The Department of Economic Development’s GROW Grant Program is designed to encourage and financially-support small businesses making strategic improvements to commercial buildings within The City of Frederick.
The program offers conditional microgrants (up to $10,000) to projects that support critical improvements that will convey with the property and enhance the functionality of the property for both current and future business tenants/owners. Applicants are evaluated on the extent to which their project will contribute to the growth of the business, enhance the usability of the property, positively impact the surrounding neighborhood, and leverage private investment. Special consideration is given to projects that demonstrate financial need, as well as to FITCI graduates and those in designated target industries.
Demand for the GROW Grant in FY24 has been the highest in program history. Accordingly, the funding has been fully depleted for the year — however, interested parties are still invited to submit an application in the event that additional funding becomes available. The program will be potentially eligible for renewed funding at the start of the next fiscal year, pending budget review & approval.
the impact of this year’s GROW program Awards:
This fiscal year, ten City-based small businesses were supported by the GROW Grant.
The $90,000 in total City GROW Grant awards supported a total private investment of approximately $4,907,000.
The awarded businesses expanded by 28,964 square feet collectively and anticipate these projects will prompt the hire of 108 total new employees over the next 3 years.
Though not a consideration in the application scoring, over half of this year’s awardees were women and/or minority owned businesses.
The awards were distributed across diverse geographical areas of the City.
FY 2024 projects:
1. Dahlia Noir Salon
The Project
Full build-out of empty shell unit of Sharpe’s Square for use as hair salon
Key Building Improvements
Addition of 2 ADA compliant restrooms, HVAC improvements, electrical & plumbing installations, and fire suppression modifications
Before
After
2. Unrivaled Iron Gym
The Project
Transformation of vacant East Frederick warehouse space into new fitness facility
Key Building Improvements
Addition of ADA compliant restrooms, HVAC improvements, electrical & plumbing installations, parking area improvements, and installation of fire suppression system
3. il Forno
The Project
Renovation of adjoining space to host a new tasting room and take-out area as part of an expansion of an established Golden Mile restaurant
Key Building Improvements
Addition of ADA compliant restrooms, HVAC improvements, electrical & plumbing installations
4. Jollof on Point
The Project
Renovation of empty retail space in Festival at Frederick shopping center into a full-service restaurant
Key Building Improvements
Addition of new commercial kitchen & ADA compliant restrooms, installation of of fire suppression systems
5. Lockhouse Studios
The Project
Addition of new central air conditioning and heating system to existing historic space for increased studio use
Key Building Improvements
HVAC Improvements
6. Gogi Go
The Project
Complete renovation of prominent vacant restaurant along the Golden Mile
Key Building Improvements
Installation of fire suppression system and HVAC improvements
7. Perennial
The Project
Total renovation of historic downtown property transforming former office space into new retail shop
Key Building Improvements
Installation of ADA compliant restrooms and HVAC improvements
8. Idiom Brewing
The Project
Installation of commercial kitchen at established microbrewery in historic Union Knitting Mills building
Key Building Improvements
Installation of commercial kitchen, modification of fire suppression system, electrical & plumbing installations
9. Black Hog
The Project
Renovation of existing S Market restaurant to feature expanded kitchen, rooftop terrace, and new smoke house
Key Building Improvements
Expanded commercial kitchen, improvements to fire suppression system, parking area improvements, water/sewer upgrades, and HVAC improvements.
10. Union Mills Public House
The Project
Transformation of vacant shell into cidery and restaurant/dining flex space as part of adjoining event venue expansion
Key Building Improvements
HVAC installation, plumbing and electrical installations
Before
After
Thoughts from an Awardee:
We caught up with the Union Mills Public House Team and asked them to reflect on their experience with the GROW Program. Here’s what they shared:
How did the GROW Grant help you expand your business?
Starting with a cold, dark shell, as a small business, we were responsible for a portion of interior leasehold improvements to the property. These types of permanent improvements, such as plumbing or HVAC are very costly and are usually the biggest ticket items for "build-outs". Having access to the GROW Grant allowed us to continue moving forward with the completion of our vision while providing relief from the financial burden of these expenses. The grant gave us financial flexibility to begin investing earlier in other crucial needs such as: hiring, marketing and business development.
What advice do you have for a business considering an eligible project for the program?
Please know that there are many resources available to upstart small businesses here in Frederick County, MD. However, the GROW Grant is one of a few resources that can provide funding for your vision while supporting you with hands-on assistance, knowledge and advice from the leadership and staff of Frederick's City Economic Development team.
We could not have gotten to the place we are at with our vision without this incredible resource and the people who believe in entrepreneurial vision and advocate small business development in The City of Frederick. This should be your first contact for local business resources and for more information to understand grant's eligibility requirements for your business.
Interested in growing your business?
Contact the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development for resources to support your expansion project at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov.