Maryland transportation officials have announced a new series of grants of up to $50,000 to address the financial impacts of ongoing Purple Line construction on small businesses in the area.
The Maryland Department of Transportation is now accepting grant applications from small businesses impacted by construction along the Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
The new program succeeds the Purple Line Construction Zone Grant Program, which provided grants from the State of Maryland in 2023 and 2024.
The four-year Small Business Grant Program will invest $4 million in eligible businesses along the Purple Line corridor during construction closures or detours and provide marketing support for businesses along the alignment during the light rail project’s construction.
The 16-mile, 21-station Maryland Purple Line is currently 73 percent complete and is expected to begin service in winter 2027.
“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.”
According to a press release, eligible small businesses must operate a customer-facing business within one-quarter of a mile from the Purple Line alignment and have been open and operational since January 1, 2022. Small businesses are eligible if they have fifty or fewer employees, gross sales averaging $2 million or less, or are certified in the State of Maryland’s Small Business Reserve Program.
Grant award amounts of up to $50,000 will vary based on the business’s location, construction impacts, and whether the business is located in areas designated for community and economic development, revitalization, and sustainability.
Up to three application rounds will take place each year.
Applications for the first round of Purple Line Small Business Grant Program grants are due by March 14 and can be found online at purplelinemd.com.
Photo Courtesy of The Purple Line Project