Government > Housing and Community Development > Economic Development > Open for Business Grant Program

Open for Business Grant Program

Grant Purpose

The City of Takoma Park’s Open for Business Grant encourages businesses to locate within the City, or to expand their current Takoma Park space.

Funding Facts

Open for Business Grants are funded through the City of Takoma Park’s Neighborhood Commercial Corridor fund, part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This fund has $119, 157 allocated for FY24. Grant applications open on January 29, 2024, and awards will be approved on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.

Grant (Award)

Grants are capped at $10,000 to a single business and are calculated as follows:

Ground-floor businesses outside of the Old Town commercial district may be funded at up to $6/square foot.
Old Town businesses, and upper-floor businesses elsewhere in Takoma Park may be funded at up to $4/square foot.

How to Apply

Interested business owners may apply online.

Note that the application will ask for your lease or deed, your business license or proof of nonprofit status, your Certificate of Good Standing from the State of Maryland, and a completed W-9 and City Vendor form. Links are provided in the application for the W-9 and vendor form.

Preview the application (PDF).

Eligible Grant Uses

There is no restriction on usage of grant funding. Grant funds can be applied where most needed, whether to support capital expenditures and hard costs related to new business fit-out, existing tenant improvements, or serve as a one-time subsidy to offset cost of lease.

Quick Links

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants are businesses who

Are opening or expanding in the City of Takoma Park, with an ownership deed or a signed lease of at least three years for the property with a start date no earlier than October 1, 2023.
have not have received prior funding from the City of Takoma Park (with the exception of a 2022 Small Business Support Grant for COVID relief),
are in Good Standing with the State of Maryland
are in compliance with all City, County, and State regulations, and
have a valid Use & Occupancy Certificate.

Award Determination & Process

All confirmed eligible applicants will receive awards pending fund availability. Awards will be made on a rolling basis as long as funds are available. 50% of the grant amount will be given at the time of execution of Grant Agreement. The remaining 50% will be awarded at the time of the business’ Grand Opening or re-opening, which must be within six months of approval.