24 Business Grants for Women in Maryland: 2026 Guide

Starting or growing a business in Maryland can be exciting, but securing funding remains one of the biggest challenges for many women entrepreneurs. Whether you need money for equipment, marketing, storefront improvements, technology, or expansion, the right grant can help you move forward without taking on more debt. While Maryland does not have hundreds of women-only business grants, there are active state, county, and city programs that women-owned businesses can apply for. Some are designed for manufacturers, tech startups, farmers, artists, exporters, storefront businesses, and small businesses in specific communities. The key is knowing which opportunities fit your business and which ones are worth your time.

Here are the top business grants for women in Maryland, including local and state funding options, national grants, and business resources that can help you prepare better applications in 2026.

Statewide and Local Grant Programs for Women Entrepreneurs

Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program

The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program helps small and mid-sized manufacturers upgrade their operations with modern technology. Women-owned manufacturing businesses can use this grant for projects tied to automation, robotics, machinery, cybersecurity, cloud systems, data analytics, ERP software, sensors, systems integration, and employee training connected to new technology.

How much it offers: $25,000 to $500,000. Small manufacturers with 3 to 50 employees may receive up to 75% of the eligible project costs. Mid-sized manufacturers with 51 to 250 employees may receive up to 50%.
Eligibility: Your business must be an existing Maryland manufacturer in good standing, have a manufacturing NAICS code, have 3 to 250 full-time employees, be at least two years old, complete the required technology assessment, and show that you can provide the required match.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program page. The 2026 application window opens August 3, 2026, and closes August 31, 2026.

Maryland Manufacturing Assets Deployed for Energy (MADE) Grant Program

Maryland MADE supports small manufacturers seeking to improve energy efficiency while upgrading their production.

Funds can be used for support devices, machinery, and equipment that help the business lower energy use, improve performance, and stay competitive. This may work well for a small food producer, specialty manufacturer, or production business with high equipment or energy needs.

How much it offers: $15,000.
Eligibility: Your business must be an existing Maryland manufacturer in good standing, have 3 to 75 full-time employees, have a manufacturing NAICS code, operate the project at a Maryland manufacturing facility, complete the Maryland MADE technology assessment, and have no open Manufacturing 4.0 grant project.
How to apply: Applications are handled through the Maryland MADE program page. This is a better fit when the project clearly improves energy performance, not just when the business needs general equipment.

ExportMD Program

The ExportMD Program helps Maryland businesses cover the costs of reaching international customers. If your business is ready to sell outside the U.S., this can help with trade shows, international travel, marketing materials, translation, market research, compliance costs, and other export-related activities.

This may work well for women-owned product businesses, food brands, manufacturers, service providers, and technology companies that already have a product or service ready for a broader market.

How much it offers: Matching grants of up to $5,000.
Eligibility: Your business must operate in Maryland, be in good standing, be at least 1 year old, qualify as a small business under SBA size standards, be export-ready, and have an international business initiative that begins and ends within 6 months of the application deadline. Businesses that received ExportMD funding in the past year are not eligible.
How to apply: Contact the ExportMD office before submitting an application. Applications are accepted monthly and are due on the 1st of each month. An export counseling meeting must be scheduled before the deadline, so it is best to start at least two weeks early.

Build Our Future Grant Program

The Build Our Future Grant Program funds larger innovation infrastructure projects in Maryland, including wet labs, cyber ranges, prototype manufacturing centers, specialized workforce training spaces, research facilities, and equipment tied to Maryland’s priority technology sectors.

Women entrepreneurs working in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, agriculture technology, aerospace, energy, life sciences, quantum, robotics, or similar sectors may find this useful if the project is large enough.

How much it offers: Matching grants of up to $2 million.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include private companies, nonprofits, local governments, colleges, and universities in Maryland. Projects must support innovation infrastructure in an eligible technology sector. For grants up to $1 million, applicants must provide matching funds equal to at least 200% of the grant amount. For grants above $1 million and up to $2 million, the match must be at least 400%.
How to apply: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through MEDCO’s online portal.

TEDCO SBIR/STTR Matching Funds

The TEDCO SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program helps Maryland companies that have already won federal SBIR or STTR funding. It is best for technology, life sciences, biotech, cybersecurity, health innovation, engineering, climate technology, and research-based businesses.

How much it offers: Up to 25% of a Phase I SBIR/STTR award, capped at $25,000. Phase II awardees may receive up to 25% of the award, capped at $75,000.
Eligibility: Your company must be based in Maryland and must have received an SBIR or STTR award within the required application cycle window.
How to apply: Apply through TEDCO’s SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program page and review the current request for applications before submitting.

