Maryland launches Community Business Compass
Washington County entrepreneurs can now tap Maryland’s new Community Business Compass, a data-driven platform designed to map opportunities and connect small businesses to funding and expert support for child care and fresh food services.
The platform, which launched Dec. 17, combines market demand data with a centralized database of government funding opportunities and business support resources, according to a community announcement.
The announcement also included $10 million in small business investments for fresh food retailers and child care providers.
Platform offers tools at every stage of business
The platform offers several features to serve entrepreneurs at every stage:
- Locate the Opportunity: Entrepreneurs can use the platform’s interactive data map to understand where there are unmet needs and market opportunities in communities across the state.
- Find Government Funding: Existing business owners can identify government incentives and programs they may be eligible for, while viewing them in one centralized location.
- Connect with Experts: The platform will include a searchable repository of business support resources, including local economic development organizations and small business development centers.
“We listened to parents and business owners across Maryland, and they told us what they need: better child care, access to fresh food, and the information to make informed business decisions,” Maryland Chief Innovation Officer Francesca Ioffreda said. “This platform doesn’t just provide data, it removes barriers and creates pathways for entrepreneurs to build thriving child care and fresh food businesses in the communities that need them most.”
Investment targets child care, food access
The $10 million investment includes $8 million for child care providers through the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund, and $2 million in grant funding for fresh food retailers in the newly developed NourishMD Grant program.
A key component of the initiative is the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund, which provides zero-interest loans to child care providers for facility acquisitions, improvements, expansions and new constructions, according to the announcement. The program has already awarded loans to 143 child care facilities across 20 jurisdictions in the state.
Applications for the fund are open until Jan. 30.
“Affordable, accessible child care isn’t just good for families, it supports businesses and helps grow our economy,” Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. said. “When parents have reliable child care, they have the freedom and flexibility to explore new career opportunities and build better futures. This brings more talent into the workforce, which encourages businesses to choose Maryland. This investment recognizes that supporting child care providers supports our entire economy.”
The NourishMD Grant Program, announced alongside the Maryland Community Business Compass, aims to address the persistent issue of fresh food access in communities across the state. The grants, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, will support eligible fresh food retailers with critical capital needs for stabilization or expansion in areas where residents have limited or no access to nutritious food options.
Eligible businesses include grocery or corner stores, farm stands, co-ops, farmers’ markets and certain delivery retailers in areas with high rates of food insecurity combined with a lack of physical access to fresh food retailers. Businesses can receive up to $150,000 to open, stabilize or expand outlets in areas lacking access to nutritious options.
Applications for the NourishMD Grant Program will open Jan. 20, and retailers can apply until Feb. 20.
The initiatives are part of the Moore-Miller administration’s ongoing efforts to fight childhood poverty, according to the announcement. The Governor’s Office for Children will use the Maryland Community Business Compass to guide additional state and philanthropic investments to ENOUGH communities — communities with demonstrated high concentrated rates of poverty.
“We cannot begin to address challenges like food insecurity or child care deserts without understanding exactly where there are gaps,” Governor’s Office for Children Special Secretary Carmel Martin said. “The Maryland Community Business Compass will serve as a powerful resource to guide public and private investments exactly where they are most needed. By providing opportunities to communities who have historically been left behind, including ENOUGH communities, this tool supports the administration’s work to end child poverty.”
Maryland residents, businesses and non-profit organizations can learn more at compass.maryland.gov. Training sessions will be available in early 2026 to help users navigate the platform.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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