Annapolis economic development office highlights small‑business grants, maritime apprenticeship and permitting reforms

Hope Stewart, small minority business enterprise liaison in the Office of Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, told the Economic Matters Committee the city is continuing targeted support for small businesses and working to shorten permitting timelines downtown.

Stewart said the office is finalizing a $75,000 grant agreement to support the Inclusive Ventures program run by the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and that staff are addressing permit issues for businesses on Main Street, Maryland Avenue and other downtown corridors. “We are working with a law office to finalize a grant agreement to give $75,000 to the Inclusive Ventures program, which is being run by Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation,” Stewart said.

The committee heard details about workforce and program funding. Alderman Gay noted the Inclusive Ventures grant was his initiative and asked staff to coordinate follow‑up. Gay also pressed staff to use previously allocated funds for an economic…