MDOT Purple Line Small Business Grant Program

The MDOT Purple Line Small Business Grant Program helps businesses affected by Purple Line construction in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.

This can help women-owned shops, salons, restaurants, service businesses, and other customer-facing businesses that have seen traffic or access affected by construction.

How much it offers: Up to $50,000 per award.
Eligibility: Your business must be open to customers, located within one-quarter mile of the Purple Line alignment, and have been open at that location before July 1, 2023. It must also be a small business with 50 or fewer employees and annual gross sales of $2 million or less.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through Maryland OneStop. For the 2026 cycle, applications run in three rounds: Round 1 from March 2 to April 3, Round 2 from June 29 to July 31, and Round 3 from October 12 to November 7. Businesses must submit a new application for each round.

Note: This is a very location-specific grant. If your business is not near the Purple Line corridor, consider other local programs.

Prince George’s County Small Business Capital and Growth Stimulus Fund Tech Grant

The Prince George’s County Small Business Capital and Growth Stimulus Fund Tech Grant supports technology companies and startups in the county. It can help with business expansion, capacity-building, job creation, and job retention. This is mainly for businesses in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, bioscience, and cybersecurity.

How much it offers: Up to $10,000.
Eligibility: Your business must be a qualifying technology company in Prince George’s County. The owner must be a county resident, and the business must be registered and in good standing with both Maryland and Prince George’s County. Startups and existing businesses may apply.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through FSC First. Existing businesses should be ready with tax returns, while startups should prepare a business plan and financial projections.

Hyattsville Commercial Façade Improvement Program

The Hyattsville Commercial Façade Improvement Program helps business and property owners improve the exterior of commercial buildings in targeted investment areas. Funds can be used for exterior painting, shutters, gutters, windows, siding, doors, masonry, lighting, signage, and similar storefront improvements. Interior work is not eligible.

How much it offers: $5,000 to $35,000 per building. The grant covers 75% of eligible project costs, and the applicant covers the remaining 25%.
Eligibility: The business or property must be in one of Hyattsville’s three targeted investment areas. The project must focus on exterior improvements.
How to apply: The 2026 application opens July 13, 2026, through the City of Hyattsville’s business incentives page.

This is a useful option for women-owned boutiques, salons, studios, cafés, and other storefront businesses where curb appeal matters.

Hyattsville Corridor Investment Grant Program

The Hyattsville Corridor Investment Grant Program supports small projects that increase activity, creativity, and business development in local commercial corridors. For women-owned businesses, the most relevant category may be the Business Development Grant, which can support business services, consulting, workshops, and a one-time commercial tenant subsidy for eligible small businesses, including certified women-owned or minority-owned businesses.

How much it offers: Up to $1,500 for programming, up to $2,500 for public placemaking, and up to $5,000 for business development.
Eligibility: Eligible projects must support programming, placemaking, or business development in Hyattsville. Some business development support may prioritize underrepresented uses or certified WBE/MBE businesses.
How to apply: The 2026 application opens on October 12, 2026, through the City of Hyattsville.

Related post: How to Know If You’re Ready for Funding

Downtown BOOST Program

The Downtown BOOST Program helps small businesses open or grow storefronts in Downtown Baltimore. It focuses on businesses that can activate vacant retail spaces, increase downtown foot traffic, and add new retail, service, food, or creative concepts to the area.

How much it offers: $20,000 to $100,000 per selected business.
Eligibility: Eligible businesses usually need a clear business plan, proof of operations, and a concept that can serve the public from a physical location. The program has also focused heavily on Black-owned storefront businesses. If you are seeking business grants for Black women, add the Downtown BOOST Program to your list.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore when a cohort is open. Businesses should check the official page for the current deadline, required documents, and available storefront opportunities.

Baltimore Culinary Exchange

The Baltimore Culinary Exchange supports food entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, and culinary concepts in the Downtown Management Authority district.

This can be a good fit for women-owned restaurants, cafés, food concepts, catering businesses, and culinary startups looking to open, stabilize, or grow downtown.

How much it offers: Operations-only grants range from $10,000 to $40,000. Building and operations grants range from $50,000 to $200,000.
Eligibility: New or existing food businesses must be located in the Downtown Management Authority district. Applicants need a signed letter of intent, lease agreement, or proof of ownership. Businesses must also be registered and in good standing.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore during the grant window.

