Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Section 5-1043

      The purpose of the Equity Participation Investment Program is:

            (1)      To encourage and aid in the creation and development of franchises, technology-based businesses, and other businesses, and in the acquisition of existing businesses, in the State by socially or economically disadvantaged persons; and

            (2)      To assist small businesses that, because they do not meet the established credit criteria of financial institutions, are unable to obtain adequate business financing on reasonable terms through normal financing channels.