reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 10 - Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program › Section 5-1006 - Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Fund

(a)    There is a Military Personnel and Veteran–Owned Small Business No–Interest Loan Fund.
(b)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide no–interest loans consistent with this subtitle.
(c)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(3)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(e)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money the State appropriates to the Fund;
(2)    money made available to the Fund through federal programs or private contributions;
(3)    repayments from loans provided by the Department under this subtitle;
(4)    proceeds from the sale, disposition, lease, or rental of collateral related to loans provided by the Department under this subtitle; and
(5)    any other money made available to the Fund.
(f)    The Department may use money in the Fund to provide loans to eligible applicants under §§ 5–1002 through 5–1004 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 10 - Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program › Section 5-1007 - Regulations

(a)    The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.
(b)    The Department of Veterans Affairs may adopt regulations concerning eligibility criteria for loans under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 11 - Rural Broadband Assistance Fund › Section 5-1101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board” means the Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board established under Title 13, Subtitle 5 of this article.
(c)    “Fund” means the Rural Broadband Assistance Fund established under § 5–1102 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 12 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program › Section 5-1201 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Fund” means the Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program Fund established under § 5–1204 of this subtitle.
(c)    “Nonprofit entity” means a corporation incorporated in the State, or otherwise qualified to do business in the State, that has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3), (4), or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(d)    “Program” means the Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program established under § 5–1202 of this subtitle.
(e)    “Qualifying nonprofit entity” means a nonprofit entity:
(1)    that has annual revenues not greater than $750,000;
(2)    that has been in existence for not more than 10 years; and
(3)    whose principal purpose is providing health, education, environmental, agricultural, or social services through community–based programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 12 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program › Section 5-1202 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program

(a)    There is a Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program in the Department.
(b)    The Program shall foster, support, and assist the economic growth and revitalization of qualifying nonprofit entities in the State by providing training and technical assistance services and bridge loans to nonprofit entities that have received written confirmation of funding from government grants or contracts but have not yet received the funding.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 12 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program › Section 5-1203 - Program Assistance

The Program shall provide assistance to qualifying nonprofit entities, including:
(1)    operation of an information exchange governing current and new technical information and data about all aspects of nonprofit management, including:
(i)    nonprofit start–up;
(ii)    budgeting and financial management;
(iii)    facilities development and management;
(iv)    board development;
(v)    organizational development and strategic planning;
(vi)    marketing;
(vii)    federal and State contracting and grant making;
(viii)    individual, corporate, and foundation fund–raising;
(ix)    volunteer management;
(x)    personnel management;
(xi)    federal and State tax law and regulations;
(xii)    federal and State law and regulations governing charitable solicitations;
(xiii)    federal and State regulations applicable to licensing or accreditation;
(xiv)    federal and State financing programs; and
(xv)    information technology; and
(2)    individual consultation and technical assistance to any qualifying nonprofit entity that requests the service, including assistance on any of the subjects identified in item (1) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 12 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program › Section 5-1204 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program Fund

(a)    (1)    (i)    There is a Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program Fund in the Department.
(ii)    1.    Within the Fund, there is a Nonprofit, Interest–Free, Micro Bridge Loan (NIMBL) Account.
2.    The Account consists of:
A.    money received under § 9–1A–27 of the State Government Article; and
B.    any other money appropriated, transferred by budget amendment, or repaid to the Account.
3.    The money in the Account may not exceed $1,000,000.
4.    If the money in the Account exceeds $1,000,000, any money in excess of that amount shall be transferred to the Small, Minority, and Women–Owned Businesses Account established under § 5–1501 of this title.
(2)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(3)    The Fund consists of:
(i)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(ii)    money in the Nonprofit, Interest–Free, Micro Bridge Loan (NIMBL) Account; and
(iii)    all other money accepted for the benefit of the Fund, including an additional $50 fee to be paid for the processing of articles of incorporation of a nonstock corporation in accordance with § 1–203 of the Corporations and Associations Article.
(b)    (1)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide grant money and bridge loans to support the operations of the Program consistent with this subtitle.
(2)    As provided in the State budget, the Fund also may be used by the Department of General Services to evaluate the participation of nonprofit entities in State procurement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 12 - Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program › Section 5-1205 - Implementation; Designation

