Site readiness is a direct pathway to economic competitiveness.

The Maryland Business Ready Sites Program (MBRSP) aims to accelerate investment by growing our inventory of shovel-ready sites across the state. By providing financial support to defray the costs of site characterization and site improvements and providing collaborative marketing support, this program will enable significant investment across Maryland from the leading industries of today and tomorrow.

MBRSP was created by Governor Wes Moore on December 19, 2024 by Executive Order, which reimagined how the State of Maryland fosters economic growth. MEDCO is proud to implement this program in close coordination with state, county and municipal economic development officials across Maryland.

Program Components

There are three pillars of support available through the MBRSP:

Site Characterization Grants

Assessing the readiness of a potential site for industrial or commercial development. This grant covers the costs of retaining site development professionals to evaluate the site’s current development status and its potential for future use, placing the site on a 1 through 5 tier scale (“Ready Score”). Site Characterization Grants provide in-kind services totaling up to $10,000, with the goal of developing a shared understanding of a site’s needs and next steps.

Site Improvement Grants

Supporting infrastructure development and improvements necessary to make a site competitive for industrial or commercial use. This grant supports costs associated with infrastructure upgrades, environmental remediation and other site development needs. Grant amounts vary; FY 2026 grants ranged from $125,000 to $450,000. A 3:1 or higher match is expected for competitive projects.

Collaborative Marketing Support

Assisting local jurisdictions and the State with marketing sites that have received Site Characterization or Site Improvement Grants through the Maryland Business Ready Sites Program. Support for grantees includes publication in the MBRSP Sites Dashboard, Site Characterization Reports (where applicable), and related deliverables, as well as ongoing access to MEDCO’s suite of services.

Eligible Sites

The Maryland Business Ready Sites Program is intended for sites, or portions thereof, that are: greenfields, brownfields or redevelopment sites in a pre-development phase; a minimum of 5 acres; intended for solely industrial or commercial purposes; intended to be occupied primarily by private sector companies in the industries specific in the MBRSP Program Guidelines; and are not otherwise restricted from further development.

Eligible Applicants

MBRSP is open to applications from public sector or related entities (counties, municipalities and authorities thereof) and private sector entities that own and/or have development rights to the land and agree to certain conditions outlined in the MBRSP Program Guidelines.

To submit applications and supporting documents or ask additional questions, please contact [email protected].