{"status":200,"message":"Success","data":{"id":"35a0397e-58eb-56d0-9e25-949a9d029c34","title":"Equitech Growth Fund","description":"The Equitech Growth Fund (EGF), administered by TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation), provides competitive grants for infrastructure and workforce development initiatives that support Maryland's economic competitiveness, foster economic opportunity for all, and accelerate growth of emerging and advanced industries in the state. The goal is to move Maryland to rank as a top ten fastest growing innovation state by 2040 and position it as a leading global and inclusive innovation economy. Established by legislation CH 461 of 2023, the fund runs until FY2033 with one round per year and approximately $4–5 million allocated annually. Two award tracks are available: Infrastructure Awards (up to $1M per project, 12–36 month projects, 1–3 awards expected with ~$3M total annual pool) and Workforce Awards (up to $250K per project, 12–24 month projects, 8–10 awards expected with ~$2M total annual pool). A 1:1 cash match is required. Eligible applicants include public entities, nonprofits, private entities, public-private partnerships, and higher education institutions. Priority industry types include entrepreneurship development, STEAM education, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and IT industry workforce development, advanced technology, and advanced laboratory space. Additional areas of consideration include environmental and energy technology, aerospace and defense, smart agriculture and food technology, and healthcare, life sciences, and bioinformatics.","status":{"value":"custom","customValue":"Recurring"},"source":"https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/cultivate-maryland/equitech-growth-fund","funding":{"details":"Competitive grant funding in two award categories: Infrastructure Awards (up to $1 million per project, 1–3 awards expected with ~$3M total annual pool, project duration 12–36 months) and Workforce Awards (up to $250,000 per project, 8–10 awards expected with ~$2M total annual pool, project duration 12–24 months). Both tracks fund initiatives supporting Maryland's innovation economy, workforce development, and emerging industry growth. A 1:1 match is required; cash match required (in-kind considered but insufficient alone); match must be unencumbered and project-specific. Award proceeds and any leveraged funds must be used within the State of Maryland. Scholarships and salary increases are not eligible uses of funds.","maxAwardAmount":{"amount":"1000000.00","currency":"USD"}},"keyDates":{"closeDate":{"name":"Application deadline","eventType":"singleDate","date":"2026-08-07","details":"August 7, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. ET; questions due July 24, 2026 by 5:00 PM ET"}},"acceptedApplicantTypes":[{"value":"custom","customValue":"non-profit"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"for-profit"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"government"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"higher education institution"}],"customFields":{"agency":{"name":"agency","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/agency"},"contactInfo":{"name":"contactInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Sephora Saint-Armand","email":"equitechgrowth@tedcomd.com"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/contactInfo"},"additionalInfo":{"name":"additionalInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"url":"https://compass.maryland.gov/incentives/#/incentive/equitech-growth-fund","description":"Maryland Community Compass record"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/additionalInfo"},"eligibilityCriteria":{"name":"eligibilityCriteria","fieldType":"object","value":{"beneficiaryTypes":[{"code":"non_profit","name":"non-profit"},{"code":"for_profit","name":"for-profit"},{"code":"government","name":"government"},{"code":"higher_education_institution","name":"higher education institution"}],"details":"Public entities, nonprofits, private entities, public-private partnerships, and higher education institutions in Maryland working on infrastructure or workforce development in emerging and advanced industries including entrepreneurship development, STEAM education, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and IT workforce development, advanced technology, advanced laboratory space, and related industries. Program also targets underrepresented entrepreneurs including people of color, women, federal workforce, and veterans.\n\nAvailable statewide across Maryland. Proposed projects must be based in Maryland and benefit Maryland's innovation economy and workforce. Applicants must intend to maintain a physical presence in Maryland for at least 5 years and must use award proceeds and leveraged funds within Maryland. Multi-county projects are allowed. Preference given to proposals with greatest impact in Maryland, including economically distressed or rural areas."