MoCo doesn’t have to be buried in history as a cautionary tale.
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front):
Montgomery County’s Economic Development Fund (EDF) is working—creating thousands of jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting innovation-driven companies. But if we want to restore full confidence in the county’s economy and lead Maryland in business growth, we need to double down on what's working and take bold new actions—including cutting red tape, incentivizing tech startups, bringing back high-tech manufacturing, and helping small businesses afford warehouse space.
While much of the political conversation in Maryland focuses on taxes and spending, Montgomery County has been quietly—and effectively—investing in real economic growth. The latest official report on the Economic Development Fund (EDF) shows how targeted investments are paying off, helping small businesses grow, supporting good jobs, and attracting innovative companies to the area.
Here’s what you need to know—and why it matters for every resident and business in Montgomery County:
Montgomery County’s Economic Development Wins (So Far)
1. Retaining and creating thousands of local jobs
Over 2,400 jobs retained and created in FY2025 alone through grants and loans to major employers like Sodexo and Federal Realty.
A $1.3 million investment helped retain a federal lease at 5600 Fishers Lane in Rockville, preserving 2,000 high-quality jobs that could have been lost.
2. Filling empty offices and reviving urban business centers
Through MOVE (Make Office Vacancy Extinct), 43 businesses have been supported to move into or expand within Montgomery County—injecting life into empty office spaces.
Average award: $26,000 — Average leased space: 3,625 sq. ft. — Over $1.5 million invested to date.
3. Supporting small businesses in disadvantaged communities
Microloans, ranging from $500 to $15,000, help residents from disadvantaged areas like Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, and East County launch and grow small businesses.
According to the Office of Legislative Oversight, these loans reach minority, immigrant, and women entrepreneurs who often lack access to traditional bank loans.
Purple Line Small Business Impact Grants are providing $1,800/month to 40 businesses affected by construction, helping them survive and thrive.
4. Investing in biotech, innovation, and the future economy
SBIR Matching Grants are helping biotech and life sciences startups turn cutting-edge research into products, with $140,000 disbursed so far this year.
The Biotechnology Investor Incentive Program (BIIP) drives private investment in Montgomery County’s fast-growing biotech industry.
The JOBS Initiative, a $20 million fund, rewards companies for creating high-paying, permanent jobs, focusing on emerging sectors like cybersecurity, AI, and health technology.
What More Can Montgomery County Do?
To keep up this momentum—and restore full confidence in the economy—Montgomery County should build on these successes with four bold next steps:
1. Guarantee fast-track permitting for small businesses and construction
A "30-day permit guarantee" for small businesses would cut red tape and make Montgomery County one of the most business-friendly places in Maryland.
Entrepreneurs need speed, not bureaucracy to succeed.
2. Create a "Tech and Innovation Tax Credit" for AI, biotech, and cybersecurity startups
Compete with Northern Virginia and DC for next-gen companies and high-paying jobs.
Targeted tax incentives for companies creating six-figure salaries and cutting-edge solutions will keep talent and growth here.
3. Launch a "Manufacturing Montgomery" initiative for high-tech industries
Attract clean, high-tech manufacturing in semiconductors, batteries, and medical devices.
Use federal CHIPS Act and other incentives to make Montgomery County a hub for advanced manufacturing and good union jobs.
4. Establish a "Warehouse and Logistics Support Fund" for small businesses
Subsidize warehouse, storage, and light industrial space costs for small and growing businesses—especially e-commerce, distribution, and food-based startups.
As real estate prices rise, many small businesses can’t afford critical storage and fulfillment space—limiting their growth.
A warehouse fund would unlock local entrepreneurship, especially for minority-owned and immigrant-led businesses that are ready to scale but face cost barriers.
Final Takeaway: Montgomery County y Doesn’t Have to Slide into Interminable Decline
For several years now, MoCo Insiders with any sense have been accepting the reality that perhaps the county is inhabiting the worst possible timeline for itself. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The county can and should maintain a strong and vibrant commitment to pluralism, pro-labor stances, and social welfare. But it can also have a sophisticated approach to economic development and invigorating small and medium enterprises to play a vital role in our economy.
Montgomery County’s Economic Development Fund is working—helping businesses, creating jobs, and keeping innovation local. But to stay competitive and truly become Maryland's economic engine, we need to double down on what works and think even bigger.
By supporting small businesses with warehouse subsidies, fast permits, tech incentives, and modern manufacturing investments, Montgomery County can be the place where businesses choose to stay, grow, and hire local.
Further Reading — Source Documents:
Want more posts like this?
Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on [social media handles] for more real talk on Maryland’s economy, jobs, and politics.