(a)    The Department shall designate at least one private nonprofit entity to receive grants from the Maryland Nonprofit Development Center Program Fund to implement the Program.
(b)    In selecting a designee, the Department shall consider and give priority to organizations that:
(1)    have experience in providing the scope of assistance and services required under § 5–1203 of this subtitle to qualifying nonprofit entities in the State;
(2)    demonstrate the capacity to provide the assistance and services required under § 5–1203 of this subtitle on a statewide basis; and
(3)    demonstrate current expenditures that:
(i)    are equal to at least three times the amount of funding received under this section; and
(ii)    have been received from other sources for the provision of assistance and services of the type required under § 5–1203 of this subtitle to nonprofit entities in the State.
(c)    (1)    The Department may provide a no–interest bridge loan for operating expenses of up to $25,000 to a nonprofit entity that has received written confirmation of funding from a government grant or contract but has not yet received the funding.
(2)    The Department shall establish an application process for bridge loans provided under this subsection.
(3)    Before providing a bridge loan under this subsection, the Department shall receive written confirmation that the nonprofit entity has been awarded a government grant or contract but has not yet received the funding.
(4)    The Department shall establish a schedule for repayment for a bridge loan that:
(i)    is reasonable based on the nature and payment schedule of the government grant or contract to the nonprofit entity; and
(ii)    assures repayment of the bridge loan is completed no later than the date of the final grant or contract payment to the nonprofit entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 13 - Brac Revitalization and Incentive Zones › Section 5-1301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Area” means a geographic area within one or more political subdivisions within the State described by a closed perimeter boundary.
(c)    “BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone” means an area that:
(1)    meets the requirements of § 5–1303 of this subtitle; and
(2)    is designated as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone by the Secretary under § 5–1304 of this subtitle.
(d)    “Enterprise zone” has the meaning stated in § 5–701 of this title.
(e)    “Political subdivision” means any county or municipal corporation.
(f)    “Submission date” means the date the Secretary receives an application from a political subdivision for designation of a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone.
(g)    “Tax increment financing bonds” means bonds issued by:
(1)    a political subdivision under Title 12, Subtitle 2 of this article; or
(2)    Baltimore City under Article II, § 62 of the Charter of Baltimore City.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 13 - Brac Revitalization and Incentive Zones › Section 5-1302 - Application

(a)    The following political subdivisions may apply to the Secretary to designate a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone:
(1)    a political subdivision for an area within that political subdivision;
(2)    with the prior consent of the municipal corporation, a county on behalf of a municipal corporation for an area in the municipal corporation; or
(3)    two or more political subdivisions jointly for an area astride their common boundaries.
(b)    The application shall:
(1)    be in the form and manner and contain the information that the Secretary requires;
(2)    contain sufficient information to allow the Secretary to determine if the proposed BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone meets the criteria in § 5–1303 of this subtitle;
(3)    be submitted for a political subdivision by its chief elected officer, or if none, its governing body; and
(4)    state whether the political subdivision has examined the feasibility of creating educational or training opportunities for employers and employees of business entities located or to be located in the proposed BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone.
(c)    After the Secretary’s receipt of an application for designation of an area as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone or expansion of an existing zone under § 5–1305 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall notify the members of the county delegation to the General Assembly for each county in which a zone is proposed to be located.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 13 - Brac Revitalization and Incentive Zones › Section 5-1304 - Designation -- Procedure; Limitations

