CRISFIELD, Md. -- The city is getting ready to dish out grants to retain small businesses. If accepted, up to 50 local shops will be awarded $3,000 to help with operational needs.
The city is using $150,000 it got through the American Rescue Plan.
A few business owners we spoke with said they plan on taking advantage of the opportunity. Mark Good owns Sea Mark Marine and said the money would be a huge help.
"I'd like to use it to improve some of my equipment," said Good.
To be eligible for the Small Business Retention Assistance Grant, a business needs to have been open for at least one year. They must also have fewer than 25 employees and cannot be a franchise or national corporation.
The business must also be in good financial standing with federal, state and local taxes and be up to date on water and sewer bills as well as estate and property taxes.
One thing you do not need, is a store front. So waterman like William Hall are able to apply.
"It would help out considerably, I mean I've got some bills here, I'm getting ready for oyster season, I mean I could pay off some stuff, it would be spent," said Hall.
Crisfield's mayor Darlene Taylor said the timing of this grant is not coincidental.
"We know that in the offseason it's really difficult for our small businesses a lot times," said Taylor.
Which is why once applications close on December 5th, the city will try and get the money out as soon as possible.
"It will take a couple weeks to get through the entire process and then they would have it by the holidays," said Taylor.
The grant will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The first 50 eligible businesses that make their way to City Hall and fill out an application will get the $3,000. Applications can be picked up starting on Monday, November 6th.