},"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"attachments":{"name":"attachments","fieldType":"array","value":[{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/Equitech Growth Commission Preliminary Strategic Plan Funding Plan Priorities.pdf","name":"Equitech Growth Commission Preliminary Strategic Plan Funding Plan Priorities.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/FINAL_Equitech FAQ Summary_11_1_2024 %28002%29.pdf","name":"FINAL_Equitech FAQ Summary_11_1_2024 (002).pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/Equitech Growth Commission 10-Year Goals and Strategic Plan Funding Plan Priorities_FINAL.pdf","name":"Equitech Growth Commission 10-Year Goals and Strategic Plan Funding Plan Priorities_FINAL.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2026-04/EGF%20Template%20Budget%20and%20Justification%20Worksheet-FINAL.pdf","name":"EGF Template Budget and Justification Worksheet-FINAL.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2026-04/Equitech%20Growth%20Fund%20RFA_2026.pdf","name":"Equitech Growth Fund RFA_2026.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/Equitech%20Growth%20Commission%2010-Year%20Goals%20and%20Strategic%20Plan%20Funding%20Plan%20Priorities_FINAL.pdf","name":"Equitech Growth Commission 10-Year Goals and Strategic Plan Funding Plan Priorities_FINAL.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/FINAL_Equitech%20FAQ%20Summary_11_1_2024%20%28002%29.pdf","name":"FINAL_Equitech FAQ Summary_11_1_2024 (002).pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://www.tedcomd.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/Equitech%20Webinar.pdf","name":"Equitech Webinar.pdf"}],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingSource":{"name":"fundingSource","fieldType":"string","value":"Public","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingInstrument":{"name":"fundingInstrument","fieldType":"string","value":"grant","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"lastSyncedAt":{"name":"lastSyncedAt","fieldType":"string","value":"2026-10-17T08:01:07.822Z","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdCompassId":{"name":"mdCompassId","fieldType":"number","value":1744,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSlug":{"name":"mdSlug","fieldType":"string","value":"equitech-growth-fund","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdDataQuality":{"name":"mdDataQuality","fieldType":"string","value":"high","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicScope":{"name":"mdGeographicScope","fieldType":"string","value":"statewide","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAcceptingApplications":{"name":"mdAcceptingApplications","fieldType":"boolean","value":false,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRecurring":{"name":"mdRecurring","fieldType":"boolean","value":true,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAssistanceTypes":{"name":"mdAssistanceTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["grant"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleIndustries":{"name":"mdEligibleIndustries","fieldType":"array","value":["Manufacturing","Information","Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services","Educational Services","Health Care and Social Assistance","Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting","Utilities","Any"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleCounties":{"name":"mdEligibleCounties","fieldType":"array","value":["All"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes":{"name":"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["non-profit","for-profit","government","higher education institution"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdBusinessStage":{"name":"mdBusinessStage","fieldType":"string","value":"any","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw":{"name":"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw","fieldType":"string","value":"August 7, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. ET; questions due July 24, 2026 by 5:00 PM ET","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationProcess":{"name":"mdApplicationProcess","fieldType":"string","value":"Applications opened April 3, 2026. Complete applications must be submitted via the online Jotform portal at https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/cultivate-maryland by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 7, 2026. Submit questions to equitechgrowth@tedcomd.com by July 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET; answers were posted on the program website by July 31, 2026. Informational webinars were held on April 16, June 11, and July 23, 2026 (11 am–12 pm EST). Applications are reviewed in a multi-stage process: (1) Compliance Review (eligibility screening), (2) Screening Review (material completeness), (3) Detailed Review (scored by staff and external reviewers on 6 criteria, scale 1–5), (4) Due Diligence (verification, virtual meetings, documentation, possible site visits coordinated by TEDCO staff), and (5) Final Decision (CEO approval and notification). Finalists may be required to attend a virtual interview on or near the week of September 7, 2026; awardees are expected to be announced in October 2026. An FAQ document is available on the landing page. TEDCO mailing address: Equitech Growth Fund Program Manager, TEDCO, 10960 Grantchester Way, Suite 120, Columbia, MD 21044. Subject to availability of funding, TEDCO accepts applications once per year; next cycle expected to open in spring 2027.