Baltimore Development Corporation Façade Improvement Grant

The Baltimore Development Corporation Façade Improvement Grant helps businesses and property owners improve the exterior of commercial and industrial buildings in Baltimore City. Funds can help with signs, awnings, lighting, windows, doors, exterior repairs, painting, and other improvements that make a storefront or commercial property more inviting.

How much it offers: Up to $5,000 as a 1:1 matching grant.
Eligibility: Businesses and commercial property owners in Baltimore City may apply. Work must be approved before it begins, and the grant is reimbursed after the project is completed.
How to apply: Request an application through the Baltimore Development Corporation. Applicants must meet with a BDC representative at the project site before submitting.

Baltimore Outdoor Spaces Grant

The Baltimore Outdoor Spaces Grant helps businesses create or improve outdoor spaces such as seating areas, parklets, landscaping, lighting, and other features that make the business more welcoming from the street. This can work well for restaurants, cafés, retail shops, and service businesses that can use outdoor space to attract customers.

How much it offers: Award amounts depend on the project and available funding.
Eligibility: Businesses and property owners in Baltimore City may apply. Projects must improve outdoor commercial space and must be approved before work begins.
How to apply: Request an application through the Baltimore Development Corporation.

Baltimore Energy Relief for Businesses

Baltimore’s business energy relief program helps small and medium-sized businesses manage utility bills. This is not an expansion grant, but it can be useful for businesses with high operating costs, including restaurants, salons, retail shops, studios, and small production spaces.

How much it offers: Up to $25,000.
Eligibility: Small and medium-sized businesses in Baltimore may apply, subject to current program rules and funding availability.
How to apply: Apply through the Baltimore Development Corporation when the application is available.

Anne Arundel County Agricultural Business Improvement Grant

The Anne Arundel County Agricultural Business Improvement Grant helps farm-based businesses and commercial watermen grow or improve operations. Funds can support fencing, livestock, plant stock, equipment, agricultural infrastructure, and other improvements that increase efficiency, revenue, or capacity.

How much it offers: Matching grants of up to $10,000. A one-to-one match is required.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include farm-based businesses and commercial watermen in Anne Arundel County.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation.

Frederick County Agricultural Innovation Grant

The Frederick County Agricultural Innovation Grant supports agricultural businesses seeking to expand, modernize, or introduce new products. Funds may be used for infrastructure, equipment, research and development, production buildings, major fixtures, and processing facilities.

How much it offers: Grants start at $5,000. The county awards about $250,000 annually across two funding cycles, and many applicants are encouraged to keep requests in the $5,000 to $25,000 range.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include crop and livestock producers, value-added producers, agricultural cooperatives, seafood processors, and timber product processors. Applicants must also contact the Frederick County Zoning Office during the grant cycle to confirm that the project is an allowed use.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through Frederick County. The next cycle opens October 1, 2026.

Baltimore County Grant for Revitalizing Office Workspaces

The Baltimore County Grant for Revitalizing Office Workspaces helps eligible businesses sign their first commercial office lease in Baltimore County. This can help women-owned professional service firms, consulting businesses, technology companies, and other office-based businesses reduce the cost of moving into commercial space.

How much it offers: $8 per square foot, up to $80,000.
Eligibility: The business must sign a direct lease with a landlord for at least 36 months. Eligible spaces include Class A and Class B office space, with Class A and Class B flex space considered for businesses that need laboratory space. The lease must be for at least 500 square feet, signed after February 14, 2025, and the application must be submitted within 180 days of signing.
How to apply: Apply through Baltimore County’s economic and workforce development office.

Montgomery County MOVE Grant

The Montgomery County MOVE Grant helps businesses move into or expand office space in Montgomery County. This is useful for women-owned consulting firms, professional service businesses, tech companies, and other office-based companies ready to lease commercial space.

How much it offers: $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on the amount of new space leased.
Eligibility: Businesses must be signing their first commercial lease in Montgomery County or expanding by at least 500 square feet of office space. Applications must be submitted within 180 days of signing the new or expanded lease.
How to apply: Apply through the Montgomery County Business Center.

Boonsboro Commercial/Mixed-Use Façade Grant

The Boonsboro Commercial/Mixed-Use Façade Grant helps commercial and mixed-use property owners improve the street-facing exteriors of their properties. Funds can support exterior work that enhances the building’s appearance and supports local revitalization. Interior improvements are not eligible.

How much it offers: $1,000 to $20,000 as a 50/50 matching grant.
Eligibility: The applicant must be the property owner. The property must be commercial or mixed-use, located in a Sustainable Community designated area, and in good standing with the town, county, state, and federal governments.
How to apply: Submit a completed application packet by email to the Town Grant Writer. Reimbursement is made after the project is completed and paid for.

