Last updated: June 17, 2020

Below are some resources provided by a number of federal and state government agencies that Maryland businesses may find helpful. This list will be updated as we learn of additional resources. We have also removed several programs whose deadlines have already passed.
 

Rise Up Washington County Business Stabilization Grant

• Apply at www.washcorises.net
• Application period June 1 - June 30, 2020 (original deadline has been extended from June 15 to June 30)
• Grants up to $10,000 are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• $8.9 million to be awarded
• Businesses must be located within Washington County, including the City of Hagerstown
• Download the full guidelines here
• Questions? Download this FAQ document

Financial Assistance & Taxes

• Maryland business and individual income taxpayers will be given a 90-day extension for tax payments. No interest or penalty for late payments will be imposed if 2019 tax payments are made by July 15, 2020. See 90-day extension for tax payments for more information, or reach out to taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov with questions.
• Businesses who paid their Maryland Sales & Use Taxes for March early may request a refund of their payment by emailing taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov or by calling 410-260-4020.  
• Taxpayers who have set up a payment through their own online banking services will need to stop that transaction through their banks. Taxpayers who have scheduled a payment through the Comptroller’s iFIle or bFile can request to have a debit from their account stopped as long as it is at least 3 days prior to the scheduled payment date. If taxpayers have individual requests for assistance, they should contact Taxpayer Services at 410-260-7980 or via email at taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov.
• Maryland banks, credit unions, and financial service providers are operating under precautionary measures, with increased focus on mobile, phone, and online services. If you anticipate having trouble making a loan payment, please notify your lender or loan servicing company as soon as possible to discuss your options. Early and regular communication is important. View a list of credit unions operating in Maryland and their contact information.
• The federal tax filing deadline has been moved to July 15 - learn more.

Employer & Worker Assistance 

• The Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance for businesses and employees.
• The U.S. Department of Labor has developed some guidelines for how companies can prepare their workplace for COVID-19. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a COVID-19 website with information specifically for workers and employers.  There is also information on issues relating to wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• The Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Labor and Industry enforces the Maryland Health Working Families Act, also known as Safe and Sick Leave, which may be useful for employees who need to take off from work due to COVID-19. Learn more about the Maryland Health Working Families Act here, or email ssl.assistance@maryland.gov.
• If a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. To determine if a business is eligible, please visit our Bulk Claims Services Frequently Asked Questions page. If a business is eligible, they should contact a Claims Representative by emailing UI.BulkClaim@maryland.gov. For additional information, visit the Department of Labor's COVID-19 FAQ page.
• The Maryland Insurance Administration has shared insight into Business Interruption Insurance on their website. MIA has also put together an FAQ addressing insurance-related questions about coronavirus.
• Labor’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning enforces the Rapid Response System, which works collaboratively with the State’s businesses and workers to minimize the impact of economic disruptions caused by layoffs and plant or business operations closing.
• Labor’s Office of Small Business Regulatory Assistance is available to help Maryland business owners find timely and effective solutions to issues, so they can go about running their companies. They can be contacted by emailing osbra.inquiry@maryland.gov.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a national emergency declaration to provide hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief in response to COVID-19.

Licensing & Permitting

• According to the Governor’s Executive Order, all licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations issued by the state, its agencies or any political subdivision that would expire during the current state of emergency will be extended until at least the 30th day after the state of emergency is lifted.
• Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (O&P) is temporarily extending license expiration dates until May 1, which is subject to being extended as the response to the coronavirus situation evolves. They can be contacted by emailing dlopl-labor@maryland.gov.
• Businesses that are licensed and regulated by Labor’s Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation can email DLFRFinReg-LABOR@maryland.gov with any questions or concerns they may have about licensing requirements.

Educational Information

• COVID-19 Small Business Survival Guide
• The Maryland Small Business Development Center hosted a webinar on state and federal resources for small business. The slide deck is available here.
• The Department of Health hosted a webinar featuring information and guidance for businesses about coronavirus and preventing its spread in the workplace here  or watch the recording here.

More Information

We encourage members of the business community to reach out with their questions by sending a message to Secretary.Commerce@maryland.gov.

We also recommend that everyone regularly visit the Maryland Department of Health for the latest information on coronavirus and the Office of Governor Larry Hogan for updates on the state’s response to the outbreak.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has activated its Virtual Business Operation Center (VBOC) as of March 6 to address inquiries from the private sector. Businesses that are interested in emergency operations engagement can learn more through MEMA's Private Sector Integration Program.

Looking for a way to help? Please visit the new Maryland Unites website to find volunteer and donation opportunities.

 

Sources:
http://www.hagerstown.org/
http://www.mdsbdc.org