If you are a small business owner, you can your applications for this year’s BGE Energizing Small Business Grants. This grant program gives eligible businesses in central Maryland the opportunity to receive up to $20,000 in funding to support their business operations, growth, and long-term sustainability.
The program is a collaborative initiative between BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric), Hello Alice, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). It is specifically designed to help small businesses overcome financial challenges, serve their customers more effectively, and achieve meaningful impact within their communities.
About BGE and the Program Partners
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, serving over 1.3 million electric customers and more than 680,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland.
Founded in 1816, BGE is not only the first gas utility in the United States but also a long-standing supporter of small business and economic development in the region. It remains headquartered in Baltimore City.
Hello Alice is a free online platform that helps small business owners find the right resources, including funding and mentorship, based on their profile and goals.
The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) operates in over 180 countries and works to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers.
Together, these organizations have built a strong support system to help small businesses succeed – especially those that have historically faced barriers to funding.
Why is this important?
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, and grants like this will give someall business owners the necessary support they need – especially for those affected by economic uncertainty, inflation, or rising operational costs.
This grant will not only give them financial relief but also open for them, doors to mentorship, exposure, and networking opportunities via Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
By applying, you’re giving your business the chance to:
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- Strengthen its financial stability
- Serve more customers
- Accelerate growth
- Build resilience for future challenges.
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Grant amount and benefits
- Grant amount: Each selected business will receive a grant of $20,000.
- Number of grants: Many businesses will be selected in each round.
- Use of funds: You can use the grant for purposes like:
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- Purchasing equipment or inventory
- Hiring staff
- Covering operational costs
- Expanding products or services
- Marketing and advertising
- Technology upgrades
- Enhancing customer service delivery
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This grant is not a loan – As a recipient, you are not required to repay the funds. The target is to empower local businesses to thrive in their communities not to get money or make profit out of them.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the BGE Energizing Small Business Grants, you must meet the following requirements:
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- Business Type: Your business must be a for-profit business.
- Location: Your business must be located within BGE’s electric and/or gas service area in central Maryland.
- Customer status: You must be a current BGE customer in good standing.
- Business age: Your business must have been in operation for at least one year at the time of application.
- Legal standing: Must be in good standing with the State of Maryland or actively working toward that status.
- Size: You must have 25 or fewer full-time employees.
- Revenue cap: You must have earned less than $7 million in gross revenue in the last one year.
- Need for funding: You must show that you need financial assistance and show how the grant will help the business continue to serve its customers and grow.
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Application process
The application process is straightforward and conducted online through Hello Alice. Here’s what you need to know:
- Previous applicants: If you applied in a previous round but were not selected, you are encouraged to apply again. Each round has a new pool of applicants and your new application will be considered on its merit.
- Required information:
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- Business name and contact information
- Business description and mission
- Details about how the grant will be used
- Financial and operational background
- Proof of eligibility, including tax ID and BGE account number
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How do you apply fr the grant?
If you are a small business owner and you are interested, you should go to the Hello Alice platform and submit your application.
(Don’t wait – early applications are strongly encouraged!)
For more information about this grant and other details, kindly go to the BGE Energizing Small Business Grants page.