FY 2026 Small Business Marketing Grant

FY 2025 SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY IN FY 2026.

 

Purpose:

The Small Business Marketing Grant Program is designed to assist local small for-profit, non-agriculture businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, by helping fund marketing and promotional efforts that improve visibility, attract new customers, and grow business operations.

Grant Overview:

  • Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000
  • Required Match: Minimum of 10% of the total project cost
  • Grant Type: Reimbursement only — purchases must be made after written grant approval and within specified timelines.
  • Taxable Income: Grant awards are taxable as income. Grant recipients will receive a 1099 at the end of the calendar year in which the grant is awarded.

Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be a for-profit, non-agricultural business with a physical location in Garrett County, Maryland.
  • 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 your business type.

Ineligible applicants include:

  • Home-based businesses
  • Independent contractors
  • National franchises and chains (unless locally owned and operated)
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Religious organizations
  • Agriculture-based businesses and organizations

Eligible Marketing Expenses:

  • Website development or redesign (including e-commerce integration)
  • Digital marketing (e.g., social media ads, Google ads)
  • Print advertising (e.g., newspaper, magazines, mailers)
  • Radio or television advertising
  • Graphic design for branding or promotions
  • Signage, banners, or other promotional materials

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Items or services purchased 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
  • Salaries or wages
  • Travel, meals, or entertainment
  • Personal or household expenses
  • Employee uniforms
  • Equipment purchases
  • Any other expenses not listed in “Eligible Marketing Expenses” above

Program Rules and Requirements:

  • Applicant must submit a completed application (including a completed and signed IRS W-9 form and vendor information request form) and receive written grant approval before making any purchases. The application, IRS W-9 form, and vendor information request form must reflect the same mailing address. Incomplete applications will be denied.
  • All approved marketing purchases must be completed within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  • Proof of purchases (itemized receipts/invoices) and payments (credit card receipts or fronts/backs of canceled checks) must be submitted within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  • Grant funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement after documentation is received and verified, and only if all grant requirements are met.
  • An applicant is not eligible for multiple awards during any given fiscal year.
  • Grant funds are subject to availability of funds.
  • Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The grant program for any given fiscal year will close once available grant funds have been exhausted.
  • FY 2025 Small Business Marketing Grant recipients are not eligible to apply in FY 2026.

Application Process:

  1. Submit Application
    • Describe marketing materials to be purchased.
    • Provide cost estimates or vendor quotes.
    • Document at least 10% matching funds.
    • Include a detailed summary of all employees (e.g., employees’ names, job titles, and average number of hours worked per week).
    • Include business license (if required) and verification of good standing from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
    • Include completed and signed IRS W-9 form.
    • Include completed Vendor Information Request form (applicant is the vendor).
  2. Review and Approval
    • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
    • Applicants will be notified in writing of approval status.
  3. Make Approved Purchases
    • Purchases must be made within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  4. Submit Documentation
    • Submit proof of purchases (itemized invoices/receipts) and payments (credit card receipts or fronts/backs of canceled checks) for reimbursement within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  5. Receive Reimbursement
    • Reimbursement will be provided for approved expenses only up to 90% of $1,000.

Application Documents:

FY 2026 SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT APPLICATION & GUIDELINES (270.03 KB)

IRS W-9 FORM (92.54 KB)

VENDOR INFORMATION REQUEST FORM (63.01 KB)

Contact Information:

Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development, Garrett County Department of Business Development
PH: (301) 334-1992     |    Email: kdurst@garrettcountymd.gov.