Weekly Messages From The Chair, August 30, 2021

Message #37- 8/30/21

Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,

In this week’s message, you will find:


Register here.


You are invited to join us!

  • Are you looking for a support system of professionals and resources coordinated to help you grow?
  • Are you interested in doing more business in Baltimore or with the State or Federal government?
  • Are you ready to get involved in the business community and start building your network?
  • Do you want to be a part of one of the largest and most active Chambers in the region?

If yes, you should click here and join the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce.

If this message landed in your spam or promotions folder, please add us to your address book!
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Here are 10 things you should know:

First, have you registered for our BIG EVENT with the Mayor of Baltimore??? Next Thursday, on 9/9/2021 at 6pm, we have the honor of hosting an online discussion with the Mayor of Baltimore Brandon Scott. Click here to register! This is your chance to interact directly with Baltimore leadership.

Second, we are not having a General Membership meeting this week. I am working on some major updates that I will share in October. So, please make plans to attend our next General Membership Meeting on 10/7/2021. I’ll discuss new initiatives and new opportunities to grow your business. Plus, we’ll have a panel discussion on how to refine your marketing and maximize your networking. Our Panelists include James Dorf,  Allan Hirsh, Grant McCartney, and more. This is a free, online event open to all. Click here to register.

Third, on 9/30/21 the Women’s Leadership Committee will host a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness called Raise Your Cups! Please click here to register! If you’d like to participate in planning or hosting click here to contact Brenda Kwateng. If you would like to support the Chamber’s efforts in raising funds, please click here to make a donation and list your company’s name.

Fourth, the deadline is approaching for applications for the 2022 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! The program is no-cost and has helped over 10,000 companies nationwide and over 300 businesses locally. The curriculum is designed to help business owners increase revenue, add jobs, and have a positive impact on their communities. If your business is in Maryland you are encouraged to apply today at www.10ksbapply.com/baltimore. You are also invited to hear all the details at our next virtual Open House on 9/7/21 at 6pm. Click here to register for the Open House.

Fifth, on 9/10/21, join Chamber Member Kadampa Meditation Center for their grand re-opening. Mayor Brandon Scott is scheduled to appear and help kick off their new initiative, B’More Peaceful. Kadampa Meditation Center’s mission is to create world peace, one mind at a time, through meditation. For registration, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities contact Kate at director@meditationmd.org.

Sixth, on 10/1/21, Chamber Member Teniola Akinwuntan of The Women of Valor is hosting a fundraising event at the AMC Owings Mills, Maryland, between 9am and 12 noon. The event is called “Activate 300- Impacting 300 Women of Color for Life and Living.” The purpose is to activate 300 Women of Color for greater success. Kindly use this link to support this program and participate in this empowering mission. http://thewov.org/activate300.

Seventh, Chamber Member Oncology Spa, located at 1546 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD is a welcoming space that provides massage and facial services to cancer patients, survivors, and the general public. We are pleased to announce that Oncology Spa and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Please join this lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Schedule your appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org and enter oncologyspabycpc, or contact Latia Parker at 410-696-3900.

Eighth, our friend Janice Walker-Emeogo with the Maryland Department of Labor has some great resources to share:

Accelerator for Established Black and Latino Owned Companies

  • The 2022 EY Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN) cohort is a business accelerator program to help Black- and Latino-owned companies bridge the disparity gap and grow their businesses.  EAN is a 12-month program that includes assessments, individualized coaching, access to online tools, networking events, and promotional exposure.  Applicants must be Black or Latino business owners who are founders and majority owners of any privately held, for-profit company in the US.  Company must be more than two years old. Applications are due 9/17/21. Visit ey.com/ean for more details.

Accelerator for Minority-Owned Companies in Beauty Industry

  • Sephora Accelerate is focused on incubating founders who are people of color.  Founders will embark on a six-month journey inclusive of an intensive boot camp where they’ll gain the necessary skills to create a successful business.  In addition, brands will have the opportunity to launch with Sephora, the world’s largest beauty retailer. Applications close on 9/20/21. Learn more here.

Looking for a Loan?

  • Check out this website maintained by Venturize.org – specifically in the COVID 19 resource section.  There are dozens of opportunities listed for specific areas of the country and specific industries.  Too many for me to list in one email – so click through and look for yourself!

Looking for a Grant?

  • Check out this website maintained by OpenDigits that lists “146 State Grants For Startups” (broken down by state).  Scroll through to see if something fits your location and business!
Webinar 4 part series 
  • Please join the Maryland Small Business Development Center, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Maryland Department of Commerce for a 4-part Business Growth Strategies Series – Start Small….. Think Big! Click on the link to register and attend. https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16777

Ninth, on 9/21/21, Chamber Member Allan Hirsh of Allan Hirsh Advisors is teaming up with Steve Palmer of Transworld to host an incredible event called “Leaving Covid Behind and Getting Your Business Ready for Sale.” Click here to contact Allan Hirsh for full details.

