Local Programs

In addition to statewide tax credits and programs, each county offers it's own incentives to business.

Greater Baltimore Area 

BRAC Community Enhancement Act – Anne Arundel, Cecil, Baltimore, Harford, and HowardCounties

Certain benefits, including financing and property tax exemptions, will be available to areas within BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones

Anne Arundel County

Arundel Business Loan Fund
The Arundel Business Loan Fund (ABL), a program of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, provides loans with a maximum of $300,000 to new and expanding businesses operating in AnneArundelCounty.

Business Corridor Investment Loan Program
The BCIP offers qualified business owners zero interest loans of up to $35,000 for improvements to the exterior and interior of their business.

Commercial Revitalization
AAEDC Business Corridor Investment Program (BCIP) offers loans up to $35,000 to be repaid over five-seven years at zero percent interest.

Community Revitalization Program
Qualified properties can receive a property tax credit for up to five years equal to the incremental increase in real property tax assessment for improvements of at least $50,000.

Development Impact Fees
Non-profits can apply for exemption of, or credits against, the cost of development impact fees.  Fees typically include financing, in whole or in part, the capital costs of additional or expanded public works, improvements, and facilities required to accommodate new construction or development.

Scattered Sites Renewal Program
This program can provide loans and grants for historic preservation, commercial revitalization, economic development, acquisition, demolition and landscaping.

Baltimore City

BDC Façade Improvement Grant (FIG)
The FIG program offers up to $2,500 in matching grants and, in certain cases, design assistance to merchants and property owners in designated commercial revitalization districts in order to improve the appearance of individual building facades, signs and awnings, as well as the overall look of the retail district.

City Property Tax Credit
Property tax credits are available for the rehabilitation of homes as well as income-producing designated historic buildings. In Baltimore City, property taxes are frozen at pre-rehab levels for 10 years.

Commercial Waterfront Property
A property tax credit can be obtained by certain businesses who operate on property adjacent to the tidal waters of the state.

Empowerment Zones
Businesses located in, or who have employees who live in EZs can earn up to $3000 in tax credit per person.  Property tax can be earned for property improvements.  Additionally, investment in qualified businesses in low-income areas can earn tax credits as well.

Enterprise Zone Tax Credit
Businesses located in a Maryland enterprise zone may be entitled to a tax credit for wages paid to newly hired employees.

Foreign Trade Zone
FTZ #74 encompasses Canton Trade Center.   The Zone offers a variety of benefits, including duty-free re-exports, deferred duties and taxes on imports, streamlined customs procedures, as well as other tax benefits.

Baltimore County

Advanced Technology Loan Fund
Advanced Technology Loan Fund Direct loans, with the participation of other lending and equity sources, for small technology and/or defense related businesses. Maximum loan amount is the lesser of $250,000 or 50 percent of the project's eligible costs.  Funds may be used to finance the acquisition and improvement of land, buildings, plant and equipment - includes new construction or facility expansion.

Architect-On-Call 
Architect-On-Call offers up to ten free hours of professional architectural design services to businesses improving the exteriors of their buildings. After an initial site visit and meeting, the architect prepares a digital rendering of the building with design recommendations and a rough cost estimate. The service is free when improvements are certified as complete.

Building Investment Loans 
Business Improvement Loan Program provides interest-free loans for business improvements, including exterior, interior, and site improvements.

Business Growth Loans
Businesses within Commercial Revitalization Districts are eligible for a loan to assist significant redevelopment projects.

Enterprise Zone Tax Credit
Businesses located in a Maryland enterprise zone may be entitled to a tax credit for wages paid to newly hired employees. 

Foreign Trade Zone
FTZ #73, also known as the The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Foreign-Trade Zone, consists of both developed and undeveloped space around the airport.  FTZ #74 encompasses Marley Neck Industrial Park.   Trade zones offer a variety of benefits, including duty-free re-exports, deferred duties and taxes on imports, streamlined customs procedures, as well as other tax benefits.

Small Business Loan Partnership
Connects businesses with real estate, fixed-asset and working capital loans through a partnership between Baltimore County and the area's leading financial institutions.

Revitalization Advantage
This program offers a ¼ percent discounts off standard interest rates to qualifying businesses looking to refurbish or develop commercial property or finance equipment purchases in Baltimore County's 13 commercial Revitalization Districts.

Carroll County

Green Building Tax Credit
Nonresidential properties outfitted with certain environmentally friendly technologies are eligible for a credit against county property tax.  Qualifying technologies include water conservation, incorporating recycled or recyclable materials, renewable energy, and energy efficient power generation techniques. 

Industrial Revenue Bonds
Tax exempt IRB's can be offered to manufacturing or other development projects meeting eligibility criteria.

Economic Development Trust Fund
The county can offer grants from this fund for various reasons.

Harford County

Community Block Development Grant for Economic Development
Provides funding for the development of water, sewer, and rail service to industrial sites and construction and renovation.

Enterprise Loan Fund
Partnership between M&T Bank offers a 1/4% discount off standard interest rates to qualifying businesses to refurbish or develop commercial property

Enterprise Zone Tax Credit
Businesses located in a Maryland enterprise zone may be entitled to a tax credit for wages paid to newly hired employees.

Fast Track Permitting

Foreign Trade Zone
Foreign Trade Zone #74 to include 91 acres on the Perryman Peninsula. The Zone offers a variety of benefits, including duty-free re-exports, deferred duties and taxes on imports, streamlined customs procedures, as well as other tax benefits.

Industrial Revenue Bonds for Manufacturers and 501(c) (3) Organizations
Tax exempt financing for the acquisition of land, buildings, and equipment.

Revolving Loan Fund
Provides funds to creditworthy businesses unable to obtain financing through traditional sources due to limited equity, collateral or cash flow.

Howard County

Economic Development Incentives Fund
Howard County has created an Economic Development lncentive Fund which is funded by an issuer fee on tax exempt financing. Monies from this fund are used as a matching requirement to obtain state funding.

Industrial Revenue Bonds
Tax exempt bonds can be issued by Howard County for manufacturing companies and non-profit organizations with the normal project range from $1 million to $10 million.

Jim Rouse Entrepreneurial Fund
JREF was established to help foster the development of new and growing businesses through education, mentoring and financing. Loans of up to $100,000 are made to small or start-up businesses for expansion or start-up costs.

Site Development Plan Expedition

Tax Credits
A property tax credit may be granted on real property owned by expanding or relocating companies that plan to employ at least 12 additional full-time employees and make a substantial investment

Tax Exemptions
Manufacturing machinery, equipment, materials, and supplies, some research and development equipment, some computer software, and other items are eligible for tax exemptions.

US Route 1 and US Route 40 Revitalization Loan Programs
The Route 1 and Route 40 loan programs were established to encourage businesses to improve building and site conditions along both corridors. The programs offer at or below prime rate financing through participating banks.

More detailed information on programs in Howard County can be found here.