| Baltimore, Maryland (Tuesday, April 16, 2024) – Last week Governor Wes Moore signed the PORT Act into law, creating programs to assist businesses and workers in economic recovery following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Important details about these programs, including dates and eligibility are now available. See information on programs below, which are administered through three state agencies. Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program Administered through the Department of Commerce Provides grants up to $100,000 to eligible businesses which have had operations impacted or shipments disrupted at the Port of Baltimore. To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate economic and financial injury through a reduction in business revenue and activity, and/or increased costs to business operations. Applications Open April 22 See Program Criteria Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loans and Grants Administered through the Department of Housing and Community Development Loan and grants are available to businesses that have been impacted by a loss of revenue or increased costs. The Small Business Grants Program will offer grants up to $50,000 to small/main street level businesses within a five mile radius of the Key Bridge and the Business Loan Program will offer loans up to $500,000 to businesses impacted by the Key Bridge collapse or reduction in Port activity statewide. Applications Open April 22 See Program Criteria Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program Administered through the Department of Labor Entities eligible for up to $200,000 in grant funding include businesses which employ up to 500 workers, unions, trade associations, and organizations that have seen operations hindered by or completely halted due to the Port slowdown. Up to $7,500 can be spent per worker on wages or other support. Applications Open Now See Details and Apply For more information on the Worker Retention Program, attend the webinar today, April 16, at 3PM. Webinar Details For more resources, visit maryland.gov/bridge. |
Baltimore Key Bridge Relief
