The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurs and companies who have chosen our community to open and operate their businesses. We realize that a vibrant commercial sector is paramount to the strength and prosperity of Snow Hill by providing jobs, products, and services, and contributing to community growth and pride. The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce has allocated $20,000 funded by proceeds from the annual Oyster Roast and Seafood Festival for the purpose of Economic Development to assist new and existing business owners as well as commercial property owners. The injection of these grant funds into our commercial enterprises will help retain current businesses as well as help them grow; increase functionality, curb appeal, and safety of commercial properties; and provide support to new businesses investing in Snow Hill.

Please complete this section in addition to the section corresponding to the specific grant you are applying for. Applications will only be considered "complete" if ALL the required questions are responded to, and all required documents are attached. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the review committee, and therefore will not be awarded funds. Applications can be mailed to the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, PO BOX 176, Snow Hill, MD 21863, or by scanning all documents and emailing them to info@snowhillchamber.com.

If the undersigned is awarded a Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce Business Grant, they hereby certify that they will abide by the following conditions of the grant award:

1. Applicants must be a current Chamber member prior to submitting the application.

2. Applicants must understand that this is a competitive funding process, and that submission of a grant application is NOT a guarantee of acceptance for funding. Grants will be awarded based upon the merits of the individual projects that are proposed and their adherence to the guidelines mentioned in the application paperwork.

3. Completed grant applications and all the required attachments must be received by the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce as stipulated by the Chamber. Once received, the applications will be reviewed by the Grant Review Committee.

4. All work initiated prior to final grant approval will be ineligible for funding.

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5. It is expressly understood and agreed that the applicant will not seek to hold the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, its agents, employees, officers and/or directors liable for any property damage, personal injury, or other loss related in any way to the project.

6. The applicant shall be responsible for hiring and executing an agreement with service providers and/or general contractors who are licensed to operate in the State of Maryland.

7. Applicant must certify that there are no hazardous materials located on the property, that it will not cause or allow any hazardous materials to be placed on the property, and that the property is in compliance with all applicable Federal and State environmental laws and regulations.

8. Upon completion of construction projects, all debris and materials are to be removed from the property and disposed of properly. The applicant agrees to maintain the property and improvements, including but not limited to; promptly removing graffiti, sweeping and shoveling in front of the property, and otherwise complying with all policeable codes and regulations.

9. The applicant authorizes the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce to promote an approved project including but not limited to displaying a sign at the site, during and after construction, and using photographs and descriptions of the project in their materials and press releases.

10. The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce shall have the right to refuse reimbursement to the property/business owner if the Chamber believes the work is unsatisfactory or the improvements are not being completed according to the approved application.

11. The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce will not pay more than the approved grant amount should the scope of work and/or cost increase due to unforeseen circumstances.

12. The Property/Business Owner shall provide evidence of payment(s) made to each contractor / vendor by providing a copy of the invoice and a copy of the canceled check or other proof of payment for that invoice for each payment request to be reimbursed by the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce.

13. The Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce will only provide reimbursement upon completion and inspection of the project, unless otherwise specified through written agreement.

14. At the Grant Review Committee's discretion, exceptions to any of the guidelines may be approved due to special conditions or situations.

15. If awarded grant funds, recipients must submit copies of all invoices for reimbursement no later than December 31, 2026. Requests submitted after this date will not be eligible for reimbursement, and any remaining grant funds will be forfeited.

(Please fill out only one application)

I, the applicant, have read and understand the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce Business Members Grant terms and conditions, and I agree to abide by the general conditions as set forth in this application.

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The purpose of these funds is to assist existing business owners recovering from financial hardship or to expand the products and/or services offered by the business. The business must continue operating for four (4) years. Businesses that operate for 0-24 months after receiving grant funds will be required to repay the funds at 100%; businesses that operate 25-47 months after receiving grant funds will be required to repay a prorated amount. Maximum award amount is $5,000 and will be disbursed as a reimbursement and subject to submission of proof of purchase.

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The purpose of this grant is to assist businesses or property owners in renovating commercial properties to meet local building and safety code standards, help businesses operate more efficiently in their space, increase optimal use of commercial buildings, encourage second floor occupancy, and improve the aesthetic of commercial buildings located throughout the Snow Hill community.

