HANOVER, MD (May 2, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation today announced the first round of recipients for the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program which the Department launched in February 2025.  This grant program aims to support small businesses along the Purple Line alignment most directly impacted by construction of this critical light rail line. The funding will help local business owners sustain operations, preserve jobs and expand services.  Grant awards for this initial phase ranged from $1,000 to $40,000, for a total of $1 million. The four-year program will invest $4 million in eligible businesses along the Purple Line corridor. 

“Maryland’s investment in the Purple Line represents a tremendous economic growth opportunity that will connect communities from Bethesda to New Carrollton,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “These grants will support small businesses whose operations are impacted by construction to ensure they are ready to thrive once the Purple Line opens.” 

An overwhelming number of submissions, more than 450, were received from a variety of businesses during the first round of applications. After a thorough and competitive selection process, eligible businesses were selected based on their demonstrated need and proximity to the priority impact areas.  A complete list of Purple Line Small Business Grant awardees can be found here.

Businesses that did not receive an award during the first round of funding or businesses that did not apply are encouraged to submit an application in the next funding cycle, which opens June 2, with applications due by June 27, 2025. Program details, full eligibility requirements and a link to the grant application (available in multiple languages) can be found at www.purplelinemd.com. Businesses needing to reach Purple Line Business Engagement can email the team at business@purplelinemd.com​.

The Purple Line recently announced the start of light rail vehicle dynamic testing on the one-mile test track parallel to Veteran's Parkway in Prince George's County. Eight vehicles have arrived at the Operations and Maintenance Facility with the fleet’s remaining 20 scheduled to begin arriving in May. The project is 76% complete with more than 80,000 feet of track installed and all 21 future Purple Line stations are currently under construction. Across the alignment, 19 miles of new and improved sidewalks are being installed, along with trails and new bike paths. 

The Purple Line is a 16-mile, 21-station light rail line that will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. It will directly connect to Metro's Red, Green and Orange lines at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton. The Purple Line will also connect to MARC, Amtrak and local bus services. To learn more, visit purplelinemd.com​, and follow Purple Line on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, X/Twitter and YouTube.