About this programme
The Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) is a TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) program that assists start-up and small technology-based businesses in rural Maryland to advance to a higher level of success. It provides professional mentoring and targeted technical and business assistance at no cost, rather than direct funding.
Assistance can cover business model or strategy, market and competitive analysis, funding opportunities and introductions, financial analysis, business plan or grant review, intellectual property, prototype development, and manufacturing problem solving.
How it works
Once matched, a regional RBII mentor works directly with the company at its own business location, delivering resources and technical management assistance in person rather than remotely.
Who can apply
The company must be developing new technologies or products, or using technology to create or expand its business.
The company must have fewer than 16 employees.
Annual revenue must be $1 million or less.
The company must be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Taxation & Assessments.
The company must be located in a rural area of Maryland, as defined by the Rural Maryland Council.
How to apply
- Connect with a regional RBII mentor, who conducts an initial assessment of the business.
Frequently asked
Does RBII give me money directly?
The program's own page describes mentoring and technical assistance, not a direct funding amount; it can also help with funding opportunities and introductions.
What size company qualifies?
Fewer than 16 employees and annual revenue of $1 million or less.
How do I get started?
Connect with a regional RBII mentor, who will do an initial assessment.
What kind of help can I get?
Help with business model or strategy, market and competitive analysis, funding introductions, financial analysis, business plan or grant review, intellectual property, prototype development, and manufacturing problem solving.
More funding in Maryland
Concept Capital
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Rural or underrepresented Maryland tech founders can get a zero-interest convertible note of $25,000 to $50,000 plus mentoring.
Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII)
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TEDCO's university-technology commercialization fund pairs Maryland research institutions with startups to take licensed IP from lab to company.
Venture Fund
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Maryland's state venture arm invests $500,000 to $1.5 million directly in promising early-stage Maryland companies.
Builder Fund
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Maryland tech startups majority-owned by socially or economically disadvantaged founders can apply to TEDCO's Builder Fund for equity investment.
Inclusion Fund
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Maryland tech startups with meaningful ownership by disadvantaged founders can get equity funding through TEDCO's Inclusion Fund.
Seed Fund
TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) · Maryland
Maryland technology companies under 5 years old and under 250 employees can raise equity capital meant to make them venture-fundable.
All 8 programmes in Maryland →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.