Calvert County to Open Second Round for COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – July 29, 2020 –The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces it will open a second round of the COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund Grant to provide assistance to local for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that have experienced adverse financial impacts or expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant application opens Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at noon and will remain open until Aug. 19, 2020, at 11:59 a.m. The closing date is subject to change based on the number of applications received.

The county government will continue to distribute grant funding to businesses and nonprofits providing services in Calvert County that meet criteria from the original federal allotment of $1.25 million for businesses and $500,000 for nonprofits. The grant may be used for expenditures related to business interruption or unusual expenses incurred due to the public health emergency. Repayment is not required for any funds received through the grant program and eligibility criteria is less restrictive than in Round One.

Entities that received funding in Round One are not eligible to reapply in Round Two; however, any organization that was denied in Round One is encouraged to revisit criteria for this round to determine eligibility.

Grants will be awarded in the following categories and amounts:

·Sole Proprietor: $1,500

·Micro Business (1-15 employees): $5,000

·Small Business (16-50 employees): $7,000

·Grassroots Nonprofit: $1,500

·Small Nonprofit: $5,000

·Mid-Size Nonprofit: $10,000

To be considered eligible to receive a grant, both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations must

·Be in good standing with the state of Maryland;

·Be current on all county tax liabilities;

·Have no outstanding/open zoning or permitting code enforcement issues; and

·Be able to demonstrate significant financial impact caused by COVID-19 or address a community need resulting from COVID-19.

Each grant category has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Business owners and executive directors interested in receiving a grant are encouraged to review criteria and requirements online atwww.CalvertCountyMd.gov/COVID19ReliefFund. Those interested in applying are encouraged to create a user name and password prior to the application period. Interested business owners may also send an email togrant@calvertcountymd.gov.

The relief program is funded through the Maryland Coronavirus Relief Fund, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Questions may be emailed togrant@calvertcountymd.gov. For business assistance, call the Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583. For nonprofit assistance, call the Department of Community Resources at 410-535-1600, ext. 8803.

The county continues to share the latest updates surrounding Calvert County’s response to COVID-19 atwww.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Coronavirus.