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Author: Amanda Bosland

Rockville Ranks Among Top Cities for Retirees by SmartAsset

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Rockville Ranks #11 in SmartAsset’s List of 25 Best Cities for Retirees to Live & Work  

For many people, the ideal place to retire encompasses a balanced mix of safety, affordability and healthcare access. While some retirees plan to spend their non-working days relaxing, others plan to keep working…at least part time. A 2019 AARP study found that more than 20% of people 65 and older are working or looking for work, compared to just 10% in 1985.

In a new study, SmartAsset crunched the numbers to find the best places for retirees to live and work. It compared 525 U.S. cities across eight metrics:

  • Percentage of the population that is 65 and older.
  • Unemployment rate for seniors.
  • Housing costs as a percentage of average retirement income.
  • Estimated senior tax burden.
  • Retirement communities per 10,000 residents.
  • Medical centers per 10,000 residents.
  • Violent crime rate.
  • Property crime rate.

Rockville ranks #11 on the list of the top 25 places for retirees to live and work. For the full list, key findings, and methodology, visit: https://smartasset.com/retirement/best-places-to-retire-in-the-us.

Rockville Wins 2020 Most Educated Cities Award from Insurify

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

The City of Rockville is the recipient of a 2020 Most Educated Cities Award from Insurify, a free, online insurance quote comparison platform.

Winners of the award were identified by an analysis of the educational achievement of individuals across the United States. Insurify analyzed more than 2.5 million auto insurance applications, including the age and educational background of each applicant, to locate the most educated community in each state. Every individual in the data set was assigned a score based on educational attainment and grade point average (GPA), for current states. The results were then grouped by city, and the highest-scoring community in each state was selected.

“Pursuing educational opportunities demonstrates the drive to succeed, not only for oneself, but for one’s greater community,” said Insurify CEO, Snejina Zacharia. “With this award, we hope to recognize cities whose residents are exemplary in their dedication to educational achievement.”

For more information on this analysis and the full list of 2020 Most Educated Cities, visit: https://insurify.com/insights/most-educated-cities-award-2020/.

Westat Selected as Strategic Partner for Montgomery County COVID-19 Adaptation & Recovery Study

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Local Research Firm Selected to Partner on Multi-year Survey of Montgomery County Businesses to Assess Impact of COVID-19 and Identify Resources Needed for Recovery. 

ROCKVILLE, Md. – May 19, 2020—The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has selected Rockville-based Westat as its strategic partner in conducting a longitudinal COVID-19 Adaptation and Recovery Study.

This three-year survey of Montgomery County businesses will track and analyze the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the County’s businesses through spring of 2023. Nationally-recognized and employee-owned, Westat provides research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, businesses, foundations, and state and local governments.

“This is an important project, as data is critical for lawmakers and policymakers to make informed decisions,” said Benjamin H. Wu, President and CEO of MCEDC. “This multi-year survey will be used to guide Montgomery County’s post-pandemic initiatives and allow us to best understand the evolving issues that are priorities for the business community.”

“Businesses representing different industries, sizes, and ownership demographics will be included in our sampling plan to ensure the survey results provide a full picture of business adaptation. We are excited to partner with MCEDC to support the long-term vitality of business in our home County,” said Dr. Kerry Levin, Westat Vice President for Social Policy and Research and the project lead.

MCEDC and Westat will begin administering the first of six monthly surveys beginning in June 2020, with quarterly surveys implemented thereafter. Data analyses will be shared with the County Executive, the County Council, and external stakeholders. As the multi-year study progresses, MCEDC will provide quarterly public briefings on the survey results.

Anticipated survey topics and trends to track include business adaptation strategies during the stay-at-home order, firm closures, and unanticipated opportunities for growth during recovery, among others. The survey also intends to follow the impact of federal, state, and local COVID-19 relief dollars on local businesses.

