document as proof of occupancy. This document must be generated by a party other than the Business or landlord for the leased premises that has the same physical address as the leased premises in the Inaugural Commercial Lease or an Expanded Commercial Lease.
  7. The Business submits a complete business plan that clearly identifies the type, purpose, and financial projection of the business.
  8. The Completed Application is submitted on or before 180 days of the execution date for the Inaugural Commercial Lease or Expanded Commercial Lease.

Exclusions

A Business is not eligible for a MOVE Grant Program award if:

  1. The subject Inaugural Commercial Lease or Expanded Commercial Lease is for a lease premises which is not labeled as Office Space by a Third-Party Software, does not have a real property address, or is a mobile trailer or other similar non-permanent structure.
  2. The subject Inaugural Commercial Lease or Expanded Commercial Lease is executed between the Business and its Subsidiary.
  3. The Business’s commercial purpose is for retail, restaurant, or independent financial or insurance agent/broker establishments.

Supporting Documents Required

  1. Copy of the article of incorporation or similar documentation of company structure.
  2. Copy of the new or expanded signed lease or occupancy permit for shared office tenants.
  3. Copy of original signed lease (if applicable).
  4. Evidence of occupancy at the address of the leased space (e.g., moving or utility bill, use of occupancy, etc.)
  5. Business plan or business proposal.