Disadvantaged businesses that are based in Maryland can get free grants or interest free loans. There is financial help, ongoing support (including coaching or counseling), technical assistance (marketing, sales help, etc.) and much more for minorities and women owned companies. Find free small business grants or loans in MD near you.
The assistance, including from the government, non-profits, banks, or corporations, is for small to mid-sized businesses as well as startup companies. A focus is on the disadvantaged, including veterans, LGBTQ, Black or Latino owned, Asian companies, and others. However, any business in Maryland can apply for funds or technical help.
The list of grant programs, loans, government assistance programs and other resources listed below is updated daily. Most of the funds are paid out to qualified applicants on a first come-first served basis, with priority to MWBE as well as BIPOC owned business – meaning women, people of color, Black, Latino and veteran companies. However referrals and counseling can also be arranged.
Find Maryland grant and loan programs for minorities and women owned businesses
Any business can apply, regardless of gender, race, age, or ethnicity. All of the charities, lenders, or government agencies will allocate some of the funds to female owned companies as well as minorities. Or it is possible to attend free workshops, classes, networking events, and other small business development programs.
January and February 2026
Queen Anne’s County agricultural businesses that need funds to help expand, diversify operations or pay for certain approved costs such as marketing may apply for the Micro Agricultural Grant Program. The program is run in partnership of the Upper Shore Regional Council as well as Economic & Tourism Development. Applications are open until mid-February with details at https://choosequeenannes.com/micro-ag-grant/
October and November 2025
Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland have a matching grant program for agricultural businesses. Up to $60K is provided to each qualified business with applications here https://smadc.com/
Community College of Baltimore County has a program available in December/January to help small businesses. The Growth Lab Accelerator will provide information on grants, marketing techniques, internet sales and more to small companies, including diverse owners with details here https://www.ccbcmd.edu/About/News/2025/10/Growth-Lab-Randallstown.html
The Washington County Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant is available. Anywhere from 1K to 25K can be provided with some funds allocated to minority farmers too. The program, and applications, are processed by the Department of Business and Economic Development. Get funds to pay for equipment, farm supplies and other goods as listed here https://www.washco-md.net/business-development/agricultural-innovation-grant/
There are also older grants and loans that were issued, and find previous years MWBE grants and loans in Maryland.
By Jon McNamara