Montgomery County Businesses Awarded $200,000 to Support Local COVID-19 Needs & PPE Manufacturing

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

25 Local Production Fund Recipients Include Tailors, Artisans, Tech Companies, and Commercial Printers

ROCKVILLE, Md. – May 14, 2020—The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has selected 25 local recipients to receive maker and manufacturing grant awards totaling $200,000 from the newly created Local Production Fund.

The Local Production Fund was created to provide local small and medium-sized manufacturers/producers with the working capital necessary to make and provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and other COVID-19 related products. The grants range in size from $2,500 to $25,000 and will produce face shields, face masks, hand sanitizers, home cleansers, gowns, and COVID-19 testing kits, among others.

“In these difficult times, local businesses want to step up and offer their services to support Montgomery County’s PPE supply,” said Benjamin H. Wu, President and CEO of MCEDC. “The Local Production Fund is allowing homegrown innovators to pivot their operations and be creative to meet our COVID-19 needs. We’re excited to see the final products and applaud these companies.”

Juan Carlos Castillo, owner of Tierra Floral Design and Tierra Events, has pivoted from creating elaborate floral arrangements and planning events to a new role making PPE. “Thanks to the Local Production Fund grant, we have been able to access all the materials we need to produce face shields for first responders,” said Castillo, whose company received a $20,000 grant.

Aisha Khadar of Sha’s Creations, a maker of organic body products and one of the featured women-owned retailers in Maryland Women’s Business Center’s business incubator–Shop Local Rockville–also expressed gratitude for the infusion of funds. “This grant allows our company to manufacture hand sanitizer and liquid disinfecting soaps for our community,” said Khadar.

The 25 grant recipients are a diverse group with 73% of the funding awarded to companies led by women or minority entrepreneurs. They work in a variety of fields, including IT/educational consulting, robotics, tech production, automotive electronic/lighting, embroidery/screen printing, biotech, commercial printing, farming, artisan manufacturing/retail, alterations/tailors, nonprofits, and farming. The awardees are located in Silver Spring, Germantown, Bethesda/North Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Olney, Potomac, Dickerson and Clarksburg.

The $200,000 Local Production Fund was funded by $100,000 from MCEDC and by a $100,000 special appropriation from the County Council enacted on April 21, 2020. MCEDC accepted applications for the Local Production Fund from April 22-May 1, 2020. Existing Montgomery County companies, sole proprietors and non-profits were eligible to apply for the funding. MCEDC received 51 submittals. As part of their grant agreement, by the end of August, awardees will submit a report to MCEDC detailing their progress and how the funds have been used.

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UnitedHealthcare Will Join Maryland Health Exchange Individual Market in 2021

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – May 12, 2020—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that national health insurer UnitedHealthcare has filed to offer individual health plans through Maryland Health Connection in 2021.

“We are very pleased United has chosen to enter Maryland’s individual market,” said Governor Hogan. “During this public health crisis, it’s more important than ever for Marylanders to have access to a robust marketplace with different options to suit their needs.”

Currently, two insurers – CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente – offer individual market health plans through the Maryland marketplace.

“UnitedHealthcare intends to offer individual plans in 2021 that provide strong coverage options for those shopping on Maryland Health Connection,” said Krista Nelson, senior vice president, UnitedHealthcare. “We look forward to working with the State of Maryland to help individuals get access to health care coverage that meets their care needs.”

Nearly 159,000 people enrolled in private plans through the Maryland health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, during the initial 2020 open enrollment period. Nearly 29,000 people have since enrolled during a special coronavirus open enrollment period, running through June 15.

“Under Governor Hogan’s leadership, Maryland has been successful in lowering premiums and strengthening the marketplace,” said Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. “Another carrier entering the individual market is further proof that we’re moving in the right direction and have successfully stabilized the market.”

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is a public corporation and independent unit of state government. It was established in 2011 in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection, an online marketplace where Maryland residents can compare and enroll in health insurance as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid or financial help with private plans.

“We are thrilled to have another insurance company entering the marketplace, so that Marylanders across the state will have more options to choose a health plan that works best for themselves and their families,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), provides health care coverage and benefits services across the United States.

