Maryland Expands Small Business Grant Programs for 2026
- DMV Regional Chamber News
- Dec 1
- 2 min read
Maryland is moving into the new year with a stronger investment strategy for small businesses, innovators, and high-growth sectors. The Maryland Department of Commerce has expanded its portfolio of grant programs to support entrepreneurs and companies that are planning to scale, modernize their operations, or enter global markets. These programs are designed to help businesses grow without adding debt, making them especially valuable for early-stage ventures and established companies that need capital to move their projects forward.
What Is New
Maryland has renewed and expanded the Build Our Future Grant Program with a seven million dollar commitment for its next funding cycle. This initiative provides matching grants of up to two million dollars for projects in areas such as life sciences, cybersecurity, clean technology, biomanufacturing, and other sectors important to the state’s long-term competitiveness. The program is open through June 2027, which gives businesses a multi-year window to prepare competitive applications.
Several complementary programs remain active for businesses that may not need large project funding. Maryland’s funding ecosystem also includes micro-grants and targeted support for minority-owned, women-owned, and early-stage companies. In addition, the ExportMD program continues to help small firms enter global markets by covering part of the cost of international marketing, travel, and trade show participation. Nearly one hundred Maryland companies used this program between August 2024 and August 2025 to expand their global reach.
Why This Matters for DMV Chamber Members
Maryland’s grant expansion has direct implications for businesses located throughout the District, Maryland, and Virginia. The region operates as a shared economic environment, and companies frequently hire, sell, and serve across all three jurisdictions. This means that a business headquartered in DC or Virginia may still benefit strategically from opening or expanding operations in Maryland to take advantage of these funding pathways.
The grant programs offer opportunities for companies in technology, manufacturing, logistics, creative industries, and professional services that are preparing to innovate or capture new markets. For minority entrepreneurs and small business founders, the micro-grant and targeted support options create new footholds that can help level the playing field and expand representation within the DMV’s business ecosystem.
Steps Members Can Take
Members should begin by reviewing their growth plans and identifying whether their goals align with the new Build Our Future grants or one of Maryland’s smaller programs. Companies in emerging industries such as clean energy, biotech, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing should consider preparing applications early, as competitive proposals often require detailed planning.
Export-driven businesses should review whether they qualify for the ExportMD program and explore how state support can lower the upfront costs of entering new international markets. Members that operate across multiple jurisdictions may also want to evaluate whether a Maryland presence would unlock additional eligibility or create long-term advantages.
The DMV Regional Chamber can support members who are exploring these opportunities. Partnerships, joint proposals, and cross-state collaborations can help strengthen applications and broaden impact.
References
Maryland Department of Commerce, Build Our Future Grant Program
Maryland small business incentives and funding programs
ExportMD Program update
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