In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Community development organization” means an entity that meets the qualifications of § 6–203 of this title. “Program” means the Business Facade Improvement Program. “Qualified business” means a business that: is located in a sustainable community; and plans to improve the outside appearance of the business’s building or facility. “Sustainable community” means an area designated as a sustainable community under § 6–205 of this title.

There is a Business Facade Improvement Program in the Department. The purpose of the Program is to assist qualified businesses with improving the outside appearance of the businesses’ buildings and facilities. The Department shall distribute funds from the Program to: political subdivisions that: have at least one sustainable community; and apply for the funds; and community development organizations that: serve at least one sustainable community; and apply for the funds. The Department shall develop: an application process for applicants seeking to participate in the Program; and criteria for: rating political subdivisions and community development organizations that apply for funds; and awarding funds to political subdivisions and community development organizations. Each applicant that receives funds under subsection (c) of this section shall distribute grants to qualified businesses that apply for a grant. Each political subdivision and community development organization shall develop: a grant application process for qualified businesses seeking to participate in the Program; and criteria for: rating qualified businesses that apply for grants; and awarding grants to qualified businesses. For fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill or the capital budget bill an appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Program.