Small businesses located within BGE’s service area can now apply for a BGE Energizing Small Business Grant of $20,000 through July 12, 2024.
Since the program’s inception in 2021, BGE has awarded more than $13 million in grants to 651 small businesses in an effort to help the foundation of the local economy succeed and thrive. BGE will invest $2 million in the program for 2024. The program prioritizes businesses operated by historically underrepresented minority groups often challenged with access to capital – with 65 percent of grants provided to businesses owned by people of color and 65 percent owned by women.
To administer the grants, BGE has partnered with Hello Alice—the fintech platform connecting 1.5 million small businesses to capital, opportunities, and resources—and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN)—a D.C.-based organization that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and scale businesses throughout the U.S. and around the world. Applicants gain access to Hello Alice’s suite of small business tools and resources, and connectivity to a global network through GEN.
How to Apply
Interested business owners can apply and read full terms and conditions at bge.helloalice.com. For technical assistance while completing the applications, contact alice@helloalice.com.
Eligibility Details
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements to be considered for a BGE Energizing Small Business Grant:
- For-profit business that has been operating for at least one year at the start of the application;
- Existing BGE electric and/or gas customer in good standing with BGE;
- In good standing (or on the way to) with the State of Maryland;
- Maximum of 25 employees;
- Annual gross revenues in 2023 of less than $7 million; and
- Demonstrated need of funding to support business and serve customers.
Financial awards through the Energizing Small Business Grants program, along with all nonprofit contributions, are made using shareholder dollars and are not reflected in BGE customer bills.
About BGE – BGE is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, providing safe and reliable energy delivery to more than 1.3 million electric customers and 700,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company was founded in 1816 as the nation’s first gas utility and remains headquartered in Baltimore City to this day. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation’s leading energy utility company. Engage with the latest BGE stories on bgenow.com and connect with BGE on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
