ANNAPOLIS, MD—The state of Maryland on Tuesday announced it will grant $16.2 million to 121 small businesses, local governments, and place-based economic development organizations to help revitalize local communities. The governor’s office says the money will help small businesses expand or establish locations.

The grants come from the state’s Business Boost Microgrant Program, the Main Street Improvement Grant, and Project Restore 2.0. The Business Boost Microgrant Program supports businesses looking to expand or establish a location outside of their home. The program provides grants of up to $2,113 to 47 businesses.

The Main Street Improvement Grant Program helps economic development organizations and local governments in designated Main Street Maryland communities and Baltimore City’s Main Street neighborhoods. The program provides grants of up to $966,000 to help revitalize the area. The city of Centreville is one of the awardees receiving $966,000.

The Project Restore 2.0 program provides block grants to 55 place-based economic development organizations, nonprofit or local government entities, and for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and social enterprises to start up or expand into vacant buildings in their jurisdictions. The grants are expected to revitalize vacant buildings, support small businesses, and increase local economic activity.

“To ensure the continued quality of our communities and to improve the quality of life for all their residents, we must revitalize their hearts – downtowns, Main Streets, and other important community hubs and places,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This important funding will provide strength by supporting the growth of small businesses that provide local services and job opportunities and the events and attractions that make Maryland’s unique, varied communities such great and lovable places.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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