HAGERSTOWN – A key city program supporting local business growth is receiving an administrative refresh. On July 8, the Hagerstown City Council reviewed revisions to the Main Street Startup Grant agreements to align them with new guidance from the state of Maryland.
The updates, presented by Economic Development Manager Doug Reaser, affect the city’s agreement for startup grants funded through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Restore initiative.
The state requested the revisions and included:
- Removing landlords as formal parties to the agreement,
- Clarifying hold harmless and liability language, and
- Ensuring that grant-supported properties are located within city limits.
“These updates are primarily technical,” Reaser told the council. “But they are necessary to keep our grant program moving forward with the state’s support.”
The city has already awarded grants under the program. Still, Reaser noted that previously approved awardees – excluding the most recent two – must now sign the updated version before funding can be released.
Businesses that have already signed compliant agreements, such as Juniper Café and Summit Outfitters, will not be affected by the changes.
Reaser said the city will be reaching out to earlier grantees to have them re-sign under the new terms. Once finalized, the agreements will be submitted to the state for final approval.
Council members expressed support for the revisions and signaled the item will return during a regular session for a formal vote.
The Main Street Startup Grant Program is intended to help new or growing businesses in Hagerstown’s downtown district with start-up costs, façade improvements, and long-term sustainability. It is funded through pass-through grants, meaning all awarded funds come from the state but are administered by the city.
By ensuring that its agreements comply with current state standards, the city aims to prevent disruptions in funding and maintain momentum for downtown revitalization.
For more information on the Main Street program or available grants, business owners can contact the Department of Community and Economic Development.
