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Maryland State Benefits
Veterans Establishing Businesses
Maryland offers a wide range of resources to individuals establishing businesses. For more information, please contact the Governor’s Office of Business Advocacy (GOBA) (410) 767-6300.
Military Reservist and Service-Related No-Interest Loan Program
The Department of Business and Employment Development in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs provides a no interest loan via the Military Reservist and Service-Related No-Interest Loan Program to the following categories:
(1) A business owned by a military reservist or National Guard member who is called to active duty
(2) A small business employer of a military reservist or National Guard member who is called to active duty
(3) A business employing a service disabled veteran to make the place of employment accessible, or for other necessary expenses incurred as a result of the disability
(4) A service disabled veteran who needs funding to make the home, automobile or place of employment accessible, or for other necessary expenses incurred as a result of the disability.
Maryland Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC)
The SBDC is dedicated to helping you establish and expand your business. We accomplish this by providing a variety of management and technical assistance programs designed to help you, the aspiring and existing small business owner.
The Governor's Office of Minority Affairs (OMA)
OMA is a cabinet-level state office dedicated to the needs of Maryland’s minority and women business owners. OMA provides a wide range of referral and technical services for clients who either own an existing business or want to start a new business. In addition to helping minority businesses navigate Maryland’s complex certification and procurement processes, OMA is responsible for managing and overseeing the Minority Business Program for all state agencies.
To learn more about specific programs that you may benefit from call 1-(877) 558-0998.
Reach Independence through Self-Employment (RISE)
RISE is a program for people with disabilities interested in starting their own business and who are eligible for services through the MD Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Individuals interested in starting there own business must first speak to a DORS counselor. The RISE program helps business clients explore the feasibility of self-employment as a realistic vocational option; develop a comprehensive business; receive individualized technical assistance; explore multiple funding sources for your venture; obtain market information to help you select the right industry; and receive an assessment of your plan by business and banking experts.
In addition, DORS will provide limited funding for a small business if necessary after the business plan has been favorably reviewed by the RISE Program's Business Plan Review Committee and approved by DORS. For more information call (888) 788-7473.
Maryland Financing Programs
Maryland offers a number of financing programs to assist the state’s business community. Specific financing programs for small business clients include the following:
- Maryland Small Business Development Financing
- Authority Neighborhood Business Development
- Program Economic Development Opportunities Fund (Sunny Day Fund) Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority Community Development Block Grant Program Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund.
Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP)
To assist Maryland small businesses in how to do business with federal, state, and local government agencies. This assistance is provided at no cost to the small business owner. Small businesses (as defined by the Small Business Administration) that have a product or service needed by a government agency are welcome to apply for services.
Burial Benefits
Veterans who are residents of the State of Maryland and have received an honorable discharge and their eligible dependents are eligible for burial at one of Maryland’s five veterans cemeteries. Plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no cost to the veteran for burial plot, opening/closing, headstone and state liner (if used). Eligible dependents have a minimal opening/closing cost and a direct cost for state liner (if used). There is a pre-interment program where veterans can indicate their desire to be buried in one of the five state veterans cemeteries and verify their eligibility for burial by filling out a pre-interment application.
License Plates
Maryland offers veterans a variety of military related license plates. Plates are available for passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, motorcycles and trucks (10,000 lbs or less).
Gold Star Plate
The Gold Star Plate is available to individuals who are the surviving spouse, parent, child or a sibling of a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and lost his or her life.
Vehicle Regsitration
Military Personnel Temporarily Stationed in MarylandIf you are not establishing residency because you are only temporarily stationed in Maryland and you are a member of the armed forces of the United States or of the United States Public Health Service and you are on active duty in this State or an adjoining state or the District of Columbia, you do not need to register your passenger vehicle in this State if your vehicle is currently registered in your state of residence. If you are establishing residency in Maryland you must title and register your vehicle within one year of moving to Maryland. If you delay beyond one year, you will not be eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state, and you may be subject to a citation for an out-of-state registration.
Military Personnel - Maryland Resident Temporarily Stationed Outside of Maryland
If you purchase a used vehicle while stationed outside of Maryland and want to title it, you may complete Section A and B of the "Temporary Inspection Waiver" (form VR-129) and submit it with your documentation to title the vehicle. The waiver allows you to title and temporarily register a used vehicle in Maryland without having the vehicle undergo a Maryland Safety Inspection. When you return to Maryland, the vehicle must be immediately inspected. The military personnel inspection waiver is valid for two years and may be renewed if necessary (if still stationed out-of-state).
Maryland Residents - Active Military
Maryland residents in the military may record their out-of-state/country address on file with the MVA by completing an "Address Certification United States Government Employee form" (form VR-102). This form must be completed in its entirety and returned to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
Driver's Licensing Active Duty Military Personnel and their Dependents Currently Holding a MD Driver's License
Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active members of the armed forces and their dependents (who reside with the active member outside of Maryland), while they are absent from Maryland. The licensees have 30 days after they return to Maryland, or when they are discharged or separated from active service, to visit an MVA office for their license renewals.
Organization Runs Errands for Veterans
A local veterans group is working to help the elderly and disabled veterans with routine errands during the coronavirus pandemic. The primary mission of the U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps is to deliver effective force packages for disaster preparedness and response. Master Sergeant Karen Kendra Holmes with U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps said those in need just have to call their store or pharmacy, place an order and pay for what they want. The group will then pick up items and drop them off at the designated address. Anyone interested in arranging a delivery can contact Master Sergeant Holmes.
Contact U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps