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Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,
Summary: In this message, I 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!
We had a fantastic webinar last Thursday!! Click here to watch the video. Special thank you to Alison Tavik, Meshelle Howard, Tonya Wigfall, Alvitta Leffall, Arthenia LeFlore, Janice Walker-Emeogo and Thomas Moore!
First, I invite you to 60 DAYS OF GROWTH. From February 1st to March 30th, the Baltimore City Chamber will have a Membership Drive and Member Check-Ins. If you are a current Member, I encourage you to schedule a call with me to check-in and discuss the resources you need to grow in 2021. We will work with you to identify available resources and potential new customers. If you have yet to renew, now is the time to renew your membership. If you have been watching us grow, now is the time to join. Our intention is to support the growth of 500 or more Members in 2021. Will you be a part of this new energy in Baltimore? To make it easier, you can join for as low as $30 per month. Click here to join!
Second, Baltimore Mayor Scott has lifted some restrictions on gatherings, religious facilities, retail establishments, recreational establishments, indoor and outdoor dining, fitness centers, casinos, personal services and other businesses. Please click here to review all the rules per the Executive Order.
Third, the SBA has compiled the information you need to better understand all the new PPP and EIDL options. Click here to read the latest updates. Additionally, the SBA is launching a program for Shuttered Venues and has posted information on the program here. The grant solicitation should go live by mid-February. Please note that businesses cannot receive both a Shuttered Venue grant and a second round PPP loan.
Fourth, this Thursday, 2/4 is our General Membership Meeting. All are welcome to attend!!! Click here to RSVP. On 2/18, join the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Initiative at 6:15pm for “The 5 Pillars of Building Your Fempire.” Speaker: Caterina Rando. Please RSVP at bccocwlc@gmail.com for login details.
Fifth, if you have a business in Anne Arundel County, I’d like to invite you to apply for the Inclusive Ventures Program, brought to you by the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation and WHC. This free, 7 week program is online and designed to help you increase revenue, access capital, understand how to price your products and services, understand federal state and local regulations and plan the growth of your business. Click here to learn more and apply. By the way, graduates receive $5k.
Sixth, the Baltimore Means Business program is accepting applicants earning under $75k for their May 2021 cohort. The deadline to apply is April 12th! Apply at www.baltimoremeans.business. Or, schedule a call to learn about this free program before you apply.
Eighth, if you need cleaning services, contact Dawn Nabulsi of Clanny Services, LLC. They have great service and great rates. Click here to email Dawn for full details.
Ninth, New Member, Keisha Wade of Keep It Cute Creations is offering “The Natural Package” for $100. You receive a Treatment, Trim and Silk Press. Click here to contact Keisha to learn more.
Tenth, in a few weeks, I will be working with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School on a new, free growth program for business owners. If you are interested in participating and learning more, contact me.
Keep reading for this week’s Offers, Loans and 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
$100 Beauty Package
Keisha Wade of Keep It Cute Creations is offering “The Natural Package” for $100. You receive a Treatment, Trim and Silk Press. Click here to contact Keisha to learn more.
Holistic Wellness Session
Start your year off right with a Holistic Wellness Session! When was the last time you sat down with someone who could actually support you and had a heart to heart about your health and wellness goals? During the month of January we are offering a $20 discount on a Holistic Wellness Consultation with Nina Love, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, of The Love Dynasty. When you book your discounted session you will receive a complimentary biofeedback communication scan as well as healing aromatherapy touch session better known as Aromatouch. Book Now!
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 toadvise your team on winning proposal strategies to give your company a competitive edge. Contact Thomas Moore at info@thoughtprogressllc.com.
LOANS AND GRANTS PPP
If you don’t have an accounting system in place to prepare the documentation to apply for PPP, I recommend hiring a bookkeeper or accountant, or at minimum, using a free tool like www.waveapps.com. If you need assistance, email me and I will connect you to additional resources in the Chamber. If you don’t have a relationship with a financial institution, Karla Posada from LEDC will be our primary point of contact for assisting businesses with LEDC’s PPP application. Kposada@ledcmetro.org
Latino 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/.
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
Looking for Talent?
If you are looking for the right person with the right skill sets and experience, contact Chamber Member, Steve Braun of Search Consultants at sbraun@searchconsultants.org.
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
2/4/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber General Membership Meeting
This event is open to all! Learn about resources for your business and opportunities to help you in your career. Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.
2/11/21 at 6pm Baltimore City Chamber Virtual Happy Hour
Connect and meet with Chamber Members every 2nd Thursday! Wear your logo and share what you do! We have a toast every 15 minutes, so be ready to celebrate and network. Register at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays.
2/18/21
Women’s Leadership Committee Online Event
Join us February 18th 2021 @ 6:15 – 7:30 PM for “The 5 Pillars of Building Your Fempire.” Speaker: Caterina Rando. Please RSVP at bccocwlc@gmail.com for login details.
3/4/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber General Membership Meeting
This event is open to all! Learn about resources for your business and opportunities to help you in your career. Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.
3/11/21 at 6pm Baltimore City Chamber Virtual Happy Hour
Connect and meet with Chamber Members every 2nd Thursday! Wear your logo and share what you do! We have a toast every 15 minutes, so be ready to celebrate and network. Register at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays.
3/18- 3/20/21
Chamber Member, Colette Colclough is hosting 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.
3/18/21 at 6:30pm
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Open House
Join us for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Open House at 6:30pm! Learn how this program has helped over 10,000 business owners nationwide add jobs and grow revenue. Click here to register! You can also schedule a one-on-one call to discuss how this program can help your business.
4/1/21 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber General Membership Meeting
This event is open to all! Learn about resources for your business and opportunities to help you in your career. Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.
4/8/21 at 6pm Baltimore City Chamber Virtual Happy Hour
Connect and meet with Chamber Members every 2nd Thursday! Wear your logo and share what you do! We have a toast every 15 minutes, so be ready to celebrate and network. Register at https://whc.as.me/2ndThursdays.
Will Holmes