Anne Arundel County Disaster Assistance FAQ

Annapolis, MD - Important disaster resource information for Anne Arundel businesses is updated often here. Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you through the disaster assistance resources.

Latest Update: August 16, 2021

Latest news–

SBA Updates

  • The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) is still taking applications from small business owners needing assistance. The programs offers loans up to $500,000 — or 24 months of economic injury at about a 3.75% interest rate (2.75% for nonprofits) to cover working capital and expenses. The loans also have a 30 year maturity, although they can be refinanced.
  • The Targeted EIDL Advance is a grant of up to $10,000 that a small business can get to pay for whatever it wants — no repayment necessary. The only caveat is that small businesses need to apply for an EIDL to get one, although a business does not have to be approved for an EIDL or accept one it is approved for in order to get the grant. For the smallest and most hard hit of businesses, there is the Supplemental Targeted Advance, which gives small business owners who got the initial grant an extra $5,000 if they qualify. Both of these programs expire at the end of 2021.
  • The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program has only awarded about half of its $16 billion funding. Businesses such as live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators (including owners) and talent representatives are encouraged to apply. Read our blog for more details.
  • You can now register for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund application portal! Register for the application portal: https://restaurants.sba.gov, View an application checklist and more: https://sba.gov/restaurants

State Programs

The RELIEF Act of 2021, as enacted by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, provides direct stimulus payments to qualifying Marylanders, unemployment insurance grants to qualifying Marylanders, and grants and loans to qualifying small businesses. This webpage provides information on payment eligibility and additional information regarding the Comptroller of Maryland’s execution of the RELIEF Act.

How do I file for unemployment as a sole proprietor/ small business owner?

Those who are self-employed, independent contractors, sole proprietors, gig economy workers, have insufficient work history, or believe they are eligible for the PUA program, will be able to submit their applications online and receive their benefits retroactive to their earliest date of eligibility. These individuals, who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who cannot work due to COVID-19, will be eligible to apply for a maximum of 39 weeks of benefits, effective January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Is there a guide on unemployment and disaster support resources I can download and share?

I have further questions about how to pivot my business and would like some guidance. How can I talk to someone?

  • Local SCORE Mentors stand ready to offer support and guidance as you adjust your business models to adapt to a new environment. Request a mentor here.
  • Maryland Small Business Development Center Counselors can offer technical assistance and training to local entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses. Contact an SBDC Counselor.

Are there other free state resources available to businesses?

 University of Maryland Smith Business School is offering Maryland Business: Rebooted – a free, live webinar series. The series helps state residents navigate the unimaginable economic effects of COVID-19 on their small- and medium-sized businesses by leveraging Smith’s expert faculty.

Address challenges facing Maryland businesses head-on, such as:

  • Which marketing and brand strategies present the best opportunities for recovery?
  • Is there new data to consider when making financial decisions?
  • What are the best approaches to mitigating risk now?

Sign up now for this completely free series. You will need to register for each webinar individually.

Agriculture/Agribusiness/Farmers Markets

Are Farmers Markets still open?

Are there specific resources for rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by COVID-19? Yes!

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help. Opportunities for immediate relief include:

Where do I find other official information about the Governor’s orders?

Get Involved

How can I get involved locally or donate?

  • There are a number of ways you can get involved safely. The Anne Arundel County website has a list of ways to donate.
  • The Anne Arundel Food Bank has been experiencing a 200% increase in the numbers of residents who rely on the food pantries located throughout the county. The Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, Office of Emergency Management and Right Away Storage will have donation trailers in place starting Wednesday, April 15th, to encourage park visitors to donate non-perishable food items. You can also donate monetarily.
  • Buy a gift card box from the “People Helping People” project (with support from AT&T and AAEDC). Created by Signature Teamwear and its affiliate Ink Generation, The People Helping People (PHP) Project is about local communities and small businesses supporting each other.

Other information I should check out?

County Executive Announces Opening of Community Project Portal for Federal Funding Proposals »

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