REDI Celebrates National Economic Development Week from May 4-9, 2020

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

REDI joins cities nationwide to increase awareness of the positive work economic developers do to enhance local economic impact while celebrating the Rockville community.

ROCKVILLE, Md. – May 4, 2020—Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is observing National Economic Development Week 2020 from May 4-9 to celebrate the positive contributions of economic development in the Rockville community. In the midst of this current health and economic crisis, it is even more vital for local jurisdictions and economic development organizations to work together to identify opportunities that help local businesses survive and thrive.

As an economic development organization, REDI proactively supports policies and programs explicitly directed at improving the city of Rockville’s business climate in collaboration with governmental and community partners working on city, county, and state levels. Initiatives include business funding and incentives, business retention and expansion as well as strategic community and real estate development initiatives. 

REDI also promotes the vibrancy of the Rockville community by publicizing the arts, recreational opportunities, local eating and drinking establishments, and much more. Currently, REDI staff participates in daily multi-agency planning calls to identify and implement ways to support businesses and residents during the COVID-19 crisis. It has also created an information portal (https://rockvilleredi.org/covid-19-resources/) and continues to be a resource for Rockville businesses seeking aid during the pandemic.

“Rockville is known for science and technological innovation, renowned educational institutions, accessibility to federal organizations, a vast transportation system, world class talent, nationally-recognized quality of life, and happy, engaged citizens,” said Paul Newman, REDI Board Chair. “We are excited to celebrate all aspects of our great community during Economic Development Week 2020. It is a chance to share some good news at a time when our community needs it most.”

Now in its fifth year, National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, in 2016 to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies.

“REDI is in the business of connection,” said Cynthia Stewart, REDI Executive Director. “Our efforts support programs and services that expand opportunities for businesses, simplify doing business in Rockville, and enhance our innovative and diverse community. We invite everyone to follow our social media channels—LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook—to learn more about our services, successes from the past year, and our great expectations for the future.”

REDI offers guidance and support to companies at all stages of growth through a variety of services, which include business funding and incentives, site selection assistance, area data and demographic expertise, networking and referrals, assistance for businesses and developers navigating the project permit and approvals process, and workforce development connections. It also educates stakeholders by sharing relevant news, events, and opportunities for the business community and the community-at-large.

For additional information ways REDI can help your business thrive in Rockville, contact Cindy Stewart Rivarde at cindy@rockvilleredi.org. 

About Rockville Economic Development, Inc.
Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) was formed in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) to identify and develop economic opportunities to help the City of Rockville prosper. For more than 20 years, REDI has provided businesses with the necessary tools to launch, locate, and expand in Rockville and continues to offer guidance and support to business ventures in the city.  For more information, visit www.rockvilleredi.org.

About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council is the leading international association for professional economic developers. IEDC supports the work of more than 5,000 economic developers to create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, universities and a variety of other institutions. To learn more about Economic Development Week, visit IEDC online at iedconline.org/edw.

Maryland Companies Producing Critical PPE Supplies Receive $1.6M in Grants

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

20 Maryland Companies Working To Manufacture Critical Supplies
Including Face Shields, Masks, Gowns, And Ventilators


ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland has awarded more than $1.6 million in a first round of grants to 20 Maryland companies for pivoting to or expanding production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in response to COVID-19.

Through the Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce, companies are receiving grants of up to $100,000 to manufacture everything from face shields, gowns, N-95 masks, and respirator parts to battery packs for ventilators.

“Ramping up our supply of PPE is a critical building block in our state’s recovery plan, and we are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to secure these resources for our front line workers,” said Governor Hogan. “I want to thank and commend the local businesses who have shifted their operations and increased production to help us save lives and flatten the curve.”

The $5 million program was created in response to a growing demand for items to protect health care and front line workers, including face shields, surgical masks and gowns and gloves, as well as items for hospitals, like thermometers, respirators, and ventilators. The program received more than 200 applications, and additional grants will be made available in the coming weeks.

