Garrett County Business Development is now accepting applications for the FY 2027 Small Business Marketing Grant, providing eligible local businesses with financial assistance to support marketing and promotional efforts. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2027, unless available grant funds are exhausted sooner.
The grant program is designed to assist local small, for-profit, non-agricultural businesses in Garrett County by helping fund marketing and promotional efforts that improve visibility, attract new customers, and support business growth.
Eligible businesses may receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement, with a minimum 10% match of the total project cost required. Grant funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, and purchases must be made after written grant approval.
“Marketing is an important part of helping small businesses build awareness and reach new customers,” said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development for Garrett County Business Development. “This grant provides an opportunity for eligible businesses to put additional resources toward those efforts.”
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a for-profit, non-agricultural business with a physical location in Garrett County.
- Have 25 or fewer employees.
- Be a registered business in good standing with the State of Maryland and Garrett County Government.
- Hold a current business license, if one is required for the business.
Home-based businesses, independent contractors, national franchises and chains unless locally owned and operated, nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, and agriculture-based businesses and organizations are not eligible for the program.
Eligible Marketing Expenses
Grant funds may be used for a variety of marketing and promotional activities, including:
- Website development or redesign, including e-commerce integration
- Digital marketing, such as social media and Google advertising
- Print advertising, including newspapers, magazines, and mailers
- Radio or television advertising
- Graphic design for branding or promotions
- Signage and banners
Expenses that are not eligible include purchases made before grant approval; sponsorships; marketing materials created in-house; marketing materials purchased from another company owned by the applicant or the applicant’s owners; operating expenses not directly tied to marketing; promotional items; salaries or wages; travel; meals; entertainment; personal or household expenses; employee uniforms; equipment purchases; and any other expenses not listed in "Eligible Marketing Expenses" above.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a completed application along with the required supporting documentation, including:
- A description of the marketing materials or services to be purchased
- Cost estimates or vendor quotes
- Documentation of at least 10% matching funds
- A detailed summary of all employees, including names, job titles, and average number of hours worked per week
- A business license, if required
- Verification of good standing from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- A completed and signed IRS W-9 form
- A completed Vendor Information Request form, with the applicant listed as the vendor
The application, W-9, and Vendor Information Request form must reflect the same mailing address. Incomplete applications will be denied.
Application and Reimbursement Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funds. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2027, unless available grant funds are exhausted sooner.
Applicants must receive written grant approval before making any purchases. Approved marketing purchases must be completed within 30 days of written approval. Applicants must also submit itemized receipts or invoices and proof of payment within 30 days of written approval to receive reimbursement.
Grant funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement after the required documentation has been received and verified and all grant requirements have been met. Reimbursement is limited to approved expenses and up to 90% of the $1,000 maximum grant amount.
Businesses that received a FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant are not eligible to apply for the FY 2027 program. Applicants may receive only one award during a fiscal year.
Grant awards are taxable income, and recipients will receive a 1099 for the calendar year in which the grant is awarded.
For complete grant guidelines, application information, or questions regarding eligibility, contact Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development, Garrett County Business Development, at 301-334-1992 or kdurst@garrettcountymd.gov.
