Small Businesses

If your business needs business development funds for 2022 and your revenue has been affected due to COVID-19, you can apply for a grant and be awarded based on annual revenue from the Baltimore Development Corporation. Funds can be used to pay for future e-commerce, technology, marketing, legal, accounting, and human resources, special initiatives, safety measures, expenses related to pandemic recovery, new line of business, or business strategy pivoting. Businesses must identify actual or estimated costs in their applications. Businesses must be in Baltimore City. ITIN holders are eligible to apply.  

The first grant application window has closed, but a new grant application cycle will open this Spring. For more information and to apply once the next grant cycle is open, visit the Baltimore BASE Network website. You can also fill out the BDC intake form to be informed about future grants or if you are interested in receiving business development technical assistance. 

Unemployment Insurance and Employment

Workers and independent contractors with social security numbers can apply for unemployment using the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance BEACON System. For assistance getting a job, please contact the Mayor's Office of Employment Development, and someone will reach out to you within 2 business days. 

Water

Water4All is a new monthly water billing discount program designed to support equitable financial assistance for Baltimore City residents. 

Baltimore City residential households whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible. A formula is used to calculate the maximum a household should pay for annual water and sewer services, based on a percentage of their annual income. To check for eligibility and complete the online application, visit the Water4All eligibility check. 

For more information, visit the Water4All web page. 

Gas and Electric

BGE will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. See BGE’s coronavirus website available in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Korean for more information.  

The Baltimore City Community Action Partnership (BCCAP) can connect you to resources to lower your energy costs and get your utility bills paid. See the BCCAP Energy Assistance web page for more information. 

Evictions in Baltimore City

If you are being threatened with eviction or have received an eviction notice, please contact the Public Justice Center at (410) 625-9409 for legal services.  

Rental Assistance in Baltimore City 

For more information about rental assistance in Baltimore City, see our Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) page and answers to frequently asked questions about EPP. 

Para más información sobre ayuda con la renta en la Ciudad de Baltimore, ver nuestra página web sobre el Programa de Prevención de Desalojos. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)  

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a permanent FCC benefit program that helps low-income households receive up to $30 per month discount toward internet service. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. 

For more information, visit the ACP website.