Tenth, Chamber Member Victoria Dials of DialsWeb, a behavioral and market research-driven web design agency, is offering its free “The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research for SEO Beginners”. Using non-technical language and real-world examples, it provides step-by-step instructions for strategy, planning, and conducting keyword research. Download the guide from dialsweb.com or email info@dialsweb.com for your copy.

We have listed some great opportunities below! Keep reading for this week’s Events and Offers

If you are an active Baltimore City Chamber Member and you have a special offer for our Members, or if you would like to discuss Membership, schedule a call with Will Holmes at https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber or contact us at info@baltimorecitychamber.org.


 

EVENTS

9/2/21
General Membership Meeting and Marketing Panel
 RESCHEDULED to 10/7/21! 

9/7/21
Open House for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses 

The deadline is approaching for applications for the 2022 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! The program is no-cost and has helped over 10,000 companies nationwide and over 300 local businesses increase revenue, add jobs, and have a positive impact on their communities. If your business is in Baltimore you are encouraged to apply today at www.10ksbapply.com/baltimore.  Click here to register for the Open House.

9/9/21 at 6pm 
Baltimore 2022 and Beyond with Mayor Brandon Scott
We have the honor of hosting an online discussion with the Mayor of Baltimore Brandon Scott. Online event. Register here.

9/10/21
Join Chamber Member Kadampa Meditation Center for their grand re-opening. Mayor Brandon Scott is scheduled to appear and help kick off their new initiative, B’More Peaceful. Kadampa Meditation Center’s mission is to create world peace, one mind at a time through meditation. For registration, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities contact Kate at director@meditationmd.org.

9/14/21
Our friend Chris Stoner of Baltimore Metro Business Development is having an in-person networking event on 9/14/21 at 6pm at the Hunt Valley Country Club. The intent of BMBD events (typically 3 events held annually) is to unite professionals in the region. The events range in topic and typically feature local leaders to give attendees additional value on top of networking. Click here to register.

9/16/21 at 6:15pm 
Women’s Leadership Committee Event
“Unleashing the Power of Purpose to Drive Your Life and Work”. Speaker: Ms. Luciana Paulise. RSVP here.

9/21/21
ASQ Innovation Next Gen Leader Mentoring Session 

Click here to learn more and register. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions.

9/21/21
Chamber Member Allan Hirsh of Allan Hirsh Advisors is teaming up with Steve Palmer of Transworld to host an incredible event called “Leaving Covid Behind and Getting Your Business Ready for Sale.” Click here to contact Allan Hirsh for full details.

9/23/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Workshop on Marketing

Save the date!

9/30/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser “Raise Your Cups”

Click here to register. 

10/1/21
Chamber Member Teniola Akinwuntan of The Women of Valor is hosting a fundraising event at the AMC Owings Mills, Baltimore, between 9am and 12 noon. The event is called “Impacting 300 Women of Color for Life and Living.” The purpose is to activate 300 Women of Color for greater success. Kindly use this link to support this program and participate in this empowering mission. http://thewov.org/activate300.

10/7/21
General Membership Meeting and Marketing Panel
After our General Membership Meeting, we will have a panel of marketing gurus share innovative techniques for improving client conversion. Click here to register.

10/15/21
ASQ Innovation Day. Calls for Participation open until 25 Aug 2021. 

Click here to learn more and register. Contact Dr. Rhonda Farrell with questions

12/9/21
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party 

Save the date! 


OFFERS 

Free Program for Business Owners 
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is free and has helped over 10,000 companies increase revenue, add jobs and have a positive impact on their communities. If your business is in Baltimore you are encouraged to apply today at www.10ksbapply.com/baltimore.

Launch a Vending Machine Business
Chamber Member Giants Vending Solutions has launched an e-book called “The G Print: A Guide For Launching Your Vending Machine Business.” This digital blueprint will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to launch and maintain a profitable vending machine business. The e-book can be purchased here: https://sowl.co/buafp8

Connections to Resources 
Every week, Business Owners search for  accountants, bookkeepers, attorneys, consultants, coaches, lenders, marketing professionals, training programs and web designers. To make it easy, we developed an automated connection service. Click here to get connected to a local service provider!  If you’d like to be a Service Provider, click here.

Commercial Loans
Chamber Member Meridian Management Group. MMG was tasked with lending $12.5 million in COVID-19 Relief Loan Funds to businesses in the region. And they did it in 10 months!!! MMG tries to say YES to small businesses who need funding. If you need funding, contact Tim Smoot at tim.smoot@mmgcapitalgroup.com.

Employee Tax Credit 
If a penny saved is a penny earned, what if you are saving $100 bills? How much FREE money could your business use to bring on qualified employees? The Maryland Employment Network can show you how to find qualified employees and potentially earn more than $12K in tax credits for each new hire! Contact Deborah Zipkin Temple at the The Maryland Employment Network. Phone: 443-499-6882 | Email: dtemple@ticket2workmd.org.