(a)    (1)    Within 60 days after a submission date, the Secretary, after receiving a recommendation of the Smart Growth Subcabinet, may designate one or more BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones from among the areas described in the applications timely submitted.
(2)    The designation of an area as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone is effective for 10 years, beginning on the date the first property in the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone becomes a qualified property, as defined in § 2–222 of the Tax – Property Article.
(3)    The Secretary may not designate more than six BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones in a calendar year.
(4)    A county may not receive more than two BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones.
(5)    The precise location and boundaries of a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone may be determined only on application to and approval by the Secretary.
(b)    The designation of the Secretary is final.
(c)    At any time, a political subdivision may reapply to the Secretary to designate as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone an area that is not designated.
(d)    (1)    This subsection applies only to a political subdivision that is authorized under § 7–211.3 of the Tax – Property Article to enter into a payment in lieu of tax agreement with a private developer for federal enclave property.
(2)    The Secretary may not designate a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone in a county until, in the judgment of the Secretary, the political subdivision has entered into good faith negotiations for a payment in lieu of tax agreement with all private developers of federal enclave property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 13 - Brac Revitalization and Incentive Zones › Section 5-1305 - Expansion

(a)    (1)    A political subdivision may apply to the Secretary to expand an existing BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone in the same manner as the political subdivision would apply to designate a new BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone.
(2)    The Secretary may grant an expansion of a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone into an area that meets the requirements of § 5–1303 of this subtitle.
(3)    For purposes of § 5–1304(a) of this subtitle, an expansion of a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone that does not exceed 50% of the existing geographic area of the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone does not count towards the limit on the number of BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones that:
(i)    the Secretary may designate in a calendar year; or
(ii)    a county may receive.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary may grant an extraordinary expansion of a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone in the State each calendar year for an area that:
(i)    meets the requirements of § 5–1303 of this subtitle; and
(ii)    in the determination of the Secretary, is of strategic importance to the economic development interests of the county in which the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone is located.
(2)    For purposes of § 5–1304(a) of this subtitle, an extraordinary expansion of a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone does not count towards the limit on the number of BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones that:
(i)    the Secretary may designate in a calendar year; or
(ii)    a county may receive.
(3)    The Secretary may not grant more than two extraordinary expansions in the State during a single calendar year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 13 - Brac Revitalization and Incentive Zones › Section 5-1306 - Benefits

(a)    Benefits are available to political subdivisions with BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones as provided in this section.
(b)    (1)    A political subdivision that receives designation of an area as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone may receive amounts as provided in § 2–222 of the Tax – Property Article.
(2)    Amounts received by a political subdivision as provided in § 2–222 of the Tax – Property Article:
(i)    shall be used to pay for infrastructure improvements in the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone; and
(ii)    may be used for the repayment of bonds, including tax increment financing bonds, issued by the political subdivision for infrastructure improvements in the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone.
(c)    Political subdivisions and business entities may receive priority consideration for financial assistance for projects or operations in a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone from:
(1)    programs in:
(i)    the Department;
(ii)    the Department of Housing and Community Development; or
(iii)    the Department of Planning; or
(2)    any other appropriate State programs.
(d)    The benefits set forth in this section are available for 10 years after the date that the first property in the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone becomes a qualified property, as defined in § 2–222 of the Tax – Property Article.
(e)    The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle and to specify criteria and procedures for the application, approval, and monitoring the eligibility for the benefits under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 13 - Brac Revitalization and Incentive Zones › Section 5-1307 - Annual Reports

(a)    On or before October 15 of each year, a political subdivision with a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone designation shall submit a report to the Department that assesses the effectiveness of the benefits provided to the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone in attracting and retaining businesses within the BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone.
(b)    In accordance with § 2.5–109 of this article, the Department shall submit a report on the effectiveness of the benefits under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 14 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program › Section 5-1401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Area” means a geographic area in one or more political subdivisions in the State described by a closed perimeter boundary.
(c)    “Fund” means the Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Fund created under § 5–1408 of this subtitle.
(d)    “Nonprofit organization” means an organization that is exempt or eligible for exemption from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(e)    “Qualified institution” means an entity that is designated as a qualified institution under § 5–1403 of this subtitle and may include:
(1)    a regional higher education center as defined under § 10–101 of the Education Article;
(2)    an institution of higher education as defined under § 10–101 of the Education Article; or
(3)    a nonprofit organization that is affiliated with a federal agency.
(f)    “RISE zone” means a geographic area in immediate proximity to a qualified institution that is targeted for increased economic and community development that meets the requirements of § 5–1404 of this subtitle and is designated as a Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise zone by the Secretary under § 5–1404 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 14 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program › Section 5-1402 - Purpose

