The Maryland Department of the Environment will soon begin offering loans to certain small businesses that comply with the state's air emissions laws. The Small Business Pollution Compliance Loan Program, authorized last year by the Maryland General Assembly in legislation sponsored by Del. Brian K. McHale (Baltimore), will provide financial assistance to small businesses to upgrade or replace equipment that will reduce air pollution.

MDE's Small Business Assistance Program will administer the program, which will offer loans up to $50,000. Terms of the loan will be limited to 15 years.

Call the Small Business Assistance Program at (410) 631-3772