WHC is a DBE, SBE, MBE Certified firm serving government agencies, financial institutions, universities & thousands of growing companies across the globe.
First, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa announced that Baltimore City will modify its COVID-19 mandates for restaurants, public gatherings and more in accordance with sustained improvements in key public health indicators and in consultation with hospital partners. Restriction modifications will take effect at 6:00am on Monday, February 22, 2021. Click here to see how this affects your business.
Second, on March 11th you are invited to learn more about the Baltimore Main Streets: The Avenue Market Project. This meeting is scheduled to offer in-depth information about The Avenue Market project (Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street) and recruitment of new vendors (Small, Minority, Women Veterans) for the venue. Carry-Out, Baked Goods, Merchandise, Produce and Service Vendors are invited to attend and hear special Guest Presenter, Jayson Williams, CEO of Mayson-Dixon Companies give details. For additional information, feel free to contact Sean Stinnett, Director of Baltimore Main Streets Deputy Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business (443-642-0671 and/or Sean.Stinnett@baltimorecity.gov). Click here to register for this Zoom webinar.
Third, according to Maryland’s state comptroller Peter Franchot, 98% of RELIEF Act stimulus payments to individuals will be processed by Friday, February 19th. In total, 266,985 electronic payments to individuals with a value of $113.6 million, as well as 148,972 paper checks with a value of $61.7 million, are being processed. Taxpayers can go to www.marylandtaxes.gov/reliefact to see if they qualify and check the status of their payments. They can also call 1-833-345-0787 or email ReliefAct@marylandtaxes.gov for more assistance. Those who qualify for a RELIEF Act stimulus payment will be automatically processed either via direct deposit or paper checks unless their address on file is not verifiable with the U.S. Postal Service.
Fourth, Kiva will be hosting their 3rd Annual Pitch Competition via Zoom on March 4th from 5:30-7pm! The event will begin with some time for networking and then officially start at 6pm with opening remarks. After remarks, the actual competition will begin where five Kiva entrepreneurs will compete for the following prizes: 1st place- $3,000 | 2nd Place- $1,500 | 3rd Place- $1,000. See you there!
Fifth, 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, please talk to your tax professional regarding the tax ramifications of receiving a federal, state or local business grant or loan. The guidelines have changed over the last few months, so please make certain you are making an informed decision. Contact Chamber Member, Kimberly Royster for assistance. Additionally, click here for a list of loan and grant assistance.
Sixth, 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.
Seventh, Chamber Member, Wayne Stewart is offering special pricing for all current Chamber Members. 25% OFF ALL WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. If you are interested in this great offer, schedule your free consultation by contacting Wayne directly. His website is www.sdagency.net.
Eighth, you are invited to a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop hosted by EEA Meditation and Consulting on Tuesday, February 23rd at 9am. Learn how to increase your overall self-awareness, communication, and cultural competencies as it relates to our daily interactions with others. Click here to register.
Ninth, Loyola University has invited me to participate on a panel in March as a part of their “Building a Better World Through Business” series. This annual event celebrates the ways that businesses create sustainable economic and social development in their communities. The 2021 event series will be held virtually throughout March. All events are free and open to Loyola students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Baltimore community, and friends of the University. Registration is required for all events.
Tenth, 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.
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
Outsourced Accounting
Chamber Member, Hologram Financial Solutions is an outsourced accounting firm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Hologram Financial Solutions LLC, and receive up to 15% off your first month’s bill by signing up by the end of February. Schedule a FREE consultation at https://hologramfinancial.com/contact-us or by calling them at 410-891-6218. Receive a $50 referral fee for referring a small business owner that closes a deal with them. Speak with CEO Nicholas Lowe for full details.
Marketing, 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 media marketing, videography and photography services at VONNYA@rootbranchmediagroup.com. Learn more at https://rootbranchmediagroup.com/.
Workforce Development
Morgan State University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) offers customized courses to meet the workforce development and/or training needs of Maryland employers. The benefits of partnering with MSU’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies are numerous: MSU is the premier public Urban University in the state of Maryland, MSU has a well-credentialed faculty; MSU offers services that are cost-effective and CCPS has nearly 60 years of experience offering non-credit, Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs), professional development opportunities, customized workshops, and institutes for adult learners. To partner with us, please click here.
Career Training and Professional Development
Morgan State University is equipped to offer online learning convenient training solutions for businesses. Our catalog of over 300 online courses will allow you to provide training solutions to employees quickly and effectively as they learn on their own and in their preferred learning environment. Our six-week online courses are designed to teach individuals valuable skills that they can apply immediately on the job. Explore the full catalog here.
Teaming and Contracting Opportunities
SCB Management Consulting (SCB) is a certified WBE/MBE, WOSB and HUBZone company. SCB core services include Project and Program Management, Strategic Planning, Business Process Solutions (BPR / BPI), Change Management, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management consulting, and Professional Development Training. We specialize in System/ERP Implementation Management across various industries and the public sector. We are always looking for great teaming partners with public and private sector past performance. If you provide Auditing/CPA, Information Technology—Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence (BI), Cybersecurity, etc., Marketing, DEI or Professional Development Training, or other services to federal, state or local governments and looking for teaming opportunities, send me an email to set up time to discuss potential opportunities: scarter@scbmgmt.com.
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.
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 can help. Her email is Kposada@ledcmetro.org. Also, Lendistry’s Tucker McNully can assist. His email is tucker.mcnulty@lendistry.com and you can click here to apply.
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.
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
2/23/21 at 9am
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
you are invited to a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop hosted by EEA Meditation and Consulting on Tuesday, February 23rd at 9am. Learn how to increase your overall self-awareness, communication, and cultural competencies as it relates to our daily interactions with others. Click here to register.
2/23/21 to 2/26/21
Scaled Agile Framework Course
Chamber Member, Brenda Kwateng is offering a Scaled Agile Framework course called “Leading SAFe – Thriving in the digital age with Business Agility.” This course will provide you insight into mastering Business Agility in order to thrive in the competitive market. This course will be offered from February 23 – 26, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm. Contact brenda.kwateng@icscglobal.com to register for the course.
2/25/21 Thursday 1pm-2pm
MBDA and Obsidian Planning Solutions
Presenter: Todd Feldman. Topic: “Succession and Transition Planning: How To Identify And Avoid 6 Common Mistakes That Could Help Save Your Business And Your Family.” Register: https://www.anymeeting.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=E050D680894E3C
3/4/21 at 5:30pm
Kiva will be hosting their 3rd Annual Pitch Competition via Zoom on March 4th from 5:30-7pm! The event will begin with some time for networking and then officially start at 6pm with opening remarks. After remarks, the actual competition will begin where five Kiva entrepreneurs will compete for the following prizes: 1st place- $3,000 | 2nd Place- $1,500 | 3rd Place- $1,000. See you there!
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