Weekly Message From The Chair, December 7, 2020

Message #49- 12/7/20

Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,

Summary: In this message, I share a featured video, highlight 10 things you should know, spotlight offers from Members, share lending and job opportunities and list business related events. If this message landed in your spam or promotions folder, please add us to your address book!

Featured Video:

Chamber Member, Veronica Yu of Offitt Kurman shares important legal advice in this short video. This is the first video in a series from Offitt Kurman designed to help the business community. Please connect with Veronica Yu on LinkedIn.
Here are 10 things you should know:

First, it is with great sadness that we recognize the passing of past Board Member, Bryant Jenkins. Our prayers go out to his family during this very difficult time. His passing serves as a reminder that we must treasure every moment. Bryant, on behalf of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, your presence will be missed and your contributions will be fondly remembered. Thank you for your service to the Baltimore business community.

Second, this will be the last message from me in 2020. I will restart these weekly messages in January 2021. Meanwhile, please take a moment and sign up for January’s General Membership Zoom Meeting at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays. Also, please sign up for our January Networking Session at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays. We meet every 1st and 2nd Thursday of each month to keep you informed and to provide a platform for you to connect. I look forward to seeing you.

Additionally, this week on December 9th, I’m hosting an Open House for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Click here to register for the Open House. And on January 9th, I am hosting a Business Bootcamp. Visit https://whc.as.me/2021JanBootcamp to register.

Third, I’d like to recognize the efforts of the Women’s Leadership Committee Co-Chairs, Brenda Kwateng and Dr. Rhonda Farrell. You two have created an amazing group and provided the foundation for growth. I am honored to work with you and I look forward to continued excellence in 2021. Click here to learn more about the Women’s Leadership Committee. I highly recommend it.

Fourth, Live Baltimore is collaborating with the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce to promote the “Live Near Your Work” program. Click here to sign up for the January 21st 2021 webinar.

Fifth, East Baltimore Development, Inc. (“EBDI”) is excited to announce three (3) opportunities for qualified developers to submit written proposals for three (3) distinct development projects in the EBDI footprint now branded as Eager Park. Two (2) of the projects involve vacant parcels that will be developed into for-sale housing and one (1) involves the conversion and rehabilitation of two row homes used as office space back to rental or for-sale residential housing. Click here for more information.

Sixth, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is hosting a series of free webinars designed to assist business owners. On December 8th, learn about Supplemental Covid-19 Benefits. On December 10th, learn about Securing Your Family’s Financial Future. On December 17th, learn about overcoming Barriers to Accessing Capital. I highly recommend these high quality webinars from the Baltimore MBDA.

Seventh, the Baltimore Means Business program just finished a very successful Cohort 1. Cohort 2 is full and starting in January. They are now recruiting for Cohort 3, starting in May 2021. This is a free entrepreneurship growth program for any business owner in the DMV area earning under $100k. Special thanks to Baltimore Community Lending for being a new sponsor and helping to ensure the success of local small businesses! Learn more about the free program and apply today at www.baltimoremeans.business.

Eighth, save the date, January 28th 2021 at 6pm for our kickoff webinar in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Labor and the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center. This webinar series will focus on connecting more small businesses with government contracting opportunities. Special thanks to Thomas Moore of our Procurement Relations Committee for putting this together.

Ninth, starting in early 2021, Chamber Member, Allan Hirsh will lead a free, online training program for Entrepreneurs. This program is in partnership with the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce. He will work with business owners to improve profits and sales and help find new ways to run your business. The online Zoom series begins on Monday, January 25th 2021. The sessions will be from 6pm to 8pm and will run January through April on the fourth Monday of the month. For more detailed information, contact Allan Hirsh directly at Allan@allanhirshadvisors.com or 443-831-8935.

Tenth, this has been an amazing first year for me as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce. We have remained strong despite the pandemic, providing over 1000 technical assistance sessions, growing our Membership by 30% and building valuable partnerships with key large and small organizations across the region. It has been an honor to serve you and I look forward to 2021.

Keep reading for this week’s Offers, Loans, Grants, Jobs and Events! 

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


OFFERS 

Need Storage?
Chamber Member, Man Choi, Regional Manager of Security Public Storage has a message for Chamber Members. “As a member of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, we would like to extend our most aggressive discount to all members who are in need of storage. As we are all experiencing unprecedented times, we have noticed a lot of transitions in the market where traditional and non-traditional storage needs have increased in overall demand. We have a wealth of partners that can assist anyone in transition or who needs temporary additional space. We look forward to speaking with all of you.” Click here to learn more and contact Man Choi at mchoi@bacorealty.com.
 
Videography and Photography
Chamber Member, Vonnya Pettigrew, Owner of Root Branch Media Group has a new office and studio on Union Avenue in the Clipper Mill area! Please contact her for Chamber Member specials on videography and photography services at VONNYA@rootbranchproductions.com. Learn more at https://rootbranchvirtual.com.

Luxury Living in Harbor East
Chamber Member, Avalon 555 invites you to come take a tour! They are now leasing brand new, high-rise apartments along Baltimore’s Harbor East. Book your in-person tour at Avalon555President.com or call or text 844-914-3027 for more information!

Outdoor Event Space

If you are looking for a great venue to have an outdoor event, please contact Chamber Member, George Coromilas at the Courtyard McHenry Row. They have free parking, great food, delicious drinks and a beautiful patio space with a cool fire pit. Contact George at gcoromilas@shanercorp.com to discuss the possibilities.

