Finance Programs and Tax Credits for Business

Baltimore County offers a variety of direct financing programs and tax credits to help grow your business, encourage investment and job creation in the County. Whether you are a new business, opening for the first time or have been open for decades—we offer programs that work for any industry and any size company.

To learn more about any of these tax credits and finance programs, contact a Baltimore County business development representative by calling 410-887-8000 or emailing businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov.   

COUNTY FINANCING PROGRAMS

Private sector financing is leveraged with Baltimore County gap and flexible financing programs to help businesses expand and grow. Additionally, the County can help you access state, federal and private financing for new and expanding businesses.

The Department of Economic and Workforce Development now offers a grant to eligible businesses signing their first commercial lease in Baltimore County. Through the Grant for Revitalizing Office Workspaces, a one-time grant award of $8 per square foot, up to $80,000, is available to help offset initial leasing expenses. All awards are subject to the availability of funds approved by the County Executive and the Baltimore County Council. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Business must execute a direct lease with a landlord for a minimum 36-month term.
  • Eligible properties include Class A and Class B Office space.
  • Class A and Class B Flex space will be considered for businesses with a demonstrated need for laboratory space.
  • A maximum award of $80,000 is available per business.
  • Program application must be received within 180 days of lease execution.
  • Lease must be signed after February 14, 2025.
  • Applicants must have a minimum person credit score of 625.
  • Retail, restaurant, independent financial, or insurance agent or broker establishments are not eligible for this program.

Those interested in applying should submit a Program and Tax Credit Interest form.

For additional information or assistance, contact us by emailing businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov.

The Advanced Technology Loan Fund provides loans to technology based businesses and businesses acquiring technology equipment. Maximum loan amount is $250,000. Funds may be used to finance the acquisition and improvement of land, buildings, plant and equipment, including new construction or facility expansion.

The Boost Loan Fund Program is a loan program that puts revenue from Maryland’s video lottery terminals to work for small-, minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses. 

Boost funds are provided through the Maryland Department of Commerce. To date, Boost has approved over $6 million in loans to key job-creating industries.

The Boost Fund can lend business owners $50,000 to $250,000 with a reduced down payment and interest rates set at or below current rates. Loans have a maximum 20-year term and payment plans are customized to meet individual business needs to help businesses maintain the cash flow needed to run their business.

The Boost Fund provides business loans for:

  • Start-up funding
  • Gap funding
  • Building improvements
  • Equipment acquisition
  • Lease improvements
  • Business acquisition
  • Work capital
  • Commercial real estate acquisition

Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP) provides up to a $60,000 interest-free loan which can be used for exterior improvements such as awnings, landscaping and signage for businesses in one of 22 Commercial Revitalization Districts. This loan can be combined with other economic development incentives for larger projects. Some minor interior and equipment improvements may also be financed.

Contact us for more information about BILP and to download an application.

Business Growth Loans are direct loans or loan guarantees for new or expanding industrial or commercial businesses. Maximum loan amount is $250,000. Funds may be used to finance the acquisition and improvement of land, buildings, plant and equipment, including new construction or facility expansion.

Enterprise zones are intended to encourage investment in distressed areas. Tax credits are available to help new companies invest in property and create jobs, and to assist existing businesses expand and grow.

Baltimore County offers both employment and real property tax credits for businesses located within any of our enterprise zones. The real property credit offers a 10-year reduction on property taxes after major capital improvements are made. The income credit allows businesses a one-time state income tax deduction after creating new jobs.

Verify the eligibility of an address by using the interactive map. Detailed maps of Baltimore County’s enterprise zones are available for download:

For more details about the tax credit, please see our Baltimore County enterprise zone information sheet.

To apply for enterprise zone tax credits, complete and submit an enterprise zone application.

Tax Exempt Bond financing is available to manufacturers and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Bond proceeds may be used to finance the acquisition and improvement of land, buildings, plant and equipment, including new construction or facility expansion. Bond financing is available from $2.5 million to a maximum of $10 million.

Baltimore County offers loans for qualifying waterfront businesses in Baltimore County. The funds can be used for exterior improvements including: bulkhead repair, slip renovations, signage, landscaping, facade improvements, etc. Funds are available for the lessor of 90 percent of the project cost, or $75,000. Loan terms are seven years with zero percent interest.

Additional FINANCING PROGRAMS and TAX CREDITS

In addition to Baltimore County's programs, the following are tax credits and incentives you might be eligible for right now, as well as financing options offered by our partner organizations. Maryland's Financial Incentives for Businesses list can be filtered to match your specific business needs.

Baltimore County's Commercial Revitalization Districts are "front doors" to our desired established communities. Family-owned business and national retail chains are neighbors, offering shopping and entertainment experiences throughout the County.

Businesses located in designated districts are offered incentives including:

  • Real Estate Improvement Projects: Real property tax credit for major improvements.
  • Building Improvement Loan Program (BILP): Interest-free loan up to $30,000 for façade improvements.
  • Architect on Call: Free architectural design services are available for facade improvements such as awnings, landscaping and signage.

All applicants are required to meet with staff prior to submitting applications. To schedule a meeting, email businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Opportunity Zones (OZ) were enacted into federal law to spur private investment in distressed communities across the United States. The program provides federal tax incentives for investments in real estate projects and for business operation in designated communities. Deferral and partial tax reductions of reinvested capital gains, and forgiveness of tax on new capital gains are available.

Search for a specific address to see if your business location falls within a designated Baltimore County OZ. Investors will find information on Qualified Opportunity Fund eligibility and certification through the IRS website.

Additional resources are available for communities interested in attracting investment partners for their economic development projects.

Inquire about a Program or Tax Credit

For those interested in applying for a County finance program or tax credit, complete form below, selecting the finance program or tax credit you are interested in. Our Business Services team will reach out to those who are eligible.

Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Name
Address
Describe your business in 50 words or less. 
Business Address
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Please include yourself in the employee count.