§ 6-301

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) (1) “Development costs” means the costs incurred to develop, redevelop, or expand a neighborhood business development project.

(2) “Development costs” includes the costs of:

(i) necessary studies, surveys, plans, and specifications;

(ii) architectural, engineering, or other special services, including flood plain studies, environmental audits, and critical area or wetland assessments;

(iii) land and improvements;

(iv) site preparation;

(v) construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation;

(vi) machinery, equipment, and furnishings;

(vii) essential operating costs, including working capital and occupancy expenses;

(viii) indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on insurance;

(ix) temporary relocation expenses; and

(x) other costs determined to be acceptable by the Department.

(c) “Eligible opportunity zone” means an area designated as a qualified opportunity zone under § 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code that is located in Allegany County, Garrett County, Somerset County, or Wicomico County.

(d) “Food desert” means the part of a priority funding area or an eligible opportunity zone designated by the Secretary under § 6–308(c) of this subtitle.

(e) “Fund” means the Neighborhood Business Development Fund.

(f) “Microenterprise” means a business that qualifies as a microenterprise under § 6–302 of this subtitle.

(g) “Priority funding area” means an area designated as a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

(h) “Program” means the Neighborhood Business Development Program.

(i) (1) “Project” means a neighborhood business development project that receives financial assistance from the Fund.

(2) “Project” includes:

(i) a microenterprise project that receives financial assistance from the Fund; and

(ii) a food desert project that receives financial assistance from the Fund.

(j) “Small business” means a business that qualifies as a small business under § 6–302 of this subtitle.

(k) “Sustainable community” means the part of a priority funding area that:

(1) as determined by the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet, satisfies the requirements of § 6–205 of this title;

(2) has been designated as a BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zone under Title 5, Subtitle 13 of the Economic Development Article; or

(3) has been designated a transit–oriented development under § 7–101 of the Transportation Article.