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdProgramAudience":{"name":"mdProgramAudience","fieldType":"string","value":"Public entities, nonprofits, private entities, public-private partnerships, and higher education institutions in Maryland working on infrastructure or workforce development in emerging and advanced industries including entrepreneurship development, STEAM education, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and IT workforce development, advanced technology, advanced laboratory space, and related industries. Program also targets underrepresented entrepreneurs including people of color, women, federal workforce, and veterans.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdUseOfFunds":{"name":"mdUseOfFunds","fieldType":"string","value":"Infrastructure development and workforce development initiatives that support Maryland's innovation economy, foster economic opportunity, and accelerate growth in emerging and advanced industries such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, life sciences, aerospace, agricultural technology, STEAM education, advanced laboratory space, quantum computing, autonomous systems, AR/VR learning facilities, and environmental and energy technology. Award proceeds and leveraged funds must be used within the State of Maryland. Scholarships and salary increases/transitioning part-time to full-time are NOT eligible uses of funds.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicEligibility":{"name":"mdGeographicEligibility","fieldType":"string","value":"Available statewide across Maryland. Proposed projects must be based in Maryland and benefit Maryland's innovation economy and workforce. Applicants must intend to maintain a physical presence in Maryland for at least 5 years and must use award proceeds and leveraged funds within Maryland. Multi-county projects are allowed. Preference given to proposals with greatest impact in Maryland, including economically distressed or rural areas.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRequirements":{"name":"mdRequirements","fieldType":"array","value":["Applicant must be a public entity, nonprofit, private entity (S Corp, C Corp, B Corp, LLC), public-private partnership, or institution of higher education","Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 7, 2026; applications submitted after this deadline will be rejected without consideration","Questions must be submitted to equitechgrowth@tedcomd.com preferably by July 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET","Projects must support infrastructure or workforce development in priority industry areas","Infrastructure project duration: 12–36 months depending on scope and readiness","Workforce project duration: 12–24 months depending on scope and readiness","Proposed projects must be based in Maryland and benefit Maryland's innovation economy and workforce","Applicant must intend to have a physical presence in the State of Maryland for at least 5 years","Award proceeds and leveraged/matching funds must be used in the State of Maryland","1:1 match required; cash match required (in-kind considered but insufficient alone); match must be unencumbered and project-specific","Interim and final progress reports required every 4–6 months during the project","Annual impact reports required for 5 years following project completion detailing fund usage, progress, and economic impact on Maryland economy, jobs, and innovation","Confidential information submitted must be marked 'Business Proprietary'","Letters of Commitment from matching-fund partners must be submitted with application; each LOC must include: the name of the organization providing the funds, the total amount committed, the payment schedule of the matching funds, a statement confirming that the funds will be used for the Equitech Growth Fund project, and a signature from an authorized representative of the organization","Multiple applications are permitted if for distinct projects (e.g., one Infrastructure and one Workforce application for separate projects)","Priority industries include Entrepreneurship Development, STEAM Education, Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity and IT, Advanced Technology, and Advanced Laboratory Space","Eligible infrastructure project types include: biomanufacturing facilities, aerospace manufacturing, quantum computing labs/centers, SCIF facility construction/improvements/upgrades, flexible wet-lab space/equipment/modernization, laboratories designed to test advancements in existing/new technologies, upgrades/implementation of cyber/AI risk management systems/frameworks, environment sensing technologies, incubators/accelerators/venture studios, innovation districts, ecosystem lifecycle support infrastructure, and intermediary/workforce