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Maine CDBG Economic Development Program
General · Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) · ME
The Maine CDBG Economic Development Program is a state grant, run by Maine DECD, that gives municipalities gap funding of up to $100,000 to help local businesses buy equipment or cover working capital while creating or retaining jobs for low- and moderate-income residents in Maine.
The Maine CDBG Economic Development Program is a state-administered grant category funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and managed by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). It provides gap funding to help businesses purchase equipment or secure working capital, with the goal of creating or retaining jobs — particularly jobs that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
Unlike many small business grants, businesses cannot apply directly. Instead, a municipality in Maine applies to DECD on behalf of an identified business project, meaning the business must first partner with its local town or city government to be considered. This structure means eligibility and timing depend heavily on local government involvement and readiness, not just the business's own qualifications.
According to the program notes, awards can go up to $100,000 in gap funding, with a cap of $30,000 per job created or retained. At least 51% of the jobs tied to the project must benefit low- and moderate-income people, which is a core CDBG requirement nationwide.
For a small business owner in Maine considering expansion, equipment purchases, or hiring, this program could be a valuable source of gap financing — money that fills the space between what a business can self-finance or borrow and what a project actually costs. However, because applications run through municipalities and funding rounds vary, business owners should contact their local municipal economic development office and check the official DECD site for current round openings, exact award terms, and application deadlines before assuming eligibility or availability.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is described as a grant (gap funding), not a loan.
Do I have to repay the money?
Based on the available information, it is structured as a grant, but confirm repayment terms at the official source.
Can I apply directly as a business owner?
No — only municipalities can apply to DECD on behalf of an identified business.
How much funding is available?
Up to $100,000 in gap funding, capped at $30,000 per job created or retained.
What is gap funding used for?
It can be used to help a business purchase equipment or secure working capital tied to job creation or retention.
Who is eligible?
Businesses whose municipality applies on their behalf, where at least 51% of the jobs created or retained benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
What states can apply?
This program is only for businesses located in Maine.
When is the deadline?
The listing says to check current rounds; confirm at the official source.
Who administers this program?
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
Where do I apply?
Through your local municipality, which submits the application to DECD; see https://www.maine.gov/decd/community-development/cdbg-program/grant-categories/economic-development-program.
Is the grant taxable?
Confirm at the official source, as this is not addressed in the available information.
What industries does this apply to?
The category is listed as general, with no specific industry restriction noted.
Does my business need to already exist?
Confirm at the official source, as this detail is not specified in the available information.
How is the award amount determined?
It appears tied to job creation/retention, with a cap of $30,000 per job and a $100,000 program maximum.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.