Essex Community Development Corporation is thrilled to announce that we were awarded a State of Maryland DHCD Project Restore 2.0 grant to contribute to supporting the commercial revitalization of Eastern Boulevard in Essex, Maryland. With this grant, Essex CDC will assist in activating two vacant properties on Eastern Blvd. in Essex, support small businesses, create job opportunities, improve the Eastern Blvd. commercial corridor, and increase local economic activity. Through a competitive application process, we will award funding to two businesses (between $75,000 – $100,000*) for renovation, equipment, and other costs associated with having a brick and mortar business.
*Funding may not cover all costs associated with business start-up and renovations.
Why Essex CDC believes in our Community
- What is Essex Community Development Corporation (Video)
- Essex Community Development Corporation Website
What is our vision for the businesses that will move into these vacant properties?
Over the years, several studies have been conducted regarding Essex (See our Website). Our most recent Retail Gap/Market Analysis conducted by Camoin Associates in 2023 indicates that Essex is ripe for food-related businesses, entertainment, and retail. Essex CDC has a strong interest in supporting healthy, sustainable businesses that will provide a significant benefit to the community.
The Essex CDC Project Restore 2.0 Application Review Committee is looking for high quality applications that include a clear business plan with mission and vision statement, market research, a financial analysis and projections, a marketing and sales plan, SWOT analysis, owner resume and experience, and any other materials that will make the case as to how a given business will benefit the Essex community.
If this is your first time opening a business, be sure to include your industry or related experience in your application.
Additional BUSINESS RESOURCES to help prepare your business plan, finances, and more can be found via these links:
- Baltimore County Commercial Revitalization Programs through the Dept. of Planning and the Dept. of Economic and Workforce Development
- Baltimore County Public Library Entrepreneur and Small Business Resources
- CCBC Business and Continuing Education Programs
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
- Baltimore Community Lending
Eligible Properties
- 25 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 98B, Essex, MD 21221
- 501 Eastern Boulevard, Essex, MD 21221
Tours of Eligible Properties
We will be hosting tours of the two eligible properties at the beginning of November. We highly encourage applicants to sign up and participate in a tour. See below for tour dates. You MUST RSVP by November 1 to attend the tours. Contact Alison Maxwell at [email protected]. Serious business applicants ONLY!
Timeline
Applications Open: 10/14/2024
Property Tours: 11/01/2024 to 11/04/2024
Applications Close: 11/22/2024 at 11:59pm
Interview Process:* 12/02/2024 to 12/06/2024
Review and Selection Process: 12/10/2024 to 1/06/2025
*Not all applicants will be interviewed.
Application
Applications are now open for interested business tenants. The last day to submit an application is November 22, 2024 at 11:59pm.
For more information, please visit the Essex Community Development Corporation website www.essexcdc.org or email Alison Maxwell, Business Development Liaison, at [email protected].
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