“We quickly created this program to address an immediate critical need, and our business community has responded in a big way,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “Many of these companies have had to rapidly ramp up production of these items, while others pivoted completely from their normal operations and came up with a creative way they could help, with some adding new jobs in the process.”

The following Maryland companies are receiving grant funding:

 Grant Recipient  County  Typical Production   COVID-19 Production
 Awesome Ninja Labs   Baltimore City  Medical devices  Face shields
 CoastTec   Carroll  Battery back-ups for computers  Battery packs for Vyaire ventilators
 CR Daniels  Howard  Textile, plastics, and metal manufacturing  Face masks and gowns
 DiPole Materials  Baltimore City  Custom nanofiber manufacturing  Filters for medical masks and respirators
 DVF Corporation   Washington  Metal and plastic fabrications  Plastic components of respirators
 Fashions Unlimited  Baltimore City  Apparel manufacturing  Surgical masks and protective gowns
 Fabrication Events   Howard  Special event decor  Face masks, head coverings, and other PPE
 Harbor Designs   Baltimore City  Manufacturing design and engineering  Ventilators
 Hardwire, LLC  Worcester  Bulletproof body armor and equipment for law enforcement and the military  Face shields
 K&W Finishing  Baltimore City  Traditional die cutting, coating, and other bindery services  Face shields
 Key Technologies  Baltimore City  Medical devices  Blower units for positive air pressure respirators
 LAI International   Carroll  Components for aerospace and defense,medical devices, and infrastructure systems  Face shields
 Manta BioFuels   Baltimore County  Energy technology  Face shields
 Marty’s Bag Works  Anne Arundel  Canvas boating products, cushions, laser printing, and bags  Surgical masks, face shields, and lightweight gowns
 Nations Photo Lab   Baltimore County  Full-service photo printing  Face shields
 NRL & Associates  Queen Anne’s  Ultra-precision machining, fabrication, and assembly  Ventilators
 Potomac Photonics   Baltimore County  Biotech and medical devices  PPE visors
 Rankin Upholstery  Montgomery  Auto, marine, aircraft and custom upholstery  Masks, gowns, and other PPE
 Strouse   Carroll  Adhesive solutions  N-95 masks
 X-Laser  Howard  Laser light show systems  Face shields

“After hearing story after story of ventilator shortages, I wanted to put our resources to use to help,” said Jonathan Sevel, CEO of CoastTec. “I knew that our company is adaptable enough to focus engineering and manufacturing towards a cost-effective viable strategy to get non-working ventilators back into circulation. We estimate that we will be able to manufacture 200-300 ventilator battery packs per day, hopefully easing some of the strain on the system.”

“The Commerce Department’s rapid response to getting us assistance has given us the confidence to invest in our filter production equipment and allowed us to bring on an additional dozen employees to operate it,” said Ken Malone, chairman of DiPole Materials. “Importantly, our expansion will also allow us to rapidly grow our business post-crisis when we pivot back to being a custom manufacturer of high performance materials.”

For additional business resources available during the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus. For health resources, including case counts and clinician guidance, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

Rockville Companies Make Significant Impact During COVID-19

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Updated June 12, 2020

During our public health crisis and time of uncertainty, several Rockville businesses–along with businesses in the surrounding areas–are making significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Company impacts vary, but some of the ways they are influencing change and supporting the greater good include:

  • Developing and manufacturing new products that align with their current core business strengths;
  • Pivoting company operations to meet new community needs;
  • Creating resources and tools to help small businesses remain operational during shelter-in-place mandates; and
  • Using company resources and influence to support frontline workers during the public health crisis.

If your Rockville business is contributing to the stabilization of the COVID-19 health crisis, we’d love to feature it here. Contact us at admin@rockvilleredi.org with the details.