Registry for Black-Owned Businesses
Chamber Member, Meredith Hurston at Buy Black Baltimore 365 is inviting all of metro-Baltimore’s Black-owned businesses to showcase their business by listing with their online directory and mobile app. Buy Black Baltimore 365 offers social media promotion, advertising, and a community newsletter for their members. To learn more about their offerings, please visit: https://www.buyblackbaltimore365.com/connect/

Save with Community Solar in Maryland
Subscribe to a Community Solar Farm in Baltimore County and save up to 10 percent on your energy costs. Chamber Members who subscribe will receive $150 for supporting clean energy in Maryland. Email Kathleen.Wojtowicz@cleanchoiceenergy.com for more information or to enroll today.

Need Health Care?
Chamber Member, Dr. Shawn Dhillon offers concierge medical care for $99 per month. Have a dedicated physician for less than you would pay for medical insurance. Learn more at https://www.anytimedrs.com.

Need Medical Insurance?
Chamber Member, George Faber can help you find medical coverage. Send him a message at George.Faber@USHAdvisors.com.

Proposal Writing Services
Procurement Committee Member, Thomas Moore, owner of Thought Progress LLC, has special rates for fellow Chamber Members. Additionally, Mr. Moore is offering Chamber Members the opportunity to receive a free proposal consultation. Thought Progress LLC specializes in proposal writing and is ready to advise your team on winning proposal strategies to give your company a competitive edge. Contact Thomas Moore at info@thoughtprogressllc.com.

Investing
have you ever wanted to learn how to invest in the Stock Market but were afraid that it’s too complicated, risky or only for “rich people?” Let Coach Mike help you. Coach Mike is an Investment Consultant who will clarify the common misconceptions and fears that hold most people back from taking the first step to investing. His courses are designed specifically for first time investors and use plain English until you’re familiar with the Wall Street lingo. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with Coach Mike to get off the sidelines and get into the game!

Business Coaching with Will Holmes
Are you ready for 2021? Work one-on-one with Chairman Will Holmes and focus on your pricing, profitability, projections and your marketing strategy for 2021. Be advised, he will hold you accountable to your growth plan. Learn more at https://whcusa.com/coaching/.

LOANS AND GRANTSLatino Economic Development Center
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), LEDC provides alternative micro loan options to start-ups and existing businesses that have difficulty obtaining credit from mainstream financial institutions. We offer loans ranging from $500 to $250,000 to qualified start-ups and existing businesses. Uses capital include: Vehicles & equipment; Renovation or business expansion; Working capital; Hiring additional personnel; Inventory; Bridge financing for government grants; Expansion to new locations; and Business acquisition. Our loan officers are trained to access each transaction beyond traditional credit underwriting guidelines. At LEDC, we believe in the unleashing power of economic fairness and access to opportunity to all. Learn more at https://www.ledcmetro.org/smallbusiness.

Baltimore Community Lending
Baltimore Community Lending provides loan capital to small real estate developers and small business owners in Baltimore City who have no relationship with or are unable to get a loan from a bank, and who are committed to developing underserved neighborhoods. They work with the government, foundations, financial institutions, community stakeholders, anchor institutions, and small business owners early in the planning process to provide small-to-mid size capital solutions leading to a more diverse and economically balanced Baltimore. Learn more about Baltimore Community Lending’s programs at https://bclending.org/.

KIVA Loans 
KIVA has funding options for businesses. Click here to learn more. 

Short term commercial loans not based on credit…
If you have submitted an invoice for services and you are waiting to be paid, or if you have a purchase order to fill, but need funding to get started, learn more about WHC’s programs that can help.

JOBS

Jobs at the Small Business Administration 
The SBA has a variety of temporary jobs to assist with the COVID-19 response. Click here to learn more.

Jobs in Baltimore
The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development has compiled job openings in the area. Click here to learn more.

Department of Labor
The Department of Labor has compiled some job opportunities. Click here to learn more.
EVENTS

12/8/20- 12/17/20
MBDA Webinar Series

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is hosting a series of free webinars designed to assist business owners. On December 8th, learn about Supplemental Covid-19 Benefits. On December 10th, learn about Securing Your Family’s Financial Future. On December 17th, learn about overcoming Barriers to Accessing Capital.

12/9/20 at 6pm 
Online Open House for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program 
Register to learn about this free program that has helped over 9000 businesses increase revenue, add jobs and have a more positive impact on their communities. Click here to register.

1/7/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce January General Membership Meeting 
Get updates on resources and opportunities. All are welcome to attend!
Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.

1/9/21 at 8am
4 Hour Online Business Bootcamp

In this 4 hour, online, interactive workshop, we will cover topics including: how to find paying customers; how to properly budget and determine pricing; how to build your marketing and sales infrastructure; taxes and accounting basics, accessing capital and how to build the right team so you can spend more time enjoying your life. This 4 hour, online business boot camp is led by Chairman of the Baltimore City Chamber, Will Holmes. Register at https://whc.as.me/2021JanBootcamp.

1/14/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber January Virtual Happy Hour
Connect and network with Chamber Members! Wear your logo and share what you do! We have a toast every 15 minutes so be ready to celebrate. Register at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays.

1/21/21
Webinar: Live Near Your Work

Live Baltimore is collaborating with the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce to promote the “Live Near Your Work” program. Click here to sign up for the January 21st 2021 webinar.

1/28/21 at 6pm
Webinar with the Governor’s Office and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Save the Date. Registration details are coming soon!

February 2021
Afro Newspaper Black Business Matters Expo

Details coming soon.

March 2021
Chamber Member, Colette Colclough is hosting an event called The 2021 Women’s Leadership Forum. The Women’s Leadership Forum is looking FORWARD to welcoming national White House correspondent and author, April Ryan. Join the conversation as we discuss 2021 and the future of women. Register for the virtual event at Forwardwlf.org.


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
Do business with me: http://www.whcusa.com 
Check out my podcast: https://anchor.fm/willholmes.biz