Maryland Recapitalization Agreement, also known as the Maryland Retained Equity Investment Program (MR EIP), is a financial initiative introduced by the state of Maryland to assist small businesses and startups in obtaining growth capital. This program aims to stimulate economic development and job creation by providing equity investments to companies that demonstrate significant growth potential. Under the Maryland Recapitalization Agreement, eligible businesses can receive capital injections from the state government, which are structured as preferred equity investments. These investments are made by the Maryland Department of Commerce and managed through the Maryland Venture Fund Authority (MFA). The primary purpose of the Maryland Recapitalization Agreement is to address the equity gap faced by small businesses. Often, traditional financing options such as bank loans and venture capital investments are unavailable or too burdensome for these businesses. Therefore, the agreement allows the state government to invest directly in eligible companies through a flexible equity structure. There are various types of Maryland Recapitalization Agreements available to businesses depending on their unique growth needs and eligibility criteria. These agreements include: 1. Equity Investments: This type of agreement involves the state government making equity investments in companies, thereby becoming shareholders and having ownership stakes. The investment amount and terms are determined by the MFA after a careful evaluation of the company's growth prospects. 2. Preferred Equity: The recapitalization agreement may involve providing preferred equity, which gives the state government certain rights and privileges within the company. Preferred equity holders receive priority in receiving returns on investment and may have voting rights in key decisions. 3. Convertible Notes: Maryland Recapitalization Agreements may also be structured as convertible notes. These agreements allow the state government to provide short-term debt financing to businesses that can convert into equity at a later stage. The terms and conditions of conversion are typically agreed upon beforehand. 4. Co-investment Programs: In certain cases, the Maryland Recapitalization Agreement may involve partnering with private investors or venture capital firms through co-investment programs. This enables businesses to leverage additional capital from both public and private sources, extending their financial reach and support. Overall, the Maryland Recapitalization Agreement is an innovative initiative designed to address the capital needs of small businesses and startups in Maryland. By offering flexible equity financing, the program aims to promote economic growth, job creation, and foster a favorable business environment across different industries.