Maryland’s Life Sciences Companies Collaborate on COVID-19 Vaccines, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics
Maryland’s life sciences companies are working together to create vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Here is a list of Rockville companies and their current COVID-19 initiatives as provided by Maryland Life Sciences, a division of Maryland Tech Council:

  • 20/20 Gene Systems, based in Rockville, is importing a CE-marked rapid diagnostic for emergency use in the U.S.
  • NEW! It was recently announced that Emergent BioSolutions has expanded a contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, to expand production capabilities and manufacturing support for COVID-19 vaccine candidates through 2021. This will bring approximately $85.5 million into its Rockville manufacturing location as well as two, Baltimore-area sites.
  • GenArraytion, based in Rockville, is providing a validated COVID-19 RNA sequence assay.
  • GlaxoSmithKline, which has an R&D center for vaccines in Rockville, has offered to share its vaccine adjuvant with others developing vaccines.
  • Immunomic Therapeutics, Inc. in Rockville is working to build a COVID-19 vaccine, evaluate it, and seek grant funding to pay for the clinical study.
  • Integrated Biotherapeutics, based in Rockville, is working on vaccines and therapeutics.
  • Navitas Life Sciences, located in Rockville, is offering clinical research resources.
  • Next Molecular Analytics, which has operations in Rockville and Chester, Virginia, is providing RNA sequencing for COVID-19.
  • Sanaria & Protein Potential, both based in Rockville, are working on diagnostics and vaccines.
  • Sequella, based in Rockville, has resources for drug manufacturing.

Other Maryland life sciences companies contributing to COVID-19 initiatives include:

  • Adaptive Phage Therapeutics in Gaithersburg is in talks with a partner to help with rapid production of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate for a planned clinical study.
  • UPDATED! Altimmune, based in Gaithersburg, is developing an intranasal vaccine. Recently, the biotech company received a regulatory nod to move forward with clinical trials for a COVID-19 treatment, which may help prevent severe lung inflammation from the disease and reduce hospitalizations. The therapeutic is a separate candidate from Altimmune’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which was announced earlier this year.
  • Asell, based in Owings Mills, is providing expertise with diagnostic development to the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
  • Children’s National Hospital, based in D.C., is offering clinical research collaborations to regional biotech companies developing COVID-19 solutions.
  • Emergent Biosolutions is providing services in Gaithersburg and Baltimore to Novavax and SF-based Vaxart.
  • Novavax, based in Gaithersburg, is developing a vaccine and partnered with Emergent Biosolutions for contract manufacturing and development.
  • Pfizer, which is the parent company of Columbia-based Meridian Medical Technologies, is offering to share its resources and tools.
  • Pharmaceutics International, based in Hunt Valley, is offering to provide access to a sterile fill and finish operation.
  • Qiagen Labs, which has an operation in Germantown, is ramping up manufacturing of sample processing kits for COVID-19, and adding the new coronavirus to its infectious disease test panel.
  • Zalgen Labs, based in Germantown, is developing a diagnostic.

Rockville Distiller & Organic Beauty Company Respond to Hand Sanitizer Need
In mid-March as the COVID-19 pandemic was rapidly spreading and hand sanitizer was scarce, Twin Valley Distillers, which normally produces spirits such as rum, vodka, whisky and bourbon, pivoted its business to respond to a vital community need—hand sanitizer.

With traditional sanitizer companies unable to keep up with the public demand, owner Eduardo Zuniga began production in his facility. In addition to offering a solution to a public health issue, it also kept his employees working full-time when a reduction of hours was imminent. Twin Valley Distillers helped supply hand sanitizer to local first responders in Montgomery County, the city of Baltimore, and the city of Frederick.

Aisha Khadar of Sha’s Creations, a maker of organic body products and one of the featured women-owned retailers in Maryland Women’s Business Center’s business incubator–Shop Local Rockville–received a grant from Montgomery County’s from newly created Local Production Fund. She is using her grant to manufacture hand sanitizer and liquid disinfecting soaps for our community.