development centers","Eligible workforce project types include: development and expansion of STEAM programs, educator STEAM professional development programs, lifetime learning (reskilling, upskilling) and related wrap-around support, expansion of work-based learning and career pathway opportunities, high-tech sector workforce development programming, and entrepreneur education programs/academies","Additional areas of consideration include Environmental and Energy Technology, Aerospace and Defense, Smart Agriculture and Food Technology, Healthcare/Life Sciences/Bioinformatics, Quantum Computing, Autonomous Systems and Robotics, AR/VR learning facilities, Fintech, Creative Industries/Digital Media, and Logistics/Supply Chain","Scholarships and salary increases are not eligible uses of award funds","Project must support one or more impact goals: fostering economic opportunity, supporting Maryland's innovation economy, or increasing Maryland's national competitiveness in emerging and advanced technology industries","Evaluation criteria include whether the applicant's project has the potential to result in a positive economic impact on Maryland and whether the founder or a member of the applicant's executive team reflects diversity","State funds are generally not allowed as matching funds; federal funds used as match for another state program cannot also serve as EGF match; loans or investments may qualify as matching funds; SBIR and other federal funding may be used as match; local government funding may be a permissible match; higher education institutions may use non-state appropriated funds as match; founders/owners' cash may serve as matching funds; in-kind match is considered but insufficient alone","Multi-county projects are allowed; proposed project may service more than one county","Lab build-out is considered infrastructure and may be eligible under infrastructure project types","'Soft' infrastructure projects may be eligible; applicants should describe the nature of the infrastructure in their application","TEDCO does not give preference to non-profit vs. for-profit applicants; all eligible organization types are evaluated on the same criteria","Funds may not be used to develop AI technology or novel SaaS platforms as a primary purpose; use of funds must align with eligible infrastructure or workforce development activities","Program does not take economic rights (e.g., warrants or equity) in exchange for grant funding","Projects with the greatest potential positive economic impact on Maryland, including in economically distressed or rural areas, will receive preference"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceUrls":{"name":"mdSourceUrls","fieldType":"array","value":["https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/cultivate-maryland/equitech-growth-fund","https://www.tedcomd.com/equitech-growth-fund","https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/3535/Business-Grant-Opportunities","https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=5"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceCount":{"name":"mdSourceCount","fieldType":"number","value":4,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"stateCode":{"name":"stateCode","fieldType":"string","value":"MD","description":"USPS code of the state whose agency offers this funding","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyKey":{"name":"agencyKey","fieldType":"string","value":"tedco","description":"Portal key of the administering agency","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyAbbrev":{"name":"agencyAbbrev","fieldType":"string","value":"TEDCO","description":"Administering agency abbreviation","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"upstreamSource":{"name":"upstreamSource","fieldType":"string","value":"maryland","description":"Upstream CommonGrants API this record is read from (src/data/state-portals/upstreams.json)","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"bindingMode":{"name":"bindingMode","fieldType":"string","value":"upstream","description":"Read from an upstream CommonGrants API; no editorial card yet","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"}},"createdAt":"2026-07-02T21:19:57.244Z","lastModifiedAt":"2026-10-04T20:03:41.150Z","identifiers":{"otherIds":{"opp:maryland:system":{"registry":{"code":"opp:maryland:system","url":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/common-grants"},"id":"35a0397e-58eb-56d0-9e25-949a9d029c34"}}},"funders":{"primary":{"id":"af5c6617-3c3b-5db3-9693-9f50aa40f760","name":"Maryland Technology Development Corporation","identifiers":{"otherIds":{"org:opengrants:funder":{"registry":{"code":"org:opengrants:funder","url":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/registries/org-opengrants-funder.json"},"id":"a2392a32-42b2-478a-a74e-c2ba2ba4ca8f","allIds":[{"id":"a2392a32-42b2-478a-a74e-c2ba2ba4ca8f","status":"active"}]},"org:us:md:agency":{"registry":{"code":"org:us:md:agency","url":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/registries/org-us-md-agency.json"},"id":"TEDCO"}}}}},"competitions":[],"awards":[]}}