The default minimum funding match is 50% of the total project cost, meaning the applicant must be able to match the funded amount up to the maximum $5,000 award. Projects under $5,000 may be eligible for funding in the full amount and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the application review committee, based on financial need. Applicant must own the property or be a commercial tenant of the building with written permission from the property owner for the project.

Funds will be disbursed upon completion of the project to the grant recipient as a reimbursement, or directly to the vendor pending project review by Code Enforcement to ensure safety standards are met and application review committee to ensure adherence to the original plan. Any changes to the project plan or scope of work must be approved by the application review committee to remain compliant and eligible for funding. All renovations/improvements must meet applicable Code and Historic Commission requirements. Correction of any existing code deficiencies must be included in the scope of work to be completed.

Descriptions, drawings, and pictures of current conditions attached to this application should demonstrate need of the project and indicate that the finished product will adhere to building code and Historic Commission requirements.

• Contractor estimate including detailed description of the scope of work and drawings/plans for the renovations or improvements.
• Pictures of current conditions
• Proof of ownership of building
• Lease Agreement between property owner and tenant

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Please provide signature and contact information for property owner(s) to indicate permission for proposed project.

The purpose of this grant is to increase visibility and promotion of Snow Hill businesses, while creating an aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching commercial landscape. Eligible projects include illumination of signs and buildings, permanent or semi-permanent window lettering, signs which affix directly to the facade, and signs mounted to the building. The preferred maximum award is $1,000, and requires 50% matching funds of the total sign/lighting cost. Sign design and size must meet all policeable Code and Historical Commission Standards.

• Design rendering
• If incorporating lighting, include picture of fixture
• Approval letter of design by Town of Snow Hill Code Enforcement Officer
• Quote for cost

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The purpose of this funding is to assist new businesses with start-up capital. These funds can be used to purchase inventory or equipment, pay payroll, rent/mortgage, utility and other business expenses. This funding is intended to assist new businesses embark on operations with strength and support from the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce. Businesses must remain in operations for four (4) years. Businesses that operate for 0-24 months after receiving grant funds will be required to repay the funds at 100%; businesses that operate 25-47 months after receiving grant funds will be required to repay a prorated amount. Maximum award amount $5,000, and will be disbursed upon application approval.

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Operation/ Expansion Assistance for Existing Businesses

The purpose of these funds is to assist existing business owners recovering from financial hardship or to expand the products and/or services offered by the business. The business must continue operating for four (4) years. Businesses that operate for 0-24 months after receiving grant funds will be required to repay the funds at 100%; businesses that operate 25-47 months after receiving grant funds will be required to repay a prorated amount. Maximum award amount is $5,000 and will be disbursed as a reimbursement and subject to submission of proof of purchase. Attach to application: Business plan with five (5) year cash flow projections Executed lease, or deed to property where business is located If applying for grant funds to offset hardship, please explain the hardship, how these funds will help you recover, and your recovery strategy.

The purpose of this grant is to assist businesses or property owners in renovating commercial properties to meet local building and safety code standards, help businesses operate more efficiently in their space, increase optimal use of commercial buildings, encourage second floor occupancy, and improve the aesthetic of commercial buildings located throughout the Snow Hill community. The default minimum funding match is 50% of the total project cost, meaning the applicant must be able to match the funded amount up to the maximum $5,000 award. Projects under $5,000 may be eligible for funding in the full amount and will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the application review committee, based on financial need. Applicant must own the property or be a commercial tenant of the building with written permission from the property owner for the project. Funds will be disbursed upon completion of the project to the grant recipient as a reimbursement, or directly to the vendor pending project review by Code Enforcement to ensure safety standards are met and application review committee to ensure adherence to the original plan. Any changes to the project plan or scope of work must be approved by the application review committee to remain compliant and eligible for funding. All renovations/improvements must meet applicable Code and Historic Commission requirements. Correction of any existing code deficiencies must be included in the scope of work to be completed. Descriptions, drawings, and pictures of current conditions attached to this application should demonstrate need of the project and indicate that the finished product will adhere to building code and Historic Commission requirements. Attach to application: Contractor estimate including detailed description of the scope of work and drawings/plans for the renovations or improvements.

Pictures of current conditions

Proof of ownership of building Lease Agreement between property owner and tenant Explain the proposed changes, renovations and/or improvements to be made to the building through this project. (Add additional pages if needed)