Rockville Ping Pong Company Makes Masks for Healthcare Workers
Rockville resident Richard Lee owns Joola Table Tennis, a company that makes ping pong tables and has its North American headquarters based in Rockville. He’s pivoted his company to produce face masks primarily for healthcare workers. Lee selected to make face masks because his sister is a frontline healthcare worker and because they not only protect the people wearing them, but also the people around them. So far, the company has produced more than 500,000 face masks and will continue to make masks to keep communities safe during COVID-19.

Rockville’s True Respite Brewing Company Helps Breweries Across the Country Remain Operational
To help craft breweries reach customers and maintain sales during the pandemic, True Respite Brewing Company developed a novel online platform—Biermi.

Through the website, customers can select a local brewery, place an online order, and schedule a pick-up or delivery (where available). So far, nearly 90 breweries in 27 states have gone live on the Biermi platform, with more on the way every day!

This groundbreaking platform has helped breweries remain operational during this critical time, facilitating more than $500k in sales to date. And of course, True Respite offers curbside pick-up and delivery service for local Marylanders as well.

Dawson’s Market & Local Restaurants Provide Meals for Frontline Workers
Efforts in Montgomery County to provide food to frontline workers—doctors, nurses, caregivers & support staff, EMTs, firefighters and the countless others who are fighting the pandemic—now includes a specific campaign for Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center and its affiliates. Julie Sapper spearheads this campaign and the community is grateful for her devotion and commitment.

Several Rockville businesses/restaurants have participated including Dawson’s Market whose patrons recently purchased 284 meals delivered to frontline workers, The Bean Bag Deli & Catering, Botanero Restaurant (which is also accepting online donations to provide meals for the Rockville Fire Department), Fontina Grille, and il Pizzico. The next participating restaurant is Berries & Bowls (The Kentlands in Gaithersburg), which is trying to provide 500 bowls to the dedicated frontline workers in all departments of the hospital(s). Donate here or visit the campaign’s Facebook Page to support local restaurants/efforts.

Sources:
https://technical.ly/baltimore/2020/03/20/17-maryland-biotech-companies-collaborating-vaccines-therapeutics-diagnostics-covid19-coronavirus/
https://biobuzz.io/covid-19-vaccine-progress-from-8-biohealth-capital-region-companies/
https://biobuzz.io/covid-19-vaccine-progress-from-8-biohealth-capital-region-companies/
https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-covid19-blood-tests-20200412-wcl6fallvfei3h5dgvczu6fmti-story.html
https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/coronavirus/rockville-distillery-switches-to-producing-hand-sanitizer/
https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/coronavirus/rockville-distillery-switches-to-producing-hand-sanitizer/
https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-brewery-launches-online-platform-beer-delivery/
https://dawsonsmarket.com/
https://www.berriesandbowls.com/
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/rockville-mans-ping-pongcompany-making-masks-for-health-care-workers/2271557/
 

Senator Van Hollen Releases Fact Sheets to Help Marylanders During COVID-19

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Keeping Marylanders Informed during the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

Senator Van Hollen’s office recently posted detailed fact sheets and resources for Maryland residents related to the three Federal stimulus packages.

Download the Phase 1 & 2 Fact Sheet Here for information about benefits for Marylanders.

Download the Phase 3 Fact Sheet Here for information about federal funding available through the CARES Act.

Download the Phase 3.5 Fact Sheet Here for information about additional funding for small- and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits. 

If you’d like more information, visit Senator Van Hollen’s online Coronavirus Resource Center. Or, visit REDI’s resource page here.

Montgomery County Council Approves $20m in COVID-19 Aid Funding

Posted on by Amanda Bosland

Updated April 9, 2020

Requirements for the County’s Public Health Emergency Grant Fund (PHEG) are online now. The application should go live early next week. Here is some of the information that you should gather in anticipation of the opening of the online application.

Business Eligibility:

  1. Must be a “Business in Good Standing” (see below).
  2. Employ 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees.
  3. Physically located in the County (see specific requirement).
  4. Incurred financial losses caused directly or indirectly by the Covid-19 public health emergency.
  5. Must apply for any applicable State and Federal programs to qualify for County assistance.

