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

SB 924 establishes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Grant Program within the Department of Social and Economic Mobility. The program provides grants to chambers of commerce for two key purposes: subsidizing membership fees for underrepresented individuals (covering one year of lowest-tier membership at no cost) and funding inter-chamber events (like networking activities, covering venue, promotion, and staff costs). To qualify, chambers must demonstrate programming support for new members, maintain annual funding for a full-time position, and submit annual reports on membership awards and participant feedback. The bill mandates a $100,000 annual state appropriation for the program, effective October 1, 2026, and requires detailed application requirements for both grant types.