City of Laurel Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program

The Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program, administered by the City of Laurel’s Department of Economic and Community Development, supports new and existing businesses relocating to vacant storefronts within the Main Street business area. This initiative is designed to revitalize the commercial corridor by enhancing storefront occupancy, promoting walkability, and sustaining an economically vibrant downtown. The program aims to help participating businesses defray relocation-related expenses and in doing so, encourage job creation and retention for the greater Laurel community. The grant provides reimbursement up to $10,000 for eligible relocation costs. This includes expenses such as professional movers or truck rentals, new utility connections, installation costs (but not the equipment itself), remodeling of the new location, external signage, permit fees, and certain professional services (e.g., architectural or engineering). The funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis and cannot cover costs incurred prior to application approval and funding agreement execution. Businesses must meet several eligibility criteria to qualify. Eligible applicants include retail and food-based businesses such as apparel shops, bakeries, gourmet food stores, coffee shops, yoga studios, and entertainment venues. Ineligible applicants include office-based businesses, home-based entities, corporate-owned franchises, banks, personal care providers (e.g., salons), and those not located within the defined grant area. Additionally, applicants must operate within a physical commercial location, hold a valid Use and Occupancy permit issued by the City of Laurel, and either own their premises or have a five-year lease. A letter of agreement from the property owner or proof of ownership is also required, depending on occupancy status. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until available funds are depleted. Only one application per business entity is allowed, and only one grant may be awarded per address within a three-year period. The application process includes a required pre-application meeting with city staff to confirm eligibility. Submissions must be complete and accurate, and all plans must conform to local building codes, zoning regulations, and Historic District Commission guidelines. Grants are executed under a formal funding agreement that includes performance obligations and repayment conditions in cases of early business closure. According to the Funding Agreement, improvements funded through this grant must be retained without modification or removal for a period of 36 months. If a business ceases operations within that time, the remaining balance of the awarded grant must be repaid. The City of Laurel retains the right to withhold funds if the project deviates from approved plans or if deficiencies arise in execution. Additionally, businesses must grant the city access to the site for inspections during business hours. Grantees are responsible for all permitting, compliance, and associated regulatory costs. Applications must be submitted electronically through the city’s application portal. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact the Department of Economic and Community Development at 301-725-5300, ext. 2313 or via email to the program contact listed on the city’s website.

Have a pre-application meeting; verify that the property is within the grant area; submit a complete application to avoid disqualification. Apply early due to limited funds.