# Housing and Community Development (GHS)

## Title 6. Division of Neighborhood Revitalization

### Subtitle 3. Neighborhood Business Development Program

#### Section 6-301

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

  (1) "Development costs" means the costs incurred to develop, redevelop, or expand a neighborhood business development project.

  (2) "Development costs" includes the costs of:

    (i) necessary studies, surveys, plans, and specifications;

    (ii) architectural, engineering, or other special services, including flood plain studies, environmental audits, and critical area or wetland assessments;

    (iii) land and improvements;

    (iv) site preparation;

    (v) construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation;

    (vi) machinery, equipment, and furnishings;

    (vii) essential operating costs, including working capital and occupancy expenses;

    (viii) indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on insurance;

    (ix) temporary relocation expenses; and

    (x) other costs determined to be acceptable by the Department.

(c) "Eligible opportunity zone" means an area designated as a qualified opportunity zone under Sec. 1400Z-1 of the Internal Revenue Code that is located in Allegany County, Garrett County, Somerset County, or Wicomico County.

(d) "Food desert" means the part of a priority funding area or an eligible opportunity zone designated by the Secretary under Sec. 6-308(c) of this subtitle.

(e) "Fund" means the Neighborhood Business Development Fund.

(f) "Microenterprise" means a business that qualifies as a microenterprise under Sec. 6-302 of this subtitle.

(g) "Priority funding area" means an area designated as a priority funding area under Sec. 5-7B-02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

(h) "Program" means the Neighborhood Business Development Program.

(i)

  (1) "Project" means a neighborhood business development project that receives financial assistance from the Fund.

  (2) "Project" includes:

    (i) a microenterprise project that receives financial assistance from the Fund; and

    (ii) a food desert project that receives financial assistance from the Fund.

(j) "Small business" means a business that qualifies as a small business under Sec. 6-302 of this subtitle.

(k) "Sustainable community" means the part of a priority funding area that:

  (1) as determined by the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet, satisfies the requirements of Sec. 6-205 of this title;

  (2) has been designated as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone under Title 5, Subtitle 13 of the Economic Development Article; or

  (3) has been designated a transit-oriented development under Sec. 7-101 of the Transportation Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Hous. & Cmty. Dev. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)