Maryland Launches Innovative Data Platform and $10 Million Investment to Bolster Small Businesses in High-Need Communities

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced the introduction of the Maryland Community Business Compass, a new data platform designed to streamline access to essential resources for entrepreneurs, particularly those aiming to establish businesses in underserved areas. Alongside this technological advancement, the state is committing $10 million in investments to support small businesses, with a focus on fresh food retailers and child care providers. This initiative aims to create new avenues for economic growth, employment, and wealth creation across all of Maryland’s communities.

The Maryland Community Business Compass, developed by the Maryland State Innovation Team, consolidates crucial information for small business owners. It integrates market demand data with a centralized repository of government funding opportunities and business support services. This platform is intended to equip entrepreneurs, who often face challenges in accessing data readily available to larger corporations, with the tools needed to identify and serve communities with significant unmet needs, representing a novel approach to economic development.

The platform offers several key features to assist entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. The “Locate the Opportunity” tool allows prospective fresh food or child care entrepreneurs to utilize an interactive map to pinpoint areas with demonstrated needs and market potential throughout the state. This feature provides vital details such as the locations of existing businesses, local economic indicators, and community needs identified in neighborhood plans. For existing business owners, the “Find Government Funding” feature offers a single, searchable location for government incentives and programs they may qualify for, consolidating information from over 70 different webpages into a database of nearly 250 incentives. Additionally, the “Connect with Experts” function provides a directory of business support resources, including economic development organizations and small business development centers, to guide entrepreneurs through the entire business development process, from initial planning to obtaining permits and licenses.

The state’s $10 million investment will be distributed to support essential service entrepreneurs. Of this amount, $8 million will be directed towards child care providers through the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund. This fund offers zero-interest loans for the acquisition, improvement, expansion, or construction of child care facilities. To date, this program has provided loans to 143 child care facilities across 20 jurisdictions, with priority given to providers in underserved or rural areas, those serving predominantly low-income populations in high-poverty zones, and those caring for children aged two and younger, as well as children with special needs. Child care providers can apply for these loans until January 30, 2026.

Furthermore, $2 million in grant funding is being allocated to fresh food retailers through the newly established NourishMD Grant program. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, these grants aim to assist eligible fresh food retailers in addressing critical capital needs for stabilization or expansion in areas lacking adequate access to nutritious food options. Businesses such as grocery stores, corner stores, farm stands, co-ops, farmers’ markets, and certain delivery services operating in areas with high food insecurity and limited fresh food access may be eligible for grants of up to $150,000 to establish, stabilize, or expand their operations. Applications for the NourishMD Grant Program will open on January 20, 2026, and close on February 20, 2026.

Beyond fostering economic development, these initiatives align with the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to combating childhood poverty. The Maryland Community Business Compass will be instrumental in directing additional state and philanthropic investments to communities identified as “ENOUGH” communities, which are characterized by high concentrations of poverty and have historically faced underinvestment. This strategic allocation of resources is intended to address systemic issues such as food insecurity and the lack of accessible child care facilities in the most affected areas.

Maryland residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to explore the resources available on compass.maryland.gov. Training sessions to help users navigate the platform are scheduled to begin in early 2026. For further information, interested parties can contact compass@maryland.gov.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Governor’s Office of Maryland

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