The purposes of the Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program are to access institutional assets that have a strong and demonstrated history of commitment to economic development and revitalization in the communities in which they are located and incentivize the location of innovative start–up businesses based on technology developed, licensed, or poised for commercialization at or in collaboration with qualified Maryland institutions.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 14 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program › Section 5-1403 - Designation as Qualified Institution

(a)    An institution may apply to the Secretary to be designated as a qualified institution.
(b)    To be eligible for designation as a qualified institution, the applicant shall:
(1)    evidence an intention:
(i)    to make a significant financial investment or commitment in an area of the State that the applicant intends to become a RISE zone;
(ii)    to use the resources and expertise of the applicant to spur economic development and community revitalization in an area of the State that the applicant intends to become a RISE zone; and
(iii)    to create a significant number of new jobs within an area of the State that the applicant intends to become a RISE zone;
(2)    have a demonstrated history of community involvement and economic development within the communities that the applicant serves; and
(3)    meet the minimum financial qualifications established by the Secretary.
(c)    If the applicant is a nonprofit organization that is not an institution of higher education, the application shall demonstrate an affiliation with a federal agency.
(d)    (1)    In addition to the requirements under subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may establish by regulation any other requirements necessary and appropriate in order for an applicant to be designated as a qualified institution.
(2)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations that establish factors for evaluating applications under subsection (b) of this section.
(e)    In the form and content acceptable to the Secretary, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary an application that contains the information that the Secretary considers necessary to evaluate the request for designation as a qualified institution.
(f)    (1)    Within 90 days after submission of an application under this section, the Secretary shall approve or reject the application of an institution to be designated as a qualified institution.
(2)    At least 30 days before approval or rejection of an application under this section, the Secretary shall notify the Legislative Policy Committee.
(3)    The Legislative Policy Committee may provide advice to the Secretary regarding the approval or rejection of an institution as a qualified institution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 14 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program › Section 5-1405 - Business and Community Development Concierge

(a)    The Secretary shall assign to a RISE zone a business and community development concierge who is an employee of the Department.
(b)    A business and community development concierge shall assist entities locating in the RISE zone with:
(1)    State, county, or municipal corporation permit and license applications;
(2)    accessing existing programs at the Department, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, or the Department of Transportation; and
(3)    any other activities the Secretary authorizes that relate to the development of the RISE zone.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 14 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program › Section 5-1406 - Tax Incentives

(a)    (1)    To the extent provided for in this section, a business entity that locates in a RISE zone is entitled to:
(i)    for a business entity that locates in the RISE zone before January 1, 2023, the property tax credit under § 9–103.1 of the Tax – Property Article;
(ii)    for a taxable year beginning before January 1, 2023, the income tax credit under § 10–702 of the Tax – General Article; and
(iii)    priority consideration for financial assistance from programs in Subtitle 1 of this title.
(2)    For purposes of the income tax credit authorized under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, the business entity is treated as being located in an enterprise zone.
(b)    Subject to the limitations under subsection (a) of this section, a business entity that moves into or locates in a RISE zone on or after the date that the zone is designated under this subtitle may qualify for the incentives under this section.
(c)    A business entity may not qualify for the incentives under subsection (a) of this section unless the Department, in consultation with the county or municipal corporation in which a RISE zone is located, certifies the business entity and its location as consistent with the target strategy of the RISE zone.
(d)    (1)    Unless a business entity makes a significant capital investment or expansion of its labor force after a RISE zone is designated, the incentives under this section are not available to a business entity that was in a RISE zone before the date that the zone is designated.
(2)    The Department shall adopt regulations establishing factors to determine if a business entity makes a significant capital investment or expansion of its labor force under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 14 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone Program › Section 5-1408 - Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Fund -- Money Included -- Use of Fund -- Investments -- Expenditures

