Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program
Program Overview
Launched on February 18, 2025, the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program will provide direct cash assistance for small businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March of 2024. The program is funded through the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to address the:
- loss of revenue and/or the increase of costs related to the bridge collapse for small businesses in the footprint of the Key Bridge,
- need for businesses to adjust their operations model,
- opportunity to invest in the small businesses in the communities most impacted by this tragedy.
Businesses were able to apply through one of these three designated small business grant partners through March 20, 2025:
- Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC): Businesses in Anne Arundel County, or other areas in Maryland.
- Baltimore Community Lending (BCL): Businesses in Baltimore City, or other areas in Maryland.
- Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC): Businesses in Baltimore County, or other areas in Maryland.
Each of these partners offered assistance in Spanish and in English in completing an application free of charge. To take advantage of this assistance with AAEDC, please call 410-222-7410.
To apply, a business must have been in existence for at least two years as of March 26, 2024. The business was required to demonstrate ongoing viability and provide evidence of loss of revenue or increased expenses related to the Key Bridge collapse. In addition, the business must have had revenue of over $50,000, two or more employees, and been in good standing with the State of Maryland.
The grant size may range from $10,000 to $50,000, based on the revenues of the small business, and priority will be given to businesses located in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County.
How to Apply
AAEDC accepted applications from impacted businesses located in Northern Anne Arundel County from Tuesday, February 18, 2025 through Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:59PM.
