Berlin small businesses to get more than $194k in emergency funding

BERLIN, Md. – Berlin is getting ready to distribute its part of the $7 million being sent to Main Street Communities across Maryland. The town will get more than $194,000 to support their small businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “We’ve been swirling in this COVID cauldron for over a year now. It means a lot. I truly thank Governor Hogan for allocating this funding, not only for Berlin’s Main Street, but for all the Main Streets in Maryland,” said Director of Economic and Community Development Ivy Wells.

Wells says small businesses in Berlin can apply for grants anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000. She adds those businesses can use the grants to pay for lots of things, ranging from missed utility bills to expanding into the sidewalks if they need. “A lot of the shops put tables outside, and they’ve realized that an outdoor spot for some racks and some tables might be a good idea. I know that some of the shops are actually applying for the extension of exterior shopping surfaces,” said Wells.

Wells also tells 47ABC she’s received several different grant applications already. “I asked all the businesses, if we were to receive this grant, what do you need the money for? This way, I incorporated what they said into the grant process as well,” said Wells.

Other Eastern Shore towns included in the awards were Cambridge, Princess Anne, and Salisbury. Those funds ranged from about $140,000 to $180,000 per awardee.