Business Resources
& Incentives
When you do business in Allegany and Garrett Counties in Maryland your business has the potential to take advantage of programs that may be available to provide tax and funding incentives. These incentives and resources can benefit both new and expanding businesses and have the ability to leverage your first step in making it in the mountains.
Western Maryland has abundant natural resources, stunning outdoor vistas, a supportive community, and proximity to many of the country’s major markets. Outdoor recreation and lifestyle products manufactured in Allegany and Garrett Counties can be tested on its whitewater rivers, trout streams, trails, and ski slopes. These unique features all come together in the region to provide an opportunity to grow manufacturing businesses—and to start new ones—that make outdoor recreation and lifestyle products.
Destination Advantages
Maryland Enterprise Zone Program
The Maryland Enterprise Zone program provides real property and state income tax credits for businesses located in a Maryland enterprise zone in return for job creation and investments. Western Maryland has six identified Enterprise Zones in Allegany and Garrett Counties.
Qualified Energy Communities
Allegany and Garrett Counties are also the only two counties in the State of Maryland in which the entire jurisdictions are qualified energy communities.
Historically Underutilized Business Zone
All of Garrett County has been designated as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This certification qualifies businesses for preferential status in competition for federal government contracts.
Funding & Incentives
State of Maryland
Maryland companies can tap into a variety of funding and incentive programs offered by the Maryland Department of Commerce and other state agencies.
Allegany County
Explore incentives for existing businesses planning to expand to our area, as well as resources for entrepreneurs ready to start or take their small business to the next level.
Garrett County
Explore incentive packages, which may include tax credits, grants, and low-cost loans for real estate acquisition, construction, equipment, training, and working capital.
Funding Program Opportunities
More Jobs for Marylanders
Manufacturers that expand in Western Maryland seven Opportunity Zones can qualify for income tax credits, based on 5 to 10 year employment benchmarks. Existing businesses may also be eligible for a refundable credit against the State’s income tax.
One Maryland Tax Credit (OMTC)
Because Allegany and Garrett Counties are classified as Tier 1 counties, certain state incentives are also available for businesses in Allegany and Garrett Counties. The One Maryland Tax Credit, for example, offers $1-5 million tax credits based on the number of employees and size of investment. Allegany and Garrett Counties are two of the counties that qualify for this incentive.
Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ)
A workforce development grant program that encourages companies to invest in the development of their workforces. The State of Maryland will match the costs to SME manufacturers technology companies to provide next level training for their employees. Eligible companies must be manufacturing, technology and or regional priority companies and hire 150 or fewer employees.
Advantage Maryland (MEDAAF)
One of the only state level discretionary programs for direct funding of large expansion projects. MEDAAF funds conditional grants, loans and investments to assist economic development initiatives.