Looking for support in Downtown Frederick? From grant programs that help businesses take that next step toward success, to a variety of tax credits and other incentives for people looking to invest in our community — the Partnership is committed to helping Downtown Frederick thrive and grow.

Facade Improvement Grant

The Partnership can offer you up to $10,000 to upgrade your Downtown Frederick building facade. Interested?

The process is easy! Fill out the one page application and you are on your way to a matching grant for your facade improvement. The Partnership will provide 50 percent of the facade improvement costs up to a maximum grant amount of $10,000. Grants can be provided to either the property owner or the tenant/business owner.

The project must be approved prior to beginning work. Painting, awnings, lighting, signage and other projects are eligible for funding.The grants are available to commercial building facades in Downtown Frederick: including, but not limited to, Market Street between South and Seventh Streets, Patrick Street between Bentz and Wisner Streets and in Everedy Square/Shab Row. See application for project details or call the Partnership office at 301.698.8118 for more information.

Mission: Interior Grant

The Partnership’s Mission: Interior program offers matching grant funds to improve the interior of retail businesses located within Downtown Frederick. Due to a lack of funding, this program is not currently available. Contact mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org with any questions.

Grow Program

Offered by the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development, the Grow Small Business Assistance Fund supports businesses moving to or expanding within the City by providing micro grants.

Fire Suppression Incentive Program

Fire safety is of particular concern in the Frederick Town Historic District given the construction methods, materials and density found downtown. The high costs of installing sprinklers are a deterrent to improving personal safety and protecting the historic buildings in Downtown Frederick.

Costs impact smaller commercial/multi-family/mixed use buildings disproportionally and may make sprinklers not financially feasible. Building owners are incentivized under this program to install sprinklers in order to improve personal safety while helping to preserve the historic fabric of Downtown Frederick. The program also will have an economic benefit by increasing utilization of buildings as well as stabilizing or improving property values.

The parameters of the Partnership’s Fire Suppression Incentive Program are described below. Please call the Partnership at 301.698.8118 or email mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org if you have any questions.

Download Fire Suppression Grant Application

Eligibility

Existing building located in the Frederick Town Historic District that is > 50 years old
Building must include no more than 10,000 square feet based on assessed square footage as defined by SDAT
Commercial, multi-family residential or mixed use buildings
Utilizes a water connection not to exceed 6” to City water main
Building is to be sprinklered in accordance with City requirements and the appropriate NFPA sprinkler standard

Incentive

Provides a grant of up to $25,000 for a new sprinkler system
Requires 50/50 grant match by the owner

Application Process

Download an application and submit it to the Partnership
Application reviewed by Partnership for completeness
Processed on a first-come, first-served basis

Tax Credits

Historic Preservation Property Tax Credit (City)

Property owners can apply for a property tax credit for 25 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $7,500, to rehabilitate the exterior of a building located within the historic district overlay. More info.

Small Business Tax Credit (County)

Businesses who obtain at least 2,500 square feet of new or expanded premises and employ at least five people in full-time jobs during a 24-month period in the same time period, may be eligible for a Small Business Tax Credit. More info.

Competitive Commercial Tax Credit (State)

The Maryland Historical Trust offers a small commercial tax credit for rehabilitation projects under $500,000. Eligible projects may earn a state income tax credit equal to 20 percent of qualified rehabilitation expenditures. More info.

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits (Federal)

The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings. A 20 percent tax credit is available for historic, income producing buildings and a ten percent tax credit is available for non-historic buildings placed in use before 1936. More info.

Downtown Frederick Arts & Entertainment District Tax Credit (City & County)

In 2003, Downtown Frederick became a state designated Arts & Entertainment District, a program administered by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and overseen by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. The designation provides a great opportunity to highlight the many attractions that make Downtown Frederick an arts destination. In addition to the marketing benefits, the designation also offers a tax deduction for eligible artists, an exemption from state admission, an amusement tax for certified arts activities and a property tax credit for buildings renovated or constructed for an arts related use.

Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment Districts provide a structure for creative placemaking, helping to develop and promote community involvement, tourism and revitalization through tax-related incentives that attract artists, arts organizations and other creative enterprises to towns and cities across the state of Maryland. Find more information about the statewide program through the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Downtown Frederick A&E District is co-managed by Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Frederick Arts Council. Both organizations are involved in marketing the district and publicizing the available tax credits. However, neither organization plays a formal role in reviewing or administering the tax credits that are a part of this program. Both organizations want to ensure that as many businesses as possible benefit from the Downtown Frederick A&E District. If you need additional information, please contact either organization as listed below.

