Grant Overview

A $100,000 grant to open a storefront in downtown Baltimore. That's what the Downtown BOOST Program promises Black‑owned businesses. But here's what you won't see on the official brochure: more than half of the businesses funded over the past five years never opened a downtown storefront open to the public. So what's going on?

I spent days digging through news reports, program documents, and even the Wayback Machine to understand this grant – not just the polished version, but the real one. The one that can change your business if you know how to navigate it. Or leave you frustrated if you don't.

Key Grant Information

Active

328 days left

01

Downtown BOOST (Black-Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy) Program

Funded by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

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Grant Snapshot

Grant Award

$100,000

Application Deadline

February 3, 2027 328 days left

Eligible Region

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

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Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

• Black-owned business (51%+)
• Operating in Food/Beverage, Creative/Arts, Makers, or Services
• Two full years of financial statements
• Thorough business plan
• Good Standing with State of Maryland
• Commit to locating in downtown Baltimore's 106‑block improvement district

Grant Benefits

• $20,000-$100,000
• Capital improvements and start-up costs
• Affordable storefront lease
• Technical assistance from JPMorgan Chase and Maryland SBDC

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Focus Areas

Downtown BOOST Program BOOST grant Baltimore grants for Black-owned businesses Baltimore

Is This Grant for You? Run a Quick Check

The eligibility tool below asks a few simple questions – two minutes, and you'll know whether you're likely a fit. No forms, no spam, just clarity.

If you're eligible, you'll see a button to submit an assessment – that's where our experts can review your materials and help you craft a narrative that survives scrutiny. If you're unsure, you can book a live 1‑on‑1 call with a grant expert. And if this grant isn't right, we'll show you other Baltimore opportunities that might be a better match.

What Is the Downtown BOOST Program?

The Downtown BOOST Program is an initiative by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, designed to get Black‑owned retail businesses into vacant storefronts. It's not just a grant – it's an invitation to become part of the city's core. Businesses receive between $20,000 and $100,000 for capital improvements and start‑up costs, plus access to below‑market leases in the 106‑block improvement district (think Charles Street, Howard Street, the heart of downtown).

And it's not just money and a key. Grantees get wrapped in technical assistance: one‑on‑one business counsel through JPMorgan Chase's Coaching for Impact program, training from the Maryland Small Business Development Center, and help with permitting and compliance. It's an incubator with a physical address.

The Upside: Real Businesses, Real Openings

Take Ashleigh Johnson, founder of Kaizen Beauty. She received $100,000 in a previous cohort and opened her shop in the Fidelity Building. Her success is exactly what the program hopes for. She had existing capital, a clear plan, and she moved into a space that was already built out. That last point – the buildout – turns out to be a bigger deal than most applicants realise.

Other grantees have opened bakeries, art galleries, and boutiques. When it works, it's a transformation. You're not just getting funding; you're getting a foothold in a district that's hungry for diverse, community‑focused businesses.

The Elephant in the Room

Days after the fourth‑round application closed in February 2026, Fox Baltimore published an investigation. The headline: after nearly $1.2 million in BOOST grants, more than half of the funded storefronts weren't open to the public. Of 22 businesses selected over nearly five years, 13 were either never opened, opened and quickly closed, or moved elsewhere in the city.

I read the report carefully. It's not a hit piece – it's a legitimate look at outcomes. And the Downtown Partnership's president, Shelonda Stokes, responded forcefully in a Baltimore Sun op‑ed. Her argument: the program was never intended to eliminate the inherent risks of retail. It was meant to help Black entrepreneurs navigate those risks. Some will fail. That's business. But the program's goal is to tilt the odds.

So what does that mean for you? It means the selection committee is now hyper‑aware of viability. They're not looking for a cool idea. They're looking for proof you can actually open and stay open. And that's exactly what this guide will help you demonstrate.

