Department of Social and Economic Mobility - Maryland Chamber of Commerce Grant Program - Established (Business Networks Access Act)

HB 1033 establishes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Grant Program within the Department of Social and Economic Mobility. It provides two types of grants: (1) subsidies for underrepresented business individuals (e.g., minorities, women) to join chambers at no cost, and (2) funding for joint events between multiple chambers. Chambers applying for membership grants must demonstrate programming support for new members and fund a full-time staff position, while inter-chamber grants require event plans and budget details. The program receives $100,000 annually from the state budget starting October 2026, with chambers required to submit annual reports on participants and event outcomes.