Personal Services E-Business Grant Summary
As a result of the Relief Act of 2021, an appropriation of funds has been made available to the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (“MEDAAF”) to be used to provide grants to businesses and assist in setting up an online sales framework.
The Department of Commerce has awarded Prince George’s County $749,000 for distribution to eligible grantees for the Online Sales Assistance Grant. This program will provide grants of $5,000 to Prince George’s County-based personal services businesses to support increased foot traffic to brick and mortar establishments, improvements to point of sale technology and cross channel functionality.
E-Business refers to operating an online business and specifically executing the transaction of goods and services. In general, this grant program encourages personal services businesses to utilize all forms of digital capabilities and technology to support and optimize its business processes. Effectively these businesses will establish or expand online sales capabilities. Establishing or expanding online sales capabilities may include real-time insights into customers, scheduling or inventory management.
Priority will be given to applicants that did not receive a COVID-19 Business Relief Grant or Loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Applications will be accepted between October 25, 2021 and November 8, 2021. Applications will be reviewed once all applications have been received. Grants will not be approved and awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants are not guaranteed to received funding.
* Previous grant recipients will be contacted directly to receive an increase in award up to the $5,000 amount.
|
KEY DATES
| Application Acceptance |
October 25, 2021 through November 8, 2021 |
| Notification of Awards |
November 12, 2021 |
| Acceptance of Grant Agreement |
November 17, 2021(Grantee Deadline) |
| Disbursement of Funds |
December 1, 2021 |
|
ELIGIBILITY:
- Business must be in eligible business sector (personal services)
- Have been established prior to March 9, 2020;
- Be registered and in good standing with Maryland SDAT;
- Applicants that did not receive a COVID-19 Business Relief Grant or Loan will be prioritized over applicants that received a COVID-19 Business Relief Grant or Loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce;
- Currently be in operation;
- Physical location must be in Prince George's County; and
- Not have more than 20 total employees excluding the owner. Number of employees will include contracted employees (i.e- 1099)
|
Eligible Personal Care Businesses:
Personal Care Services and Personal Services.
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing personal services and personal care services with an NAICS prefixes code of 8121, 8122, 8123, 81210, 541940, and 812930..
Examples:
- Consumer buying services
- Beauty Salons
- Barber Shops
- Nail Salons
- Make-Up Artist/Services
- Online Travel Agency
- Wedding planning services
- Personal fitness training services
See Frequently Asked Questions for more eligible business types.
Ineligible Services Include:
- Bail bonding or bondsperson services
- Shoeshine services
- Coin-operated personal services machine (e.g., blood pressure, locker, photographic, scale, shoeshine) concession operators
- Social escort services
|
USE OF GRANT:
Eligible businesses may receive a grant of $5,000 to support expenses incurred in establishing or expanding online sales during COVID (after March 2020). Eligible use of funds may also include reimbursement of equipment or services purchased for/or related to businesses online/e-commerce sustainability, appointment scheduling software, purchasing personal computers. As upgrades to some businesses online platforms and e-commerce capabilities have already taken place, this grant program allows for reimbursement after March 2020.
Common use of funds that may apply to businesses seeking technical upgrade capabilities:
- Website Development/ Enhancements
- Target Marketing
- Establish E-Commerce Functionality
- App Integration
|
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for the Online Sales Grant funds, a link to the application portal will be available on October 25, 2021.
Prior to submission of your application, confirm that your business is “Active” and in “Good Standing” by using SDAT’s free search the link below. Evidence of Good Standing is required to complete the online application.
https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch
If your business is not in good standing, you will be ineligible to receive funds. If you need assistance with getting your business back into good standing, directions can be found at the link below and on the attached checklist.
https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/manage/maintain-good-standing-status
|
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
- Complete online application
- Employment Verification Form
- Evidence of Good Standing (Screenshot/Photo will be accepted)
- Voided Check
|
NOTICE OF GRANT AWARD & ACCEPTANCE:
Recipients of a grant will be notified by email provided on the application. Applicants will certify at the end of the application that all information provided is accurate and true. Grant recipients, and the dollar amount of the grant received, are public information.
Grant funds may be reported as taxable income to the businesses. IRS 1099 Forms will be issued to each grant recipient.
|