(a)    There is a Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Fund in the Department.
(b)    The Secretary shall manage and supervise the Fund.
(c)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(d)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and
(2)    any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(e)    The Department may use the Fund to:
(1)    finance, in coordination with qualified institutions, counties, and municipal corporations, the provision of rental assistance to business entities located in RISE zones; and
(2)    pay the related administrative, legal, and actuarial expenses of the Department.
(f)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(g)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 16 - Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program › Section 5-1601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Fund” means the Make Office Vacancies Extinct Matching Fund.
(c)    “Program” means the Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 16 - Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program › Section 5-1602 - General Consideration

(a)    There is a Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program in the Department.
(b)    The purpose of the Program is to encourage the location of new businesses in the State in counties that provide comparable office space support to the businesses.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 16 - Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program › Section 5-1603 - Qualification for Program

(a)    In order to qualify for participation in the Program, a new business must meet the criteria in this section.
(b)    The business must:
(1)    be located in a county that has a comparable support program to reduce office space vacancies in the county;
(2)    be:
(i)    a home–based start–up enterprise occupying its first commercial space in the county;
(ii)    a business relocating  from outside the State; or
(iii)    a business significantly expanding its operations in the county;
(3)    (i)    execute a direct lease with the landlord for at least 3 years of not more than 10,000 square feet; or
(ii)    obtain an occupancy permit, if sharing office space with another business; and
(4)    apply for support from the Program within 90 days after signing the lease or obtaining the occupancy permit.
(c)    The Program may exclude from support a business that is relocating from one county  to another county  within the State.
(d)    A grant recipient that fails to fulfill the eligibility and maintenance requirements of the Program or of the county comparable program that supports the recipient may be required to return all or part of the grant to the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 16 - Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program › Section 5-1604 - Program Grants

(a)    (1)    An applicant shall submit an application for a Program grant on the form that the Secretary requires.
(2)    The applicant may submit an application to the Program at the same time the applicant applies for support from a county comparable program.
(b)    The Program shall review the application and all supporting materials in order to evaluate whether the applicant qualifies for a grant from the Program.
(c)    (1)    Subject to the availability of money in the Fund, the Program may provide to an eligible business a grant that equals the amount of the grant that the county comparable program provides to the business.
(2)    The Program shall provide the grants described under paragraph (1) of this subsection on a first–come, first–served basis.
(d)    The Program shall coordinate with county comparable programs to evaluate applications and to provide assistance to eligible businesses under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 16 - Make Office Vacancies Extinct Program › Section 5-1605 - Make Office Vacancies Extinct Matching Fund

(a)    There is a Make Office Vacancies Extinct Matching Fund.
(b)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide matching funds to reduce vacant office space in counties of the State that provide comparable support to new businesses.
(c)    The Secretary shall administer the Fund.
(d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(e)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2)    money recaptured from businesses that fail to fulfill the terms and conditions of a grant made from the Program;
(3)    interest earnings of the Fund; and
(4)    any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(f)    The Fund may be used only for:
(1)    matching grants that counties provide to eligible businesses under comparable vacancy reduction programs; and
(2)    administrative expenses of the Program.
(g)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(h)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 17 - Business Telework Assistance Grant Program › Section 5-1702 - Business Telework Assistance Grant Program -- Purpose -- Use of Grants -- Qualifying -- Annual Appropriation

(a)    There is a Business Telework Assistance Grant Program in the Department.
(b)    The purpose of the Program is to assist and support businesses in implementing telework policies for their employees.
(c)    A grant awarded under the Program may be used to purchase hardware, software, or any other technical equipment or technical services necessary for a business to implement a telework policy.
(d)    (1)    To qualify for a grant under the Program, a business must develop a telework policy that conforms to the best practices established by the Office of Telework Assistance under Title 3, Subtitle 6 of this article.
(2)    Within 1 year after receiving a grant under the Program, a business shall submit a letter to the Department that:
(i)    describes how the grant funding was used;
(ii)    includes the telework policy that was implemented using the grant funding; and
(iii)    includes any invoices related to the implementation of the telework policy.
(e)    (1)    In awarding a grant, the Department shall:
(i)    prioritize awarding grants to small businesses; and
(ii)    consider:
1.    the number of employees in the business; and
2.    the assistance needed for the business to implement a telework policy.
(2)    The Department may require a grant recipient that fails to fulfill the requirements of the grant to return all or part of the grant to the Program.
(f)    For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $1,000,000 for the Program.
(g)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 18 - Capital Access Program › Section 5-1801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Borrower” means a business that:
(1)    qualifies as a small business under the U.S. Small Business Administration size standards;
(2)    applies to a lender for business financing; and
(3)    has fewer than 50 employees.
(c)    “Lender” means:
(1)    a credit union, as defined in § 1–101 of the Financial Institutions Article;
(2)    a financial institution, as defined in § 1–101 of the Financial Institutions Article; or
(3)    a community development financial institution as defined in 12 U.S.C. § 4702(5).
(d)    “Program” means the Capital Access Program established under § 5–1802 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 18 - Capital Access Program › Section 5-1804 - Loans Qualified Under Program