Kara Norman, Downtown Frederick Partnership | 301.698.8118 | kara@downtownfrederick.org

Louise Kennelly, Frederick Arts Council | 301.662.4190 | kennelly@frederickartscouncil.org

Tax Deduction: The tax deduction – or income tax subtraction modification – is not a tax credit. Instead, artists who create and sell work within the district are not taxed on the income derived from art and art enterprises. This tax benefit only applies at the state level. Artists continue to pay the full amount of federal income tax. Artists who would like to take advantage of the program must submit Maryland State Tax Form 502AE when you file your state income tax returns. The instructions for this form include the state’s definition of art-derived income. Questions regarding how the artist income tax benefit works should be addressed to the Comptroller of Maryland at taxhelp@comp.state.md.us.

Admission & Amusement Tax Exemption: The City of Frederick has adopted a ten-year exemption from the Admissions and Amusement Tax for those certified arts and entertainment activities occurring within the Downtown Frederick Arts & Entertainment District boundaries.

Property Tax Credits: Both the City of Frederick and Frederick County have enacted property tax credits for the renovation or construction of arts related spaces with the Downtown Frederick Arts & Entertainment District boundaries. Only the increase in assessed valuation of the portion of the property renovated or constructed for a certified arts use is eligible for the property tax credit. The property tax credit is available for seven years and follows a schedule of YEARS 1-4: 100% Exempt, YEAR 5: 75% Exempt, YEAR 6: 50% Exempt, YEAR 7: 25% Exempt, YEAR 8+: 0% Exempt.

Artist Income Tax Benefit: To qualify for the artist income tax benefit, you must at least meet three minimum criteria. (1) Own or rent residential property within Maryland. (2) Create artistic work in any A&E District. (3) Have generated income from the sale or performance of art within any A&E District. If you can meet all three of the above criteria, then you may be eligible for a tax deduction on your state income tax.

Finance and Incentive Programs

Neighborhood Business Works (DHCD)

Small businesses and startups in Maryland can get help to grow through a range of financing programs available from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. These programs are designed to support lending and financing through traditional lenders, and can make the difference between a project launching or not. More info.

State of Maryland Finance Programs (Commerce)

The Maryland Department of Commerce offers numerous finance programs and tax credits for businesses. For specific questions, contact Tamar Osterman, Senior Business Development Representative, at 443.902.4487 or tamar.osterman@maryland.gov.

Upcoming Downtown Events

Loading…

Join Colonial Jewelers in their Downtown Frederick showroom to SAVE BIG on their finest selection of beautiful, rare, hand-selected Diamonds! All Diamond jewelry is ON SALE for one week only: Diamond Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Anniversary Bands, Tennis Bracelets, Diamond Studs and Fashion Jewelry galore! Interest Free Financing Options Available.

Apr

Diamond Day Sale @ Colonial Jewelers

April Events

Colonial Jewelers

Join Heritage Frederick at the next Parsons Newman Speaker Series featuring local authors who will introduce their new books and answer questions. Howard Cox, of Frederick, recently published American Traitor about General James Wilkinson, the highest ranking federal official to be charged as a spy. Pete Michael, of Adamstown, will discuss his new book, First Explorer, which tells the story of Francis Michael, who in 1704 became the first European to explore beyond the Atlantic coast and into the Appalachians. The series honors the civic leadership of Parsons Newman and is presented through the Parsons Newman Fund established by Mr. and Mrs. John D. Hendrickson II at The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

Apr

Parsons Newman Speaker Series @ Heritage Frederick

April Events

Heritage Frederick

The patriarch of a family of grey squirrels has stowed away enough nuts for 10 winters, but the fox squirrels from way over near the 7-11 want in on his stash. In this fiercely funny and provocative play, the writer of Hand to God exposes the way we use power and domination to mask our own insecurities and fears. For mature audiences.

Apr

The Squirrels @ The MET

April Events March Events

Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Evidence shows that the emotional culture of an organization influences employee satisfaction, burnout, absenteeism, teamwork, and team performance, however, “emotions” can often seem like a dirty word at work. Join Cowork Frederick to play a simple game to help break that taboo! Brain Boost is a FREE lunchtime collaborative learning experience designed to build expertise and ensure equitable access to a wealth of knowledge. Bring your lunch and learn.

