Small Business Grants in Maryland
Maryland's proximity to Washington DC, its world-class research institutions, and its diverse economy make it a prime location for small businesses seeking grants. The state has particular strength in biotechnology, cybersecurity, defense contracting, and healthcare — sectors where federal grant funding is abundant. Maryland's grant landscape is among the richest in the country when you combine state programs with the federal opportunities concentrated in the DC corridor.
Economic Overview
Maryland has approximately 590,000 small businesses employing over 1.1 million workers. The economy is anchored by federal government contracting, biotechnology and life sciences (concentrated around the NIH in Bethesda and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore), cybersecurity, defense, healthcare, and financial services. Maryland has one of the most educated workforces in the nation and offers proximity to the federal agencies that fund billions in grants annually.
State Grant Programs
The Maryland Department of Commerce offers numerous programs including the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) for technology commercialization, the Biotechnology Tax Credit, the Cybersecurity Tax Credit, and various workforce training grants. TEDCO (the Maryland Technology Development Corporation) provides equity-free grants and investments to early-stage technology companies. The Maryland SBDC has offices across the state. The Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program funds university-industry research collaborations. Baltimore and Montgomery County both run active local grant programs.
How to Apply
Visit the Maryland Department of Commerce and TEDCO websites. If you are in tech, biotech, or cyber, Maryland's specialized tax credits and TEDCO programs should be priorities. Contact the Maryland SBDC for free advising. For federal grants, your proximity to DC agencies is a significant advantage — consider attending government contracting events. Register at SAM.gov.
Featured Opportunities17 Active
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant 2025
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $275,000
America's Seed Fund (SBIR Phase I)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
FedEx Entrepreneur Fund (Boost Camp)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
American Express Backing Small Business
Award Amount
$1,000 - $1,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative
Award Amount
$50,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Amex Shop Small Grants
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Skip's $10k Kickoff Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maryland uniquely good for grant funding?▼
Maryland's proximity to federal agencies, concentration of research institutions (NIH, Johns Hopkins, NIST), and state programs like TEDCO and the Maryland Innovation Initiative create one of the richest grant environments in the country, especially for technology, biotech, and cybersecurity companies.
Filter by City in Maryland
Don't see a perfect match?
Most businesses rely on lines of credit rather than grants. Check your eligibility for up to $250k in fast funding.
Check Funding Eligibility