A loan qualifies under the Program if the loan:
(1)    satisfies the lending criteria of the financial institution;
(2)    has a term not exceeding 10 years;
(3)    may be short or long term, have fixed or variable rates, and be secured or unsecured; and
(4)    does not exceed $250,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 18 - Capital Access Program › Section 5-1805 - Enrollment of Qualifying Loan or Portion of Loan

(a)    A lender shall enroll a qualifying loan in the Program not more than 30 days after the date of the first disbursement of the loan.
(b)    A lender may enroll all or a portion of a qualifying loan in an amount not more than $250,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 18 - Capital Access Program › Section 5-1806 - Loan Loss Reserve Account -- Payments to Account -- Withdrawal Upon Default -- Withdrawal of Lender From Program

(a)    The Department shall establish a loan loss reserve account for a lender when a lender enrolls its first loan under the Program.
(b)    At the time of enrollment:
(1)    the borrower shall make a payment to the account of between 0% and 7% of the enrolled loan amount;
(2)    the lender shall make a payment to the account of at least 2% of the enrolled amount; and
(3)    the Department shall make a matching payment to the account in an amount equal to the borrower and lender’s aggregate payment under items (1) and (2) of this subsection.
(c)    The loan loss reserve account of a lender shall be available for the lender to withdraw if a borrower defaults on a qualifying loan.
(d)    The Department shall establish procedures for a lender to withdraw from the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 19 - Cannabis Business Assistance Fund › Section 5-1901 - Cannabis Business Assistance Fund -- Purpose -- Administration -- Funding -- Uses -- Investments

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.
(b)    There is a Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.
(c)    The purpose of the Fund is to assist small, minority–owned, and women–owned businesses entering the adult–use cannabis industry.
(d)    The Department shall administer the Fund.
(e)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and
(2)    any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(g)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Fund may be used only for:
(i)    grants or loans to small, minority–owned, or women–owned businesses for:
1.    license application assistance for participation in the adult–use cannabis industry;
2.    assistance with the operating or capital expenses of a business participating in the adult–use cannabis industry; or
3.    targeted training to support participation in the adult–use cannabis industry; and
(ii)    grants to historically black colleges and universities for cannabis–related programs and business development organizations, including incubators, to train and assist small, minority, and women business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to become licensed to participate in the adult–use cannabis industry.
(2)    The Department:
(i)    shall prioritize awarding grants and loans in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection to:
1.    populations that have been historically disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of laws criminalizing the use of cannabis; and
2.    individuals who have been convicted of a violation of a law criminalizing the use of cannabis; and
(ii)    may not award grants or loans to small, minority, and women business owners and entrepreneurs with a personal net worth exceeding $1,700,000.
(3)    In order to award grants and loans in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall develop partnerships with:
(i)    traditional minority–serving institutions in the State and surrounding jurisdictions, including historically black colleges and universities;
(ii)    trade associations representing minority and women–owned businesses; and
(iii)    the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs.
(h)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(i)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 20 - Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program › Section 5-2001 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Program” means the Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program established under § 5–2002 of this subtitle.
(c)    “Qualified capital expenses” means all expenditures made by an individual or a corporation for the purchase and installation of equipment or agricultural materials for use in the production of agricultural products at a vineyard or a winery, including:
(1)    barrels;
(2)    bins;
(3)    bottling equipment;
(4)    canopy management machines;
(5)    capsuling equipment;
(6)    chemicals;
(7)    corkers;
(8)    crushers;
(9)    destemmers;
(10)    fermenters or other recognized fermentation devices;
(11)    fertilizer and soil amendments;
(12)    filters;
(13)    fruit harvesters;
(14)    fruit plants;
(15)    hoses;
(16)    irrigation equipment;
(17)    labeling equipment;
(18)    lugs;
(19)    mowers;
(20)    poles;
(21)    posts;
(22)    presses;
(23)    pruning equipment;
(24)    pumps;
(25)    refractometers;
(26)    refrigeration equipment;
(27)    seeders;
(28)    soil;
(29)    small tools;
(30)    tanks;
(31)    tractors;
(32)    vats;
(33)    weeding and spraying equipment;
(34)    wine tanks;
(35)    wire; and
(36)    any other items as approved by the Department.
(d)    “Vineyard” means agricultural lands located in the State consisting of at least 1 contiguous acre dedicated to the growing of grapes that are used or are intended to be used in the production of wine by a winery as well as any plants or other improvements located on the agricultural lands.
(e)    “Winery” means an establishment or a location identified in:
(1)    a Class 3 winery license issued under § 2–205 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article; or
(2)    a Class 4 limited winery license issued under § 2–206 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 20 - Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program › Section 5-2002 - Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program -- Purpose of Program