Who This Grant Is Really For

The official eligibility list is straightforward, but let me translate it into practical terms:

• Black‑owned: You need to own at least 51% of the business. No way around it – this grant is race‑conscious by design.
• Sector: Food/Beverage, Creative/Arts, Makers, or Services. If you're a lawyer or accountant, probably not. If you're a coffee shop, art gallery, candle maker, or hair salon – yes.
• Two years of financials: This is the big filter. They want to see you've been operating, you have revenue, you understand your numbers. Pre‑revenue startups need not apply.
• Business plan: Not a napkin sketch. A thorough, credible plan that shows you've thought through costs, revenue, and the path to opening.
• Good Standing with Maryland: You're registered, taxes paid, no glaring legal issues.
• Two potential locations: You need to propose specific storefronts within the 106‑block district. They want to see you've done your homework on available spaces.

If you're reading this and thinking "I have the financials, I have the plan" – you're in the right place. If you're missing any of these, you're probably not ready for this grant. But don't leave yet – scroll down for other Baltimore opportunities that might fit you now.

What You'll Need to Apply

Based on past application materials, here's the full list of documents and information you'll need to prepare:

• Thorough business plan – market analysis, operational plan, management bios, financial projections. If you've never written one, our business plan guide can help.
• Two years of financial statements – profit & loss, balance sheet, cash flow. If your books are messy, our financials guide walks you through what grant committees look for.
• Proof of Good Standing – a certificate from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
• Two potential storefront locations – addresses, maybe photos or a brief note on why each location works. You don't need a signed lease, but you should have scouted the area.
• Budget proposal – a written overview of how you'd spend the grant funds, broken down into categories like renovations, equipment, inventory.
• Narrative responses – questions about your business's uniqueness, community impact, growth potential, and alignment with the program's goals. These are where you tell your story.

The sample application suggests narrative fields run up to 4000 characters – that means every word counts. I can help you edit those down to the essentials.

That's six major components. It's a serious application. I've seen plenty of small business owners underestimate the time required – our checklist can keep you on track.

How to Position Your Application for Success

The Fox investigation gives us a rare gift: a look at why past grantees failed. Let's turn those failures into your advantage.

Underestimating buildout costs. Several businesses ran out of money before opening because they didn't account for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or unexpected structural issues. In your budget, add a contingency line – at least 20% above your estimates. Show the committee you've thought about this.

Insufficient capital reserves. The grant covers capital improvements and start‑up costs, but what about the first few months of operating losses? If you don't have cash reserves or a plan to cover them, you look risky. Mention your reserves or a line of credit you can draw on.

Weak community‑impact narrative. The program wants businesses that will cross‑pollinate and provide signature experiences for residents and visitors. Don't just say "I'll hire local." Give specific examples: will you host events? Partner with nearby businesses? Offer internships? Paint a picture of your business as a community hub.

Unrealistic timelines. Some grantees took much longer than expected to open. In your business plan, include a realistic timeline with milestones – and explain how you'll hit them. If you're working with contractors, show you've already talked to some and have quotes.

The committee now has this data. They will be looking for applicants who've absorbed these lessons. Show them you have.

And if you want someone to read your narrative and catch the phrasing that might sink you – that's exactly what our application review service does. A fresh pair of expert eyes can spot the gap between what you meant to say and what the words actually convey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the lease terms for the storefronts?
A: The Downtown Partnership works with property owners to offer "affordable" or "below‑market" leases, but specific terms aren't publicly disclosed. They vary by location and negotiation. In your application, you won't have a lease yet – you'll just propose two locations. If selected, you'll work with the Partnership to secure a space.

Q: What happens if I receive the grant but can't open?
A: The program has reconciliation processes – they'll work with you to ensure grant funds were used for allowable expenses. Clawback provisions aren't public, but expect that unspent funds or funds used for ineligible purposes could be reclaimed. The best approach: open. That's why viability matters so much.

Q: Can I apply with a business partner?
A: Yes, as long as the business is at least 51% Black‑owned. The ownership structure needs to be clear in your application.

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No. The Downtown Partnership does not charge to apply. Beware of anyone asking for money to "help you apply" – that's a scam.

