MD-SERI Grant Program for Main Street Small Businesses

Application Process and Eligibility

Waverly Main Street (WMS) has the opportunity to disperse Covid Emergency Relief Grants for Main Street Communities, funded by the State of Maryland to support local businesses within the WMS catchment area. WMS represents one of the largest designated Baltimore City Main Streets. The need-based grant will be awarded through a grant application process open to all eligible businesses based on the criteria explained below. 

This online application is due: Wed, May 5 at 5:00 pm. If funding remains available, a second round will be opened on Wed, May 26 at 5:00 pm.

Applications will remain open and funds will be awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. All effort will be given to provide as many businesses as possible with financial support. However, due to limited funding and a short timeframe for disbursing funds, we can not guarantee all businesses will receive funding, or that your full request will be awarded. 

All application information disclosed to WMS will be kept strictly confidential and not be sold or otherwise released to any entity other than requirements for complying with grant reporting for this grant. Documentation showing need will be required to receive funds. 

About the Grant:

SERI grants are one-time awards with no repayment due. Grant funds are awarded based on need. Grant funding will be available to industries and businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the criteria set forth. At this time and contingent on multiple factors, it is estimated each grant award will not exceed $3,000 for operational support or $10,000 for Covid-specific capital improvements. WMS cannot guarantee that the full requested amount will be awarded. If any funds remain at the end of the review process, requests for additional funding will be accepted. 

Eligibility:

All small businesses who meet the eligibility standards are eligible for funding. As set forth by the State and the terms of this grant, a business must:

1. Have a permanent, physical address currently located within the catchment area of the Waverly Main Street and have been in operation in Baltimore before 2020 (see zoning map);

2. Be in good standing with the State of Maryland; and

3. Have suffered demonstrable loss in revenues and/or increase in costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 1, 2020 to June 5, 2021.

Revenue loss or increased costs as a result of COVID-19 may be proven by many factors including, but not limited to:

• Past years revenue/tax returns vs 2020 revenues
• Gross receipts
• Loss of bookings/events
• COVID related capital expenses, such as walk up windows, barriers, lighting, outdoor furniture
• PPE supplies/sanitization services
• Utility bills
• Mortgage/rent bills
• Bank statements from previous months (Business Account statements Preferably)
• Canceled checks
• Wages
• Equipment rentals
• License fees
• Insurance costs
• Or any other method of proving revenues and expenses

Please contact Grants@WaverlyMainStreet.Org to discuss any issues or concerns regarding documentation, eligibility,  etc.

Scoring Criteria

Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis. All applications will be scored according to a points system scoring matrix. An impartial process will be used to review grant applications immediately as they are submitted. Businesses will receive scoring points for specific needs and COVID-19 related revenue reductions or increased expenses. 

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds

Grant funds can be used towards the following expenses:

• Previous or future rent/mortgage 
• Previous or future utility expenses
• Previous or future staffing expenses
• Paid sick leave for COVID positive employees
• Previous or future capital purchases for COVID related equipment or systems
• Exterior enhancement such as signage and walk-up windows
• Third-party delivery fees
• Additional expenses not covered by other relief grants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Future/upcoming expenses will be considered on a case-by-case-basis.

Expenses can be for reimbursements starting from March 1, 2020 or for future expenses (on a case by case basis) until June 5, 2021, so long as documentation can be provided and final receipts/documentation are submitted by June 15, 2021.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete application online. LINK HERE

Or download APPLICATION HERE. Paper copies are available upon request. Forms can be emailed to Grants@WaverlyMainStreet.Org (Note that applications completed by PDF will take longer to review)

Deadline(s) are:

Wednesday, May 5 at 5:00 PM

Wednesday, May 26 at 5:00 PM (if funding is still available at this time)

Step 2: Submit requested documentation/paperwork. 

Step 3: If awarded funding, a completed W9 Form will be needed for WMS records.  If you do not have a completed W9 Form, you can download a PDF copy here.   

Step 4: Pick up your check or receive a check by mail.

Step 5: If approved for future usage, submit proof of funds expended within 30 days of receiving your award, or by June 15, 2021, which ever comes first. 

Step 6: Complete program survey (will be provided to all awardees at a later date). Must be completed 30 days after funds are used, or before June 15, 2021, which ever comes first.

Please contact WMS staff for technical assistance or questions about this grant.

Matthew Smith

Grants@WaverlyMainStreet.Org

410-889-8100 office

717-668-2790 cell