Maryland State Arts Council Grants for Artists

The Maryland State Arts Council Grants for Artists program supports independent artists with working or living expenses. This can help women artists, writers, performers, designers, makers, and other creative professionals who need flexible support to keep doing their work.

How much it offers: $2,500.
Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible Maryland artists and provide details about their artistic practice, work samples, and spending plan.
How to apply: Apply through the Maryland State Arts Council’s online grants system.

National programs for women entrepreneurs in Maryland

Amber Grant

The Amber Grant is one of the most popular national business grant programs for women entrepreneurs. One application can put you in the running for several Women’s Net grant opportunities.

How much it offers: three $10,000 awards across startup, industry-specific, and general business categories. Additionally, it offers three $50,000 Year-End grants, with winners selected from previous monthly grant recipients.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply. The application is simple and asks you to share your business story and how you would use the money.
How to apply: Apply through the Amber Grant website. Winners are announced monthly.

HerRise MicroGrant

The HerRise MicroGrant supports under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color. It can help with practical needs such as equipment, marketing, software, supplies, or website improvements.

How much it offers: $1,000 each month.
Eligibility: The program is open to under-resourced women entrepreneurs across industries.
How to apply: Apply through HerSuiteSpot. Applications close on the last day of each month.

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

The IFundWomen Universal Grant Application is not one single grant. It is a grant-matching application that keeps your business in IFundWomen’s database for future partner-funded opportunities.

How much it offers: Amounts vary by partner grant.
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on the partner grant criteria. When your business matches an opportunity, you may be notified.
How to apply: Complete the Universal Grant Application on IFundWomen and keep your profile updated.

Enthuse Foundation Grant Program

The Enthuse Foundation Grant Program supports women entrepreneurs, particularly those building consumer packaged goods businesses.

This may be useful for women-owned food, beverage, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands.

How much it offers: Recent grant opportunities have ranged from $2,500 to $5,000, and the foundation awarded $37,000 total across eight women entrepreneurs in 2025.
Eligibility: Eligibility varies by grant category. The program is aimed at women entrepreneurs with clear business needs.
How to apply: Apply through the Enthuse Foundation when the next grant cycle opens. The 2026 application deadline has passed, so add it to your watchlist for the next round.

Other business resources for women entrepreneurs in Maryland

Maryland Women’s Business Center

The Maryland Women’s Business Center helps women entrepreneurs with counseling, training, business plans, startup support, and growth planning.

Cost: The resources are free
Who it helps: Women entrepreneurs across different stages of business, especially those who need help getting organized before applying for funding.

Maryland Capital Enterprises Women’s Business Center

Maryland Capital Enterprises Women’s Business Center supports women entrepreneurs through training, one-on-one mentoring, counseling, marketing support, and access to small-business loans.

Who it helps: Women entrepreneurs on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and across the state.

Maryland Business Express

Maryland Business Express helps business owners register, manage, and grow a business in Maryland.

What it offers: Business registration tools, good standing checks, filing guidance, and a funding and incentives search tool.
Cost: The portal is free to use, though state filings may have fees.
Who it helps: Any Maryland business owner who needs to register a business, check status, or find state programs.

Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs

The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs helps small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses understand certification, procurement, and state contracting opportunities.

What it offers: Business resources, procurement guidance, MBE information, technical assistance, and state contracting support.
Cost: Many resources are free.
Who it helps: Women entrepreneurs who want to compete for government contracts or understand Maryland certification opportunities.

Maryland Video Lottery Terminal Fund

The Maryland Video Lottery Terminal Fund is a financing program that uses proceeds from Maryland casinos to support small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

What it offers: Loans and investment capital through approved fund managers.
How much it offers: Amounts vary by fund manager and financing product.
Eligibility: At least 50% of funds are directed to targeted areas around Maryland casinos, while the remaining funds are available statewide to small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
How to apply: Contact an approved VLT fund manager.

Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority

The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority helps businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing.

What it offers: Financing support, including loans, loan guarantees, and other credit assistance.
How much it offers: Financing can go up to $2 million through some products.
Eligibility: The program focuses on small businesses owned by economically or socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs and those that cannot obtain reasonable financing from traditional lenders.
How to apply: Apply through the program’s fund manager or Maryland’s business financing channels.

To conclude, business grants for women in Maryland can help cover real business needs, from equipment and technology to storefront improvements and expansion. Before applying, review the award amount, eligibility rules, deadline, and required documents carefully.

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