Grants
AAEDC provides targeted grant programs that strengthen Anne Arundel County’s business community, supporting long-term growth, corridor revitalization, agricultural investment, and disaster recovery when businesses face unexpected challenges.
Designed to meet diverse business needs, our grant programs facilitate growth and resilience through targeted funding for infrastructure, improvements, and emergency assistance.
AAEDC Grants At A Glance
$32M+
in grant funding delivered to businesses affected by COVID-19
$995K
invested in Key Bridge relief grants to local businesses
24
local businesses affected by the collapse of the Key Bridge received funding
25
farm-based businesses and commercial watermen received grant funding through ABIG
Agricultural Business Improvement Grant (ABIG)
The Agricultural Business Improvement Grant supports farm-based businesses and commercial watermen working to enhance efficiency, expand production, and strengthen long-term sustainability within Anne Arundel County’s agricultural economy.
Ideal For: Farm-based businesses and commercial watermen in Anne Arundel County.
Grant Amount: Matching grants up to $10,000 (one-to-one match required).
Use of Funds: Eligible projects include fencing, livestock, plant stock, equipment, and agricultural infrastructure improvements that increase efficiency, revenue, or operational capacity.
ABIG represents AAEDC’s ongoing commitment to investing in local agriculture and preserving our working lands and waterways.
Arundel Community Reinvestment (ACR) Fund & Tandem Grant
The ACR Fund and Tandem Grant support commercial property improvements that strengthen Anne Arundel County’s designated Commercial Revitalization Districts and targeted corridors.
Ideal For: Businesses and property owners looking to make improvements to the exterior of a commercial property located in one of Anne Arundel County’s 11 Commercial Revitalization Districts.
Loan Amount: p to $100,000 (0% interest), with up to 50% (max $50,000) grant
Use of Funds: Exterior building renovations, site improvements, façade upgrades, landscaping, and other exterior improvements that strengthen commercial corridors.
Together, the ACR loan and grant structure creates a powerful incentive to reinvest in commercial corridors and drive community revitalization.
Disaster Relief Grants
When businesses face declared emergencies or unexpected disasters, AAEDC mobilizes quickly to provide stabilization funding and operational relief.
Ideal For: Businesses impacted by declared emergencies or disasters.
Grant Amount: Varies by event and funding availability.
Use of Funds: Immediate recovery and operational relief to help stabilize, reopen, and move forward after a disaster or declared state of emergency.
A Proven Track Record of Relief
AAEDC has consistently stepped forward during times of crisis to deliver meaningful financial relief to Anne Arundel County businesses.
From pandemic response to infrastructure-related disruption and natural disasters, AAEDC remains committed to delivering timely, strategic support that helps local businesses stabilize, recover, and move forward stronger than before.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
AAEDC distributed nearly $33 million in COVID-19 and disaster relief grants, rapidly pivoting from traditional growth-focused lending to emergency stabilization funding. These programs helped businesses retain employees, cover operating costs, and remain viable during unprecedented economic disruption.
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
In partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation and the Greater Baltimore Committee, AAEDC helped deliver $3 million in direct relief grants to 66 small businesses impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Through the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, AAEDC administered nearly $1 million to 24 Anne Arundel County businesses, providing grants of $10,000 to $50,000 to help offset revenue loss, rising costs, and operational disruptions across industries including logistics, marine services, restaurants, retail, construction, and personal services.
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Success Stories
“After the (Key Bridge) collapse, the AAEDC team worked tirelessly to explore ways to help us pivot and recover, and that meant more than just business guidance – it meant hope and encouragement when things were uncertain. Their commitment, responsiveness, and genuine care left a lasting impact because the support wasn’t transactional – it was personal, consistent, and rooted in real care for small businesses.”
William Cox
A Triple CCC Logistics
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Success Stories
“This generous grant will help mitigate the financial strain resulting from the Key Bridge collapse, supporting staffing and operations, and ensuring that CAC can continue to serve our community in support of our mission ‘to foster creativity, create connections, and inspire joy by delivering innovative and accessible arts and education programs.”
Donna Anderson
Chesapeake Arts Center
Want to Explore Available Grants?
Grant opportunities vary throughout the year based on funding availability and community need. Connect with our team to learn what programs may be available and whether your business qualifies.
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AAEDC offers a range of financing tools designed to support businesses at every stage from start-up to expansion. Explore additional loan programs and incentives that may complement or align with your goals.