Grant Program Launched to Assist Business Corridors with ‘Placed-Based Management’ of Economic Development, Tourism and Revitalization

County Executive Elrich proposed $1 million to support place-based management that supports business and retail main streets through operating and program grants. Organizations selected for grants will develop strategies and operations to manage commercial revitalization efforts, façade and interior storefront improvements, improvement of the physical environment of the districts, promotion of neighborhood commercial districts and boosting economic vitality through business retention, recruitment and expansion.

Eligible nonprofits can now apply for funds from the program. Applications are due by 10 a.m. on Monday Feb. 16. An online information session for the grant program will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. on Friday Jan. 13.  “Montgomery County’s small businesses are at the heart of what makes our economy thrive,” said County Executive Elrich. “Businesses in the County contribute to the well-being of our residents through job opportunities, tax funding for schools and to the diversity and quality of life in Montgomery County. This new grant program will help our businesses grow, support our communities and further establish Montgomery County as the best place to work, live and play in the National Capital Region.”

Award sizes will vary, with a minimum award of $25,000 and a maximum award of $500,000. The grants will be awarded for up to a one year. Programs must be implemented and be evaluated during this period. The Place-Based Management grant’s success will be evaluated by dollars reinvested, buildings rehabilitated, net gain in jobs and net gain in businesses. There is a preference for nonprofit organizations with a history of equity, diversity and inclusion in their programming background.

“Montgomery County is home to a diverse business community, consisting of hundreds of ethnic restaurants and multi-cultural businesses to national entertainment venues and international biotech firms,” said County Council President Evan Glass. “I am committed to providing the support needed to create vibrant downtowns and business districts, where everyone can live, work and play. The Place-Based Management grant is a reinvestment in our community, ensuring our businesses, retail and urban areas continue to appeal to residents, tourists and companies seeking to move to Montgomery County.”

The online information session on Jan. 13 will be recorded and publicly available for those who miss the event or wish to see it again. The full program details, the online application and the information session details (as well as a recording of it) are available on the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management – Grants Application Platform (https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/prog/FY23PBM).

Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Office of Grants Management. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their experiences in the grant program’s subject area, grants administration or project management. The panel members will review and score applicant proposals on a 100-point scale based on the criteria and priorities established in the grant program, with cumulative ranking informing the final awards.

Questions about the application process can be directed to Rafael Pumarejo Murphy, director of the Office of Grants Management, by calling 240-777-2775 or emailing [email protected].

More information about the grant program is available at https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/prog/FY23PBM.