The GROW Program, offered by the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development, is a locally administered initiative designed to support physical enhancements to commercial properties owned or leased by small businesses within city limits. The program aims to encourage infrastructure and life-safety upgrades that will increase the functionality and longevity of these properties, especially for future tenants and owners. It operates as a competitive, conditional matching grant opportunity, contingent upon fund availability, and serves as a resource to support business retention, expansion, and neighborhood revitalization.
Eligible applicants must be small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Priority groups include minority- and women-owned businesses, companies that have graduated from business incubator or accelerator programs, businesses undertaking significant building rehabilitation for neighborhood stability, and those recovering from disaster events such as fires or floods. The Director of Economic Development, with the Mayor's concurrence, retains discretionary authority to approve additional business types.
The GROW Program funds critical improvements that are integral to a building's infrastructure. Eligible expenses include fire suppression systems, parking improvements, water and sewer impact or tap fees, HVAC upgrades, ADA compliance modifications, and environmental remediation. Projects purely cosmetic in nature—like new signage, painting, or custom cabinetry—are specifically excluded. Grants are available in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 and are awarded based on a scoring rubric, which includes factors such as projected business growth, impact on the community, physical infrastructure enhancements, financial need, and the degree to which applicants exceed the required 50/50 match.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. All applicants must schedule a preliminary meeting with the Department before applying. Projects must not begin until formal approval is granted; any costs incurred beforehand are not reimbursable. Business owners who lease their properties must provide written consent from the property owner. Once approved, funds are disbursed as reimbursements after the improvements have been completed and paid for.
All applicants must agree to annual data reporting for five years following the grant. Required information includes staffing numbers, residency of employees, capital investment, income, and square footage details. Additionally, recipients consent to marketing and promotional usage by the City. Businesses may reapply for new projects after a year has passed from the initial award’s reimbursement. Though not guaranteed, additional funds may be released throughout the fiscal year based on program review and need.
Consider emphasizing infrastructure and community impact in the project narrative to score higher.