Q: I missed the February 2026 deadline. When's the next one?
A: The program has operated annually. The next cohort will likely open for applications in late 2026 or early 2027. I'll update this page as soon as dates are announced. In the meantime, you can use the dashboard to track this grant and get notified.

Q: Who runs this program?
A: The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, a non‑profit business improvement district. The president is Shelonda Stokes. You can reach her at sstokes@dpob.org for high‑level inquiries, but for application questions, wait for the next cycle's published contact.

Q: Is the two‑year financials requirement firm?
A: Some older donor materials mentioned one year, but the current program and all recent announcements emphasize two years. If your business is close but not quite at two years, submit an assessment and I'll help you evaluate how to present your operating history.

Key Terms You'll Encounter

Capital improvements

Physical changes to a commercial space – renovations, flooring, lighting, HVAC, etc. Not day‑to‑day operating expenses.

Storefront tenancy

Renting a ground‑floor commercial space with a public entrance. The program focuses on activating visible street‑level spaces.

106‑block improvement district

The area managed by the Downtown Partnership, roughly from the Inner Harbor to Mount Vernon. You can find maps on their site.

Technical assistance

Free business counseling and training provided by partners like JPMorgan Chase and the Maryland SBDC. Grantees get priority access.

Good Standing

A status with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation meaning your business is registered, taxes paid, and no unresolved legal issues.

Chase Coaching for Impact

A workshop series for grantees focused on execution, marketing, and peer accountability.

Harborplace BOOST

A separate short‑term tenancy program run with MCB Real Estate – different rules and shorter commitments. Not the same as the main BOOST grant.

More Baltimore Grants to Explore

If this grant isn't the right fit – maybe you're too early, or your business is in a different sector – there are other opportunities in the region. Our curated list of Maryland grants can point you toward funding you might qualify for right now.

How Grantaura Helps You Win This Grant

You've just read a lot. The eligibility, the documents, the strategic lessons. But knowing and doing are two different things.

Here's where we come in. Our services are built around the exact friction points this application throws at you:

• Application review: You write your narrative, your budget, your business plan. We read them like a grant reviewer would. We catch the phrasing that makes you sound risky, the missing detail that leaves questions unanswered, the budget line that's unrealistic. This isn't a checklist – it's a conversation with someone who's seen hundreds of applications.
• Expert consultation: A live 1‑on‑1 video call with a grant expert. We'll look at your specific business, your financials, your location ideas, and map out a strategy. You'll leave with a clear action plan.
• Dashboard tracking: Put this grant in your dashboard and we'll remind you when the next cycle opens, track your progress, and suggest similar grants you might have missed.
• Upload assembly: The donor's sample application suggests single‑file uploads are preferred. I can merge your documents into one clean, labeled PDF that matches what reviewers expect.

If you're serious about opening a storefront in downtown Baltimore, don't go it alone. Let's make sure your application is the one that survives scrutiny.

Submit an Assessment →
Book a Consultation →

About the Author

I run content at Grantaura, and I've been researching grants for small businesses for over a decade. When I find a grant with this much money – and this much controversy – I dig. I talked to past applicants, read every news report, and even pulled old web snapshots to understand how the program evolved. The result is this guide. If you want to chat about your application, you can book time with me or one of our experts through the consultation link above.

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  {
    "url": "https://grantaura.com/grant/operation-storefront-baltimore/",
    "custom_description": "A parallel program by the Downtown Partnership offering grants for storefront improvements in Baltimore's commercial districts. Good fit if you're a retail business outside the strict 106‑block BOOST zone."
  },
  {
    "url": "https://grantaura.com/grant/baltimore-culinary-exchange/",
    "custom_description": "Specifically for food businesses in Baltimore – restaurants, caterers, food trucks. Includes technical assistance and access to commercial kitchen space. A strong alternative if your business is food‑focused."
  },
  {
    "url": "https://grantaura.com/grant/maryland-small-business-grants/",
    "custom_description": "A curated list of state‑level grants for Maryland small businesses. Includes opportunities for minority‑owned businesses, retail, and startups. Use this to find other funding while you prepare for BOOST."
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