Apr

Brain Boost: E%$#*^ (Emotions) at Work

April Events

Cowork Frederick

Play games with us! We have a comfortable venue space located in Downtown Frederick. We offer a selection of tabletop games such as Carcassonne for your enjoyment. Hot tea and snacks are made freely available. Donations are appreciated. Free parking is available in the parking lot immediately after 121 W. Patrick St and on W. Patrick St. proper. Please note that we are on the second floor with 18 steps to navigate.

Apr

Tabletop Game Night @ UNESCO BMW Center

April Events February Events January Events March Events May Events

UNESCO Body & Mind Wellness Club

The Weinberg presents a high-energy percussive step dance and traditional African dance with riveting songs and compelling storytelling. Founded in 1994 as an exchange program with the Soweto Dance Theatre of Johannesburg, Step Afrika! is the first professional Dance Company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Mesmerizing and memorable. One of America’s top five African American dance companies travels the globe to deliver the tradition of stepping — a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an artistic instrument. In perfect union, the performers’ feet pound the stage with power, precision, and skill. The dynamic dancing is complemented with riveting songs, compelling storytelling, and audience participation like none other.

Apr

Step Afrika!

April Events

Weinberg Center for the Arts

Join the thirteenth annual Bring A Broom Saturday on Saturday, April 27, 2024! Community members are asked to bring their brooms and help Downtown Frederick get ready for spring. Volunteer a few hours of your time with friends and neighbors to help make downtown shine! Volunteers will sweep sidewalks, mulch tree wells, pick up trash and plant flowers. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Bring A Broom Saturday is a great volunteer opportunity for companies, sports teams, social clubs and civic groups. If you’re volunteering as part of a group, select your team name from the dropdown menu during registration. If you’re a group leader and need to create a team registration, please contact leeann@downtownfrederick.org. More event info at bringabroom2024.eventbrite.com Bring A Broom Saturday is made possible with support from Oldetowne Landscape Architects, the City of Frederick and Oldcastle APG, Lawn & Garden Division.

Apr

Bring A Broom Saturday

April Events Partnership Events

Downtown Frederick

Walk in the footsteps of doctors, nurses, soldiers and civilians who cared for 8,000 wounded soldiers in Downtown Frederick Every Saturday at 10:30am and Sunday at 2pm from April until September, docents from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will explain how Frederick became “One Vast Hospital.” Arguably the most trying moment in city’s history came after the Battle of Antietam in the fall of 1862. The town’s population doubled when 8,000 wounded soldiers were delivered by ambulance to make-shift hospitals throughout Frederick. Tickets are $15 and include admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in addition to the walking tour. Tickets are free for Museum members, but you must still reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Contact Chris Reed at chris.reed@civilwarmed.org for more information or visit civilwarmed.org/weekendtours.

Apr

+44

Walking Tours with National Museum of Civil War Medicine

April Events August Events July Events June Events May Events September Events

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Saturdays at 10:30AM Donation Based, All Levels Flow Rejuvenate with a cold beverage and food after yoga and receive 10% off your tab! Please Register At: https://linktr.ee/jenuineyogi EMAIL: jenuineyogi@gmail.com FB PAGE: facebook.com/jenuineyogi MEETUP: meetup.com/jenuineyogi

Apr

Yoga On Tap

April Events

Frederick Social

MAD Dance presents “Intentional Terrarium,” a Festival of Performances and Experiences in an Immersive Art Installation April 6, 13, 20, and 27 Frederick, MD – MAD Dance presents “Intentional Terrarium” a monthlong festival of performances and experiences taking place in an immersive art installation at the MAD Studio, Y Arts Center, 115 East Church Street, Frederick, MD. Every Saturday in April, from 1:30-8:30 pm, the “Intentional Terrarium” installation will be open to the public, with a rotating series of performances and experiences by a diverse group of artists, performers, healers, and thinkers. Admission is free. “Intentional Terrarium” features a portable greenhouse as its central feature, complemented by photographs, videos, poems, plants, sticks, vintage clothing, macrame and embroidered wall hangings, sounds, scents, tastes, recipes, and a collection of blue Ball jars. Driving the project are thoughts about building sanctuaries, bunkers, biospheres, and nurseries, preparing for the end times, thinking about how to share space intimately, self-sufficiency, and carving out time and space for contemplation. The installation encourages the question: What is so precious that we would create a structure to nurture its existence? MAD Dance, co-directed by Kitty Clark and Ray C. Shaw, will perform “Precious” every Saturday evening in April at […]

