These regulations prescribe the policies, procedures, and authorizations for administering the Maryland New Start Grant Program. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Act” means Labor and Employment Article, §11-606, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Department” means the Department of Labor. “Division” means the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. “Grant” means an award under the terms of this chapter. “Grantee” means an organization to whom an award is made under the terms of this chapter. “Program” means the Maryland New Start Grant Program. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Labor. Eligible grantees shall meet the following requirements to qualify for a grant: Have all requisite legal capacity and due authority to enter into the grant; Satisfy all legal requirements to operate in the State; and Meet the performance standards of the Department, as follows: Not have defaulted on a prior grant or loan from the Department; and Not be currently barred or suspended from any of the Department's programs. The Department shall ensure that the Program guidelines, information and application forms are publicly available on the Department’s website and at its physical locations. Grant Proposal. The Department shall provide guidelines and detailed instructions for submitting a proposal for the Department’s consideration. Each proposal shall include: The information required by Labor and Employment Article, §11-606(d)(2)(iii), Annotated Code of Maryland; A description of the entrepreneurship development program as described in Labor and Employment Article, §11-606(d)(3), Annotated Code of Maryland; An explanation of how the requirement of matching funds required by Labor and Employment Article, §11-606(e), Annotated Code of Maryland, will be satisfied; and Any other information the Secretary requires related to the Program. Review Procedures. Upon receipt of the grant proposal and any required documentation, the Department shall review each application to determine whether an applicant will be awarded a grant. The Secretary may delegate to the Assistant Secretary of the Division or an employee of the Department the authority to review grant proposals and supporting documentation. Upon approval of a grant proposal by the Department, the applicant, on a Departmental form, shall execute a grant agreement. The grant agreement shall at least require an applicant to meet the following obligations: Establish and operate the project according to the project description; Maintain and provide records and reports as required by Labor and Employment Article, §11-606(g), Annotated Code of Maryland, to the Department; and Use grant funds for only those activities provided in the approved project proposal. The Department may monitor grants and disbursement of grant funds to ensure that grant funds are properly disbursed by a grantee. Grantees shall retain and maintain all records regarding the application for at least 3 years after the final disbursement of grant funds. The records shall be open to the inspections of representatives of the Department during reasonable working hours. This chapter remains in effect until the earlier of: The date that funding for the Program ceases to be available; or June 30, 2029. Labor and Employment Article, §11-606, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: May 15, 2023 (50:9 Md. R. 378)