Documentation Needed:

6. Supply at least two of these documents:

  • Tax Return 2019 (or 990) if available.
  • Tax Return 2018 (or 990).
  • Tax Return 2017 (or 990).
  • Interim Financial Statements and any Tax Return the business filed with the IRS (if your business is less than 2 years old).
  • 2019 Profit and Loss Statement (if your business is less than 2 years old).
  • Schedule C from your Personal Tax Returns (for Sole Proprietors) 2018.
  • Schedule C from your Personal Tax Returns (for Sole Proprietors) 2017.

7. Supply these documents which are required to demonstrate financial loss due to the health emergency:

  • Interim Monthly or Quarterly Financials for Calendar Year 2020, OR
  • Monthly or Quarterly Sales Tax Filings for Calendar Year 2020, OR
  • 2020 Bank Statements for businesses with fewer than 5 employees.
  • Evidence of application to Federal and/or State COVID-19 assistance programs, including award or denial letters. You must apply for any applicable State and Federal programs to qualify for County assistance.
  • Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization.
  • Invoice or Quote for Telework equipment or software for your employees, if requesting funds for this purpose.

“Good Standing”:
8. Is your business registered and in “Good Standing” with the State of Maryland?

  • Search for your business entity at Maryland Business Express/Business Entity Search.
  • Enter your business name and select “Search”.
  • Your business will be listed if you are registered.
  • Select your business and check under the General Information tab to verify that your business is in “Good Standing.”

Special thanks to the Gaithersburg/Germantown Chamber of Commerce for the information synopsis. 

ORIGINAL POST: April 2, 2020

Public Health Emergency Grant Program will provide emergency grant funding to small businesses and nonprofits

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Montgomery County Council approved $20 million in emergency funding to provide grants to small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by COVID-19. At least 25% of the funds are required to go to restaurants and retail storefronts; that figure can be higher.

The Council also approved an additional $6 million in funding with $5 million going for direct financial assistance to Montgomery County residents and $1 million allocated to support safety net services through the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Council approved the COVID-19 Economic Relief Act (Expedited Bill 16-20, Economic Development Fund – Public Health Emergency Grant Program – Established) and the accompanying special appropriations on an emergency basis and authorized the County Executive to begin providing this assistance as quickly as possible.

The measures include the following:

  • Public Health Emergency Grant Program: This new program provides grant funding up to $75,000 per business or nonprofit for county businesses or nonprofits with 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees that can demonstrate financial losses caused by the public health emergency. Grant funding must be used for employee wages and benefits, taxes, debt, rent or other operating losses during the public health emergency.
  • Microgrants: The grant program includes microgrant funding for local businesses and nonprofits up to $2,500 to cover the costs associated with purchasing teleworking equipment and technology and supporting teleworking capabilities during the Covid-19 emergency.
  • Special appropriation for the Public Health Emergency Grant Program: The Council funded a $20 million special appropriation for the Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget to finance the Public Health Emergency Grant Program through the County’s Economic Development Fund. The source of the funds is the County’s General Fund Reserves. The impact of the special appropriation will be offset by the County Executive’s recommended reduction of FY20 expenditures from the Retiree Health Benefits Trust Non-Department Account based on the new actuarial evaluation lowering the required contribution.
  • Special appropriation to the COVID-19 Human Services and Community assistance Non-Departmental Account: The Council also funded a $6 million special appropriation with $5 million for financial assistance to residents and $1 million to support safety net programs provided by the Department of Health and Human Services and its non-profit partners to assist vulnerable populations.

Application Information Coming Soon

The County is now developing the application process for accessing those funds, which will be shared when it becomes available. Here are some key items to know:

  • Businesses and nonprofits with up to 100 employees can apply for a maximum grant of $75,000.
  • Funds may be used to cover employee wages and benefits, taxes, debt, rent, and other operating expenses.
  • The principal place of business must be in the county.
  • Sole proprietorships are eligible.
  • Includes mini-grants of up to $2,500 to cover technology equipment and software purchases for remote work.