ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT operations update as of August 13, 2021: 

 The Charles County Economic Development Department is continuing to work, for the most part, remotely. The EDD office is staffed three days a week.

• Meetings with the public are available by appointment; online and phone meetings preferred. 
• In -person meetings are an option only when it is necessary to conduct business.  Meetings at the EDD offices are by appointment only.
• For more information, contact info@MeetCharlesCounty.com or 301-885-1340.

FROM CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

The Board of Commissioners voted to reinstate the indoor public mask mandate effective Friday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. The mandate requires that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks at all public indoor locations. Read press release.

Download and post this sign to remind your customers that masks are required in your business.

PROJECT RESTORE: Deadline Reminder and Program Update

Reminder: Complete Application by Friday, October 8

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is administering $25 million to provide financial support to Maryland’s new or expanding businesses to help incentivize commercial investment in vacant retail and commercial properties.​​ Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Incomplete applications will not be processed. For more information and to access the application portal, please visit the Project Restore website.

Application portal scheduled to close Friday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Program Update: Rental Assistance Grant now a Property Assistance Grant

Project Restore will provide two grant opportunities for businesses that plan on opening or expanding into previously vacant spaces — a Business Operations Grant and a Property Assistance Grant (formerly referred to as a Rental Assistance Grant). The Property Assistance Grant will now provide support to businesses that will lease, purchase or currently own the vacant property their business will be occupying.

Applicants must open or expand in a retail or commercial space that has been vacant at least six continuous months prior to the date of lease or purchase agreement or prior to the commencement of rehab of the formerly vacant space. The business cannot occupy the space nor can rehab activity have started earlier than July 1, 2021.

For more details, review the updated Project Restore Notice of Funding Availability.

For questions, contact: dhcd.projectrestore@maryland.gov.

WORKFORCE ASSISTANCE FROM THE TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL: HELP TO INCENTIVIZE NEW HIRES

If you're having trouble finding enough workforce, this program can help. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding has earmarked funding to help people get back to work more quickly and businesses find the workers needed. Local businesses are encouraged to sign up with Tri-County County for Southern Maryland to participate in applicant referrals for immediate openings by providing your current job openings, including hourly wage, benefits, and direct point of contact for applicants ready to interview immediately. TCCSMD will award referred new employees a minimum amount of $3,200 for coming to work for you! No cost to you, the business.

For more information, contact Belinda Denton, Business Engagement & Development Manager, at 240-346-6560 or bdenton@tccsmd.org