Maryland transportation officials have announced a new grant program offering financial assistance to small businesses impacted by the ongoing construction of the Purple Line light rail project. The grants, which can provide up to $50,000 to eligible businesses, aim to help offset the financial disruptions caused by construction activities in the corridor.

The new program, named the Small Business Grant Program, builds on the previous Purple Line Construction Zone Grant Program, which provided similar funding from the State of Maryland in 2023 and 2024. This initiative is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses affected by the construction and ensure that they can continue operating during the project’s development.

$4 Million Investment in Small Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor

The Small Business Grant Program will provide $4 million in grants over the next four years to small businesses along the 16-mile, 21-station Purple Line corridor, which stretches through Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The grants will be particularly focused on businesses impacted by construction closures or detours, and will also offer marketing support to help maintain business visibility during the construction period.

“Maryland’s investment in the Purple Line represents a tremendous economic growth opportunity that will connect communities from Bethesda to New Carrollton,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “For the project to be truly successful, we must ensure that we leave no one behind. These grants will support the businesses whose operations are impacted by construction to ensure they remain open and are ready to thrive once the Purple Line opens.”

The Maryland Purple Line is currently 73% complete and is slated to begin service in winter 2027. As construction continues, the grant program will serve as a lifeline to businesses struggling with the financial strain caused by the disruption.

Eligibility Criteria for Small Businesses

To be eligible for the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program, businesses must meet several criteria:

• They must operate a customer-facing business within one-quarter of a mile from the Purple Line alignment.
• The business must have been open and operational since January 1, 2022.
• The business must employ fifty or fewer employees, and its gross sales must average $2 million or less.
• Alternatively, businesses must be certified under the State of Maryland’s Small Business Reserve Program.

The grants are designed to help businesses that have been hit hardest by the ongoing construction, with a focus on those located in areas designated for community and economic development, revitalization, and sustainability.

Grant awards of up to $50,000 will vary depending on the location of the business, the extent of construction impacts in the area, and whether the business is situated in a zone targeted for redevelopment and growth.

Application Rounds and Deadlines

The program will run over the course of four years, with up to three application rounds taking place each year. The first round of applications is currently open, and businesses interested in applying must submit their applications by March 14. Applications and additional information can be found online at purplelinemd.com.

“We understand how challenging it can be for small businesses to weather the impacts of large-scale construction projects,” said Wiedefeld. “This program is designed to give businesses the financial support they need to keep their doors open and continue serving their customers while construction is underway.”

The funding aims to alleviate the burden on small businesses by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to maintain operations throughout the ongoing construction period.

‍Community Impact and Economic Growth

The Purple Line project is expected to provide long-term benefits to the Washington, D.C. metro area, enhancing transportation options and improving regional mobility. As a result, the state is particularly focused on ensuring that small businesses in the construction zone can continue to thrive as the project progresses.

Officials are optimistic that the program will contribute to the revitalization of communities along the Purple Line corridor, bringing new opportunities for economic growth and job creation once the light rail service is operational.

A Broader Commitment to Supporting Small Businesses

The Purple Line Small Business Grant Program reflects Maryland's broader commitment to ensuring that small businesses are not left behind in major infrastructure projects. By providing much-needed financial relief, the state is helping to ensure that local businesses continue to contribute to the region’s economy during this period of significant change and development.

Originally reported by Source Of The Spring.