FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2020

CONTACT
Kristin O’Keefe, VP of Communications & Marketing
kristin@thinkmoco.com
240.641.6703

Up to $2,500 to Help Montgomery County Companies through New Telework Assistance Program

Rockville, Md. — The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) will administer and award grants of up to $2,500 to eligible County businesses and nonprofits for verified teleworking equipment and software purchased in response to the pandemic.

Montgomery County’s $250,000 Telework Assistance Program fund was approved by all nine members of the Montgomery County Council on April 30; applications will open on May 6 at 10:00 a.m. on the MCEDC website (now closed). Applicants can check that site now for eligibility and other guidelines and requirements.

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant numerous businesses were deemed non-essential under the Governor’s stay-at-home order and found their on-site operations restricted. Many responded by implementing teleworking policies, some for the first time. The Telework Assistance Program was designed to reimburse Montgomery County businesses and non-profit organizations for expenses incurred implementing a telework policy due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

A business or non-profit organization is eligible to apply to receive assistance from the Telework Assistance Program if it: 1) has its physical location(s) only in the County; or its County-based locations account for more than 50% of its total number of employees or 50% of its gross sales; 2) employs 100 or less full-time-equivalent employees; 3) has not, as of the time of application, received financial assistance from the State or County for teleworking expenses related to the COVID-19 health crisis; and 4) has incurred expenditures from March 1 to June 1, 2020 specifically to implement a teleworking policy (e.g., computers, cameras, software, etc.).

“In these unprecedented times, businesses have been required to take on new approaches to stay connected with their clients and employees. Telework has been essential in allowing many of Montgomery County businesses to continue to work throughout this crisis,” said Benjamin H. Wu, the President and CEO of MCEDC. “We appreciate the County’s investment and support for measures that help our small businesses continue their work as we prepare for an eventual economic reopening and recovery. We are pleased to partner with the County to get these telework grants out to our business and nonprofit communities.”

In addition to the Telework Assistance Program Fund, MCEDC has also administered a Local Production Fund for Montgomery County makers and manufacturers making pandemic-related materials, as well as providing detailed guidance on various COVID-19 resources for businesses. More information on these resources can be found on MCEDC’ website here at thinkmoco.com/covid-19-resources.

ABOUT MCEDC

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.