Maryland awards 5 local groups to boost small businesses and affordable housing

Five organizations in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties have received a combined $195,000 to help build affordable housing and boost small businesses.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development chose 34 projects across the state from among 186 applicants for grants to foster economic development.

“These awards will grow small businesses, improve local facilities and services, promote affordable housing and homeownership, and support other projects and activities that will attract visitors and improve economic opportunities for residents,” Maryland housing secretary Jake Day said in a news release Monday.

The state awarded a total of $1 million for the projects.

Here are the local recipients:

Prince George’s County

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland received $30,000 for the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, an organization supporting equitable growth along the light rail. The coalition is managed by the university’s National Center for Smart Growth. The funding will help the coalition create commercial district tours for Purple Line riders and developers.

College Park City-University Partnership

The state awarded this local development corporation two grants — a $50,000 award to expand affordable housing in Lakeland and a $25,000 award to expand its Live+Work College Park program, which provides down payment or closing cost assistance to people employed in College Park.

FSC First

This organization aids small and minority-owned businesses in Prince George’s County through loans, grants and counseling. The state awarded FSC First $50,000 to provide business support to low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs.

Montgomery County

Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, Inc.

The nonprofit secured $25,000 to pay salaries for construction project managers who will lead teams to build two homes in Rockville and rehabilitate 10 vacant properties in Montgomery Village.

Montgomery Housing Partnership, Inc.

Montgomery Housing Partnership earned $15,000 to provide technical assistance to Long Branch Main Street. The state earlier this year designated the area, between downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park, as a Main Street to strengthen the business district.