Maryland Small Business Grants 2026: Complete Guide
Maryland small businesses benefit from $124.4 million in SSBCI funding, TEDCO's technology commercialization programs, strong NIH/federal agency proximity, and active state economic development programs through the Maryland Department of Commerce.
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Top Grant Programs for Maryland Small Businesses
| Grant Program | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland SSBCI Programs | Up to $200,000 | MD small businesses | Rolling |
| TEDCO Maryland Innovation Initiative | Up to $500,000 | MD technology companies | Annual |
| TEDCO Seed Fund | Up to $250,000 | MD early-stage companies | Rolling |
| Maryland Commerce Programs | Varies | MD businesses creating jobs | Rolling |
| USDA Rural Development MD | Up to $500,000 | Rural MD businesses | Annual |
| SBA Microloan Maryland | Up to $50,000 | MD small businesses | Year-round |
| SBIR-MD (federal proximity advantage) | Up to $275,000+ | MD small businesses | Multiple cycles |
| Maryland Energy Administration Grants | Varies | MD clean energy businesses | Annual |
Sources: TEDCO tedco.md, Maryland Commerce commerce.maryland.gov, USDA rd.usda.gov/md
TEDCO and Maryland SSBCI Programs
TEDCO (tedco.md) is Maryland's primary technology commercialization agency, administering multiple grant programs for Maryland technology companies.
Maryland SSBCI ($124.4 million): Maryland received $124.4 million in SSBCI, deployed through the Maryland Department of Commerce and partner lenders.
TEDCO Programs: - Maryland Innovation Initiative: Up to $500,000 for Maryland tech companies - Seed Fund: Up to $250,000 for early-stage companies - Rural Business Innovation Initiative: For rural Maryland companies
Federal proximity advantage: Maryland's location near NIH, FDA, DOD, and other federal agencies makes it one of the top states for SBIR grant access. Maryland SBDC and TEDCO both provide SBIR assistance.
USDA and Rural Programs in Maryland
Western Maryland and Eastern Shore communities broadly qualify for USDA rural programs.
USDA Rural Development Maryland: RBDG, REAP, VAPG available for rural Maryland businesses. Visit rd.usda.gov/md.
Maryland SBDC and SCORE
The Maryland SBDC (mdsbdc.umd.edu) operates through the University of Maryland with centers statewide. Free advising including federal grant and SBIR guidance.
SCORE Maryland (score.org) has chapters in Baltimore and across Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much SSBCI funding did Maryland receive?
Maryland received $124.4 million in SSBCI. Contact Maryland Commerce at commerce.maryland.gov.
What is TEDCO and what does it fund?
TEDCO (tedco.md) is Maryland's technology commercialization agency. It provides grants up to $500,000 through the Maryland Innovation Initiative and Seed Fund for Maryland technology companies.
Is Maryland a good state for SBIR grants?
Yes—Maryland's proximity to NIH, FDA, and DOD makes it one of the top states for SBIR success. TEDCO and Maryland SBDC both provide SBIR application assistance.
Where is my nearest Maryland SBDC?
Visit mdsbdc.umd.edu for Maryland SBDC locations. Centers throughout the state provide free advising.
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