Maryland has launched a new platform to help small business owners access market demand data, government funding opportunities, experts, and business support resources. The Maryland Community Business Compass will make these tools and information more readily available and accessible to entr epreneurs looking to grow or improve their businesses.  “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. “And if Maryland is going to grow, we have to uplift the aspirations of entrepreneurs from every zip code. That’s why we’re putting more powerful tools and resources into the hands of entrepreneurs and small business owners, building more pathways to work, wages, and wealth for themselves and their communities.” Starting in early 2026, users can participate in a training session to learn how to navigate the Compass platform. Individuals can contact [email protected] for more information. Moore also announced that the state is investing $10 million in small businesses, including $8 million for child care providers and $2 million for fresh food retailers. Child care providers will be able to receive assistance from the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund to acquire, improve, expand or build their facilities. “Affordable, accessible child care isn’t just good for families, it supports businesses and helps grow our economy,” said Harry Coker Jr., secretary of Maryland’s Department of Commerce, in a statement. “When parents have reliable child care, they have the freedom and flexibility to explore new career opportunities and build better futures. This brings more talent into the workforce, which encourages businesses to choose Maryland. This investment recognizes that supporting child care providers supports our entire economy.” The fund will prioritize child care providers in underserved or rural communities; providers that serve primarily low-income populations in areas of high poverty; and those that serve children 2 years old or younger as well as children with special needs. Child care providers have until Jan. 30 to apply. Fresh food retailers can receive up to $150,000 in grants through the NourishMD Grant Program to stabilize or expand resources in areas that have low access to healthy food. “Every Maryland family deserves to walk into a neighborhood store and find fresh, healthy food,” said Jake Day, secretary of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, in a statement. “NourishMD invests in the entrepreneurs who make that possible by creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and ensuring no community is left behind.” “Eligible businesses include grocery or corner stores, farm stands, co-ops, farmers’ markets and certain delivery retailers in areas with high rates of food insecurity combined with a lack of physical access to fresh food retailers,” according to a news release. Applications will be open from Jan. 20 to Feb. 20. ...read more read less