Anne Arundel Launches Small Business Infrastructure Improvement Pilot Program

Grants will help small businesses invest in infrastructure improvements, grow their operations.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the Small Business Infrastructure Improvement Pilot Program (SBIIPP), a grant initiative to help small businesses afford the infrastructure improvements necessary to start or expand business operations. The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) will manage this program, supported by $850,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“Investing in our small businesses is an investment in our communities across Anne Arundel County,” County Executive Pittman said. “I want to thank the AAEDC for developing this pilot program, which will be another tool for our business community to use in building back better.”

According to a County press release:

Eligible projects include water and sewer improvements. A project must benefit multiple businesses, not just a single entity. Letters from neighboring organizations are required to demonstrate community support for the project. Community organizations include chambers of commerce and business, commercial condominium, homeowners and community associations. Funding is contingent on the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits final approval of the project.

“This program is a good example of a public private partnership,” AAEDC CEO Ben Birge said. “We believe such an investment of ARPA funds can result in business creation and expansion, improved communities, economic growth and job creation in our county.”

Applicants can be a for-profit business, a nonprofit entity, or other community and business organizations that are properly registered and in good standing with the State of Maryland. Applicants must be able to cover soft costs and associated fees as they navigate the project through the regulatory process.

The application period opens on Monday, December 13, 2021, and closes at 5:00 pm on Friday, January 28, 2022. More information and a link to the online application are available on the AAEDC website, www.aaedc.org.