Apr

Intentional Terrarium: A Festival of Performances and Experiences

April Events

Y Arts Center

Battle of the Bands is coming back to Frederick! 6 Bands will “Battle” it out again on stage for a prize package worth over $5000 including a recording package from Frederick Recording Studio! Come out and enjoy food, beer, live music, games, activities, and so much more! All proceeds will go to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County. Save the date and stay tuned for updates including ticket sales, line up and more!

Apr

Battle of the Bands

April Events

Carroll Creek Amphitheater

True Documented Stories of the “Paranormal” with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour. Take a Remarkable Journey through Frederick’s Gruesome and Bloody Past. Nearly 300 Years of War, Executions and Revenge. Uncover Politically Savvy and Defiant Citizens, Patriots from the Revolutionary War, Beckoning Soldiers from the Civil War, and so much more! Historic Frederick – Where The Dead Come Out To Play! Tours are 90-minutes in length and leisurely cover 1.2 miles. Not Recommended for Younger Children. Still cameras and flashlights permitted. No video or audio recording allowed. Tour Stops: • Visit Court House Square – the “execution site” of British sympathizers, learn about their fate, and the “curse” that continues to resonate • Visit the “spiritual playground” of dead children whose lives were cut short by unmerciful disease and suffering • Unravel the mystery surrounding a mysterious man in black executed in 1781 for his loyalty to King George III • Find out the “devilish plan” of a “spiteful” owner of an 1814 mansion and why his “spiritual discharge” remains • Contemplate the reasons why Frederick’s famed Barbara Fritchie continues to guard her home from invading Confederate soldiers 158 years after her death • Discover why former stage hands, […]

Apr

+64

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick @ Brewer’s Alley

April Events August Events December Events July Events June Events May Events November Events October Events September Events

Brewer's Alley

5 Venues – 30+ Vendors – Cake Dig Sponsored by Sage Cakery. Join us for the Downtown Frederick Wedding Walk presented by Colonial Jewelers! Meet your wedding vendors and tour venues while strolling Downtown Frederick. Check-in at Citizens Ballroom: 11am-12pm Wedding Walk: 12-3pm Cake Dig and Grand Prizes at Colonial Jewelers: 3-4pm

Apr

Downtown Frederick Wedding Walk

April Events

Citizen's Ballroom

Key West Productions invites you to experience the magic of Broadway as the Frederick Symphony Orchestra presents an enchanting evening filled with the timeless melodies and unforgettable stories that have captivated audiences for generations. From the haunting melodies of Cats to the epic tale of Man of La Mancha, and the toe-tapping energy of Oklahoma, prepare to be transported to the enchanting worlds of these iconic productions. This Broadway showcase promises an unforgettable experience for theater enthusiasts.

Apr

The Frederick Symphony Orchestra presents “The Best of Broadway”

Join Curious Iguana and Frederick County Public Library as they celebrate the launch of Sarah Adler’s sophomore romance novel, Happy Medium, one day before release day! Sarah will be joined in conversation by fellow author Laura Hankin. They will discuss Sarah’s lovable and hilarious rom-com! Presented in partnership with FCPL. This event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. About Happy Medium: A clever con woman must convince a skeptical, sexy farmer of his property’s resident real-life ghost if she’s to save them all from a fate worse than death, in this delightful new novel from the author of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes. About the author: Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter and often travels absurd distances to acquire baked goods. Mrs. Nash’s Ashes was her debut novel. You can find her online at sarahadlerwrites.com.

Apr

Local Author Talk + Signing @ The Library

April Events

Curious Iguana

Celebrate craft history in the making at the C. Burr Artz Public Library! Join the crocheters of South Mountain Crochet Guild, who have filled the CBA display cases in March and April for National Craft Month, as they share the history of crochet and how it has evolved throughout the years.

Apr

This Isn’t Your Grandmother’s Crochet @ the Library

April Events

C. Burr Artz Public Library

Open Mic Comedy with Wrecked Em’ Comedy is a fun night for those looking to watch local comics put on a fun show! If you are interested in going on stage, you may come on Tuesdays in February, March and April at 7:30 pm to get on the list. Check out our Weekly Specials & Entertainment on our website.