(a)    There is a Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program in the Department.
(b)    The purpose of the Program is to provide financial assistance to individuals and corporations to:
(1)    establish a new winery or vineyard in the State; or
(2)    complete capital improvements at an existing winery or vineyard.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 20 - Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program › Section 5-2003 - Amount of Grants -- Applications -- Annual Appropriations -- Adoption of Regulations

(a)    Subject to the limitations of this section, the Department shall provide a grant to an individual or a corporation equal to 25% of the qualified capital expenses incurred in connection with:
(1)    the establishment of a new winery or vineyard; or
(2)    capital improvements made to an existing winery or vineyard.
(b)    (1)    By September 15 of the calendar year in which the qualified capital expenses are paid or incurred, an individual or a corporation may submit an application to the Department for a grant authorized under this section.
(2)    (i)    For any fiscal year, the total amount of grants approved by the Department under this section may not exceed the total appropriation for the Program for that fiscal year.
(ii)    If the total amount of grants applied for under this section exceeds the maximum specified under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Department shall approve a grant for each applicant in an amount equal to the product of multiplying the amount applied for by the applicant times a fraction:
1.    the numerator of which is the maximum specified under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; and
2.    the denominator of which is the total of all grants applied for by all applicants for that calendar year.
(3)    On or before December 15 each year, the Department shall award the grants authorized under this section to each eligible applicant.
(c)    For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Department to award grants under the Program.
(d)    The Department shall adopt regulations to:
(1)    implement the provisions of this section; and
(2)    specify criteria and procedures for application for, approval of, and monitoring continuing eligibility for the grants authorized under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Economic Development › Division I - Secretary of Commerce and Department of Commerce › Title 5 - Economic Development and Financial Assistance Programs › Subtitle 21 - Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing and Promotion › Section 5-2101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Advisory Commission” means the Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing.
(c)    “Beer” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article.
(d)    “Brewery” means an establishment operated under a Class 5 brewery license, Class 6 pub–brewery license, Class 7 micro–brewery license, or Class 8 farm brewery license.
(e)    “Distilled spirits” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the Tax – General Article.
(f)    “Distillery” means an establishment operated under a Class�1 distillery license or Class 9 limited distillery license.
(g)    “Fund” means the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund.
(h)    “Grower” means a person who:
(1)    grows grapes, hops, fruit, honey, or grain to be included in manufactured alcohol in the State; and
(2)    produces at least $10,000 worth of these products each year.
(i)    “Viticulture” means the cultivation and study of grapes and grape vines.
(j)    “Wine” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article.
(k)    “Winery” means an establishment operated under a Class 3 winery license or Class 4 limited winery license.