J.O.B.S. Initiative
June 17, 2026Job Creation Fund FAQs
June 17, 2026Commercialize your company’s
projects in Montgomery County, Md.
The Montgomery County Founders Fund supports commercialization projects for early stage, innovative businesses that historically have lacked access to capital with up to $100,000 in grant funding for commercialization projects.
Key Program Highlights
Companies must be located in Montgomery County, Md., and be Certified as a Minority or Female owned business, certified as a Women or Veteran-owned business by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); and/or Located in a Montgomery County Community Equity Index (CEI) disadvantaged location (as defined on this map as being in a “Highly Disproportionate – Disadvantaged,” “Moderately Disproportionate – Disadvantaged” or “Slightly Disproportionate –Disadvantaged” location).
- Target Industries: Advanced Manufacturing/Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Energy and Environment,Finance, Healthtech, Hospitality Tech, Information Technology, IoT, Life Sciences (e.g. biohealth, biologics, cell and gene therapy, diagnostics, medical devices/technology, vaccines), Quantum, UrbanTech, Wholesale food/textile/product manufacturing (with wholesale manufacturing the primary focus of the business prior to October 31, 2024)
- Funding: Up to $100,000 per grant awardee
- Applications: Applications for this grant will close on January 31, 2025. The application process requires specific documentation and is estimated to take approximately 1–2 hours if all necessary materials are prepared in advance. We recommend planning your time accordingly. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Evaluation Process
All applications for the Montgomery County Founders Fund will be reviewed by an independent third-party organization with expertise in evaluating commercialization projects, supporting commercialization activities, and connecting innovative technologies to commercial markets. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Awards are contingent upon the evaluation of proposals against program criteria and the availability of funds.