Apr

Open Mic Comedy @ Cellar Door

April Events February Events March Events

Cellar Door

The Frederick Speaker Series presents Cheryl Strayed, the bestselling author of Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things. Cheryl Strayed is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, Wild, about her soul searching trek over 1,000 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. Her story inspired Oprah Winfrey to revive her tremendously popular book club, with Wild as its inaugural selection for the launch of Oprah’s Book Club 2.0. The story also inspired producer and actress Reese Witherspoon to bring Wild to the big screen in 2014. Strayed is also the author of The New York Times bestseller Tiny Beautiful Things, a collection of her widely popular Dear Sugar columns for TheRumpus.net. Her writing has appeared in The Best American Essays, The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, Vogue, Allure, The Missouri Review, Creative Nonfiction, The Sun and elsewhere. Her books have been translated into 26 languages around the world. A warm, candid, funny, and engaging speaker, Cheryl Strayed talks about her personal struggles and story of survival, love, loss, adventure, courage, empathy and the power we possess to blaze our own wild trails.

Looking for support in Downtown Frederick? From grant programs that help businesses take that next step toward success, to a variety of tax credits and other incentives for people looking to invest in our community — the Partnership is committed to helping Downtown Frederick thrive and grow.

Facade Improvement Grant

Mission: Interior Grant

Grow Program

Fire Suppression Incentive Program

Eligibility

Incentive

Application Process

Tax Credits

Historic Preservation Property Tax Credit (City)

Small Business Tax Credit (County)

Competitive Commercial Tax Credit (State)

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits (Federal)

Downtown Frederick Arts & Entertainment District Tax Credit (City & County)

Finance and Incentive Programs

Neighborhood Business Works (DHCD)

State of Maryland Finance Programs (Commerce)

Upcoming Downtown Events

Diamond Day Sale @ Colonial Jewelers

Parsons Newman Speaker Series @ Heritage Frederick

The Squirrels @ The MET

Brain Boost: E%$#*^ (Emotions) at Work

Tabletop Game Night @ UNESCO BMW Center

Step Afrika!

Bring A Broom Saturday

Walking Tours with National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Yoga On Tap

Intentional Terrarium: A Festival of Performances and Experiences

Battle of the Bands

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick @ Brewer’s Alley

Downtown Frederick Wedding Walk

The Frederick Symphony Orchestra presents “The Best of Broadway”

Local Author Talk + Signing @ The Library

This Isn’t Your Grandmother’s Crochet @ the Library

Open Mic Comedy @ Cellar Door

Cheryl Strayed

Brain Boost: Why You Need A Mission Statement

2024 Conference on Civil War Medicine

The Big Parade (1925) – Silent Film Series

The Comedy Pigs at MET Comedy Night @ Maryland Ensemble Theatre

May Exhibition Openings @ The Delaplaine

Mayfest First Saturday

Print Day in May @ FBAC

Accessories Bonanza @ Frederick Arts Council Center

Vegan Eats + BK Juices Series

AANHPI Heritage Festival

Art Matters Artist Talk: Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah @ The Delaplaine

Creative Outlet for May @ The Delaplaine

Frederick Running Festival

Frederick Spring Market at Carroll Creek Park

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

Alive @ Five 2024 Season Kick-Off

24K Band at Alive @ Five

Brain Boost: Values Matter (you should define yours)

Sean Scherer Book Signing @ Crème de la Crème

Maryland Craft Beer Festival

Headshot Day @ Cowork Frederick

Feehan Brothers at Alive @ Five

Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour

Spirits of Maryland: Frederick

Quantum Leap at Alive @ Five

Moon Market Frederick: Frederick’s First Monthly Market for Mystical Wares!

Sherlock Sundays

The Players Band at Alive @ Five

Thai Water Festival (Songkran) @ Carroll Creek Amphitheater

Frederick Festival of the Arts

Brain Boost: Enhance Communication in Your Multilingual and Multicultural Teams

Frederick Pride Festival

Lawn Party at the High Wheel

National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race

In The Streets

Sherlock Sundays

Each year, the Partnership tackles strategic initiatives to bring more residents and employees to Downtown Frederick, offers an exciting season of events and works closely with downtown businesses and partners to continue to strengthen and improve Downtown Frederick.