HAGERSTOWN, MD News (9/4/2024) – Entrepreneurs looking to open or expand their businesses in Hagerstown’s downtown Main Street District now have a new opportunity to ease the challenges of launching a business. The City of Hagerstown has announced the launch of the Main Street Startup Grant, a program aimed at revitalizing vacant storefronts and supporting local businesses in their early stages.
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This initiative, which is accepting applications on a rolling basis, offers grants of up to $50,000 to qualified applicants, with no minimum award amount. Recipients are required to provide a 1:1 match to complete their projects. The program consists of two primary components: Business Rental Assistance and Small Business Improvements, both designed to help new businesses establish a presence in downtown Hagerstown.
Program Details:
- Business Rental Assistance – This option covers up to six months of rental expenses, with payments made directly to landlords. To qualify, businesses must commit to occupying their chosen space for at least one year.
- Small Business Improvements – This component allows applicants to receive matching funds to cover renovation costs, purchase furniture, fixtures, equipment, and invest in business marketing and promotion.
Each business may apply for up to $50,000, and multiple grants can be awarded to separate businesses within the same building if it contains more than one vacant storefront. A single building, however, is limited to three grant-eligible storefronts.
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Who Can Apply?
The grant is open to both new and existing business owners who are looking to start or expand their ventures within the Main Street District, which is part of Hagerstown’s Sustainable Communities Area. The program’s goal is to stimulate economic growth by filling vacant spaces and contributing to the vibrancy of downtown.
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Support Beyond the Grant
In addition to financial assistance, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce has organized a series of seminars aimed at helping new business owners understand the downtown business environment and navigate available resources. These seminars, scheduled between September and November, will feature local experts offering guidance on everything from city incentives and location selection to business planning and marketing.
Seminar Schedule:
- September 18: Basics of a Downtown Business, City Incentives and Resources, Main Street Program
- October 16: Finding a Location and Leasing Advice
- November 20: Entrepreneurial Success: Business Planning, HR and Marketing Strategies
Each seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the University System of Maryland – Hagerstown Main Building, Room 433, located at 32 W. Washington Street.
The seminar series is organized by the Greater Hagerstown Committee and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. It represents a key opportunity for local entrepreneurs to contribute to the city’s growth while receiving essential support to help ensure the success of their businesses.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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