Savings on Energy Bill
As a member of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, you’re invited to enroll in Constellation’s Energy Shift Challenge* where you can earn prizes and compete against other Marylanders to see who can save the most energy! The Energy Shift Challenge is a game that rewards Constellation customers who shift their energy use from peak hours to off-peak hours. Those who enroll and use less than 23 percent of their energy usage during peak hours, on average, per month, receive points that can be redeemed in our Rewards Store for prizes like smart home devices, fitness products, and more. There are no penalties for using your energy normally, but you could be a winner if you use it wisely. Click here to learn more.

Bookkeeping and Accounting 
Chamber Member Adaptive Business Solutions is known for providing knowledgeable advice, insightful analysis, systemization, and strategic planning services through exceptional and comprehensive bookkeeping services, supported by top-notch coaching and education. These services provide clarity and foresight for their clients in managing their business. As a Chamber Member you can receive a 20% discount for 6 months in your bookkeeping services. Ready to sign up? Contact Adaptive at https://calendly.com/adaptivecon/30min?month=2021-06.

Real Estate Investment
Chamber Member Leann Blanchard, President of Zirkamax connects investors, developers, and buyers and sellers of property. She has some great ways to help you make passive income this year, so please contact her at leeannblanchard@zirkamax.com. Plus, she wants to start some small networking meetings in Baltimore, so please contact her if that interests you as well.

Employee Retention Tax Credits
Has your business been impacted by COVID 19? Were you shutdown or partially shutdown? Did your revenue drop when COVID hit? If you answered yes to any of the questions above book your session and find out how we can get you up to $5k for each employee from the IRS! Not a loan…Nothing to pay back!!! Book an appointment with Nina Love to learn more about Employee Retention Tax Credits.

Coaching
Chamber Member Dr. Rhonda Farrell, CEO of Global Innovation Strategies is fielding a new program called “You 2.0“. Break through your Money Mindset blocks, more strongly Align your Brand, and Hone your Super Niche focus. Additionally, she offers many other service packages to get you into action, generating income, and nailing your business outcomes! Schedule a FREE consult with Dr. Rhonda today or take action now and start your  program tomorrow! https://www.gblinnovstratllc.com/thrive

American Red Cross
Though it has been 140 years since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, the need to alleviate human suffering hasn’t changed. Volunteers continue to come together in innovative ways to serve and give hope during life’s emergencies. Volunteers continue to bring their talent and compassion to help build stronger and more resilient communities. Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer at www.redcross.org/volunteer.

For MDOT Certified Businesses 
MDOT certified businesses should learn more about the new Business Development Reimbursement Program. The BDRP is a DBE supportive service, with the goal of increasing the number of State Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms serving as prime contractors and subcontractors on federally funded contracts. The objective is to assist MDOT Certified DBE firms in increasing their competency and business capacity. Questions? Contact Lisa RS Grant, CCA, Manager, Disadvantaged Minority Business Enterprise Programs, at 410-545-0317 or lgrant2@mdot.maryland.gov.

IT Services
Chamber Member Wayne S. Stewart has an offer for state certified Minority Business Owners. Do you need help with your IT services? Wayne is offering 25% off  web design and development services to all state certified Minority Business Owners. This offer will expire Friday, May 30th. For more information please leave your contact information at this link https://sdagency.net/contact-us or e-mail Wayne at wstewart@sdagency.net.

Life Insurance 
Chamber Member John Gourdin is available to answer your questions regarding life insurance. Remember, life insurance is something you have to own before you need it. Get a free quote and approval online in less than 20 minutes. NO sales pitches. NO physicals. You can be covered TODAY. Visit www.samdlife.com.

Having a Special Event?
Backyard Movie Theaters LLC is here to make your next event movie ready and memorable. You bring the crowd, and we’ll bring the big screen, HD projector, popcorn machine, lounge chairs, inflatable rooms, streaming access, and more. Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia. Give us a call (410-419-3229) and upgrade your event.

Meditation
Chamber Member Kadampa Meditation Center-Maryland welcomes Members to a complimentary meditation and special offer. Baltimore’s only Buddhist Temple offers ancient wisdom and practical tools for taking on today’s challenges. Click here to learn more and register.

Need Medical Insurance?

Chamber Member George Faber can help you find suitable affordable medical coverage, critical illness, short term disability, dental and more!  Whether obtaining a health plan is your financial responsibility or you want to supplement an existing plan to protect your savings and family, send George a message at George.Faber@USHAdvisors.com or call (443) 474 4800. Immediate quotes provided! 

Fundraising Opportunity for Non-Profits
Does your nonprofit want to raise money AND promote cleaner air? CleanChoice Energy is seeking active 501(c)(3) organizations for the new Clean Electricity fundraising program. For each household that enrolls in 100% Clean Electricity through their campaign, CleanChoice will donate $50 to your organization. Email kathleen.wojtowicz@cleanchoiceenergy.com to learn more about this fundraising opportunity.


Talk to you next week!

Sincerely,

 Will Holmes
 Chairman of the Board of Directors
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce

 Schedule a call with me: https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber
 Management and Tech Consulting: http://www.whcusa.com 
Check out my podcast: http://www.anchor.fm/whcusa