TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier on Friday announced the launch of a Department of Economic and Workforce Development grant program designed to reduce the number of office vacancies in Baltimore County.

The new Grant for Revitalizing Office Workspaces (GROW) incentive program will provide funding for businesses signing their first commercial lease in Baltimore County to offset expenses that coincide with initial commercial lease activity.

“Baltimore County’s strong economic climate makes it a great place to operate and grow a business, and providing support to companies new to the county is an investment in our commercial vitality and economic future,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We’re proud to offer innovative programs that ease financial obstacles so companies can establish a presence in the area and be successful for years to come.”

Through the program, the County will offer funds up to $80,000 to eligible businesses signing their first commercial lease in Baltimore County. Qualified businesses may receive an award of $8 per square foot when executing a 36-month lease for Class A or B office space. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The GROW program is designed to attract new employers into Baltimore County, while also offering opportunities for business who started in Baltimore County to expand in Baltimore County,” said Jonathan Sachs, director of Baltimore County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development. “The goal of the program is to continue to create an environment that supports businesses in achieving their goals.”

Information about the GROW incentive program:

• Businesses must apply within 180 days of signing a new, direct lease with a landlord for Class A or B office space.
• Businesses with a demonstrated need for required laboratory space may be eligible for the lease of Class A or B flex space.
• A minimum 36-month lease term is required.
• The landlord may not be a parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entity of the applicant.
• An information session will be held on Wednesday, February 26 to assist businesses interested in learning more about the program. The session will take place at 10 a.m. at 305 Washington Avenue, 5th floor, in Towson.

More information about GROW, as well as a variety of direct financing programs offered by the County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development, is available on the department’s Financing Programs and Tax Credits for Business page or by emailing [email protected].