Participation Interest & Qualification

Program Description

Tri County Council for Western Maryland provides grants for technical assistance to our existing small business loan clients. A one-time grant of up to $7,500 may be award to assist the business with professional services in specialized areas like financial, architectural, legal, engineering, marketing and web design services. The program is intended to help our clients succeed by better equipping the small businesses with the technical expertise to expand, grow, or otherwise improve their operations.

Tri County Council funds these grants through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, administered by the Rural Maryland Council.

Existing loan clients are encouraged to apply for funding for the following eligible uses

1. Financial and management advisory services
2. Engineering and architectural services related to expansion or renovation
3. Specialized business planning services such as improving efficiency of the operation
4. Legal services
5. Website or social media design and creation including branding or logo development (Routine advertising and signage is not eligible)
6. Employee training

Projects ineligible for grant funding include

1. Routine business operating and capital expenses
2. Acquisition of land or real estate
3. Construction or renovation
4. Businesses that are not in Good Standing with a Municipality or the State of Maryland
5. Past projects and services previously completed

Application and Award Process

Applicants must complete the Technical Assistance Program application and obtain 3 proposals for the work they seek. Tri County Council will review the proposals and select one of the proposals based on value and consultant capability. Tri County Council contracts directly with the professional service provider to work on behalf of the grantee.

Apply Here

Technical Assistance Program Application