Revitalize Commercial Properties and Strengthen Local Business Districts
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, including in the city of Annapolis and select areas in South County.
Loan Amount: Up to $100,000 (0% interest) Grant Amount: Projects located in the Sustainable Communities of Glen Burnie, Odenton, and Brooklyn Park may be eligible for a grant up to $50,000
Use of Funds: Exterior building renovations, site improvements, façade upgrades, and other exterior improvements that strengthen commercial corridors.
The Arundel Community Reinvestment (ACR) Fund is a commercial revitalization program that supports property improvements across Anne Arundel County’s designated commercial revitalization districts, the City of Annapolis, and select areas in South County.
The program offers 0% interest loans up to $100,000 for exterior upgrades that improve curb appeal and strengthen business corridors, covering up to 90% of project costs. For a limited time, eligible projects may also receive a grant of up to $50,000.
Participants also benefit from professional architectural services, ensuring high-quality, impactful improvements that support long-term economic growth.
Key Advantages
0% interest commercial improvement loans
Limited-time grant funding up to $50,000
Coverage of up to 90% of project costs
Professional architectural design support included
Targeted investment in priority revitalization areas
Increased property value and business visibility
Eligibility
ACR Fund financing and grant support may be used for:
Exterior building renovations and façade upgrades
Site improvements
Streetscape and curb appeal enhancements
Other exterior upgrades that strengthen commercial corridors
Property owners and business owners with a commercial lease may apply. Projects must be located within:
One of Anne Arundel County’s 11 Commercial Revitalization Districts
Designated revitalization areas in the City of Annapolis
Designated commercial corridors in South County
Interested businesses are encouraged to contact AAEDC to verify property eligibility and discuss the application process.
Properties must be located in a designated revitalization district and certified by the Office of Planning and Zoning.
Eligible properties may qualify for the Anne Arundel County Community Revitalization Program, which provides a property tax credit for up to 10 years equal to the incremental increase in assessed value resulting from qualifying improvements of $100,000 or more.
Owners must apply directly to the County Office of Finance within 120 days after receiving their State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) notice of assessment.
ACR FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the ACR Fund?
Business owners and property owners (or tenants with a commercial lease) located within Anne Arundel County’s designated Commercial Revitalization Districts, City of Annapolis revitalization areas, and targeted South County commercial corridors may apply.
What types of projects can the ACR Fund support?
The ACR Fund focuses on exterior commercial improvements, including façade upgrades, building renovations, and site enhancements that improve curb appeal and strengthen business districts.
How much funding is available through the ACR Fund?
Eligible applicants may receive up to $100,000 in 0% interest financing, covering up to 90% of total project costs. For a limited time, projects may also qualify for a grant covering up to $50,000).
Is additional financing available beyond the ACR Fund loan or grant?
Yes. ACR Fund participants may also be eligible for a companion loan of up to $500,000 through AAEDC’s VOLT Fund, which can be used for tenant improvements, equipment purchases, working capital, and other business expansion needs.
Do I need to own the property to apply?
No. Both property owners and business owners with a commercial lease are eligible, as long as the property is located in a designated revitalization area.
How do I know if my property is in an eligible district?
Applicants are encouraged to contact AAEDC to verify property eligibility and discuss the application process before applying.
Success Stories
“I can honestly say the ACR Fund is what allowed us to find a home for our business. I had been leasing for many years and was actively looking to buy a building for about five years, but I couldn’t find anything that fit our needs and our budget. Eventually a building came up for sale that we loved, and when we ran the numbers we were really close to where we needed to be but not quite there. Luckily, my real estate agent told me about AAEDC and the Arundel Community Reinvestment Fund. She sent me an email with the subject line of ‘loan program – Game Changer,’ and it certainly was.”
If you’re planning façade upgrades, exterior renovations, or site improvements in a designated revitalization area, the ACR Fund offers affordable financing, grant support, and professional design services to bring your project to life.
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.
Ideal For: Small and minority-owned, women-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses in Maryland looking to start, grow, or expand operations.
Loan Amount: $25,000 – $500,000
Use of Funds: Business and commercial real estate acquisition, expansion, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, and startup expenses available at below market interest rates.
Ideal For: Small and minority-owned, women-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses that have been in business for at least 2 years, graduated a business accelerator program, and are seeking low-cost flexible, expansion capital.
Loan Amount: Up to $50,000
Use of Funds: Expansion capital, business vehicle purchases, equipment, leasehold improvements, and other legitimate business expenses that support revenue growth.
Ideal For: Established local high growth businesses that have developed an innovative product, that is expanding into new markets, increasing sales, and creating jobs.
Loan Amount: Up to $100,000
Use of Funds: Workforce, expansion, equipment and other growth-related investment with flexible long-term repayment options.
Ideal For: Technology companies serving the cybersecurity and national defense industries with fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in gross revenue that are looking to get started or expand.
Loan Amount: $50,000 – $250,000
Use of Funds: Working capital to cover accounts receivable, leasehold improvements, cybersecurity compliance certifications, technology equipment, and operational growth needs available at below market interest rates.
Ideal For: Manufacturers, eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and certain energy projects pursuing large-scale capital investments.
Loan Amount: Based on project size and financing structure
Use of Funds: Fixed-asset financing such as land acquisition, building construction, facility expansion, and major equipment purchases through tax-exempt bonds.
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.
