Weekly Message From The Chair, January 25, 2021

Message #4- 1/25/21

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!

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FEATURED IMAGE
Huge thanks to Chamber Members, Malcolm Day and Gwen Day-Pearson and their team at M4 Security! Their training for the HQL made me feel confident taking my first 4 shots at the range. I highly recommend signing up for their class to learn how to safely use your handgun. Plus, Chamber Members receive a discount on training! Click here to learn more.
FEATURED VIDEO
Chamber Member, Veronica Yu Welsh of Offit Kurman has more free legal tips to share! Check out the second video of the Law Thought Short series.
Here are 10 things you should know:

First, join us this Thursday, January 28th 2021 at 6pm for our kickoff webinar in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Labor, Department of Commerce and the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center. This webinar series will focus on connecting more small businesses with government contracting opportunities. Click here to register! Special thanks to our Procurement Committee Chair, Thomas Moore of Thought Progress for his leadership on this initiative.

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.

Fourth, the Baltimore Minority Business Development Agency has a series of webinars scheduled to give you the information you need to pivot, recover and find new opportunities for your business. This Tuesday, learn What Every Restaurant Needs to Know About Restaurant Insurance and Risk Management. This Wednesday, learn more about Understanding Eligibility & Accountability to COVID-19 Relief Grants and Loans According to SBA. This Thursday, hear info on the topic: Can You Force Employees To Get The COVID-19 Vaccination?

Fifth, I am looking for new Board Members and Committee Chairs to help me serve the Baltimore Business community. If you are serious about putting in some work, making connections and making a name for yourself in the city, email me to discuss options.

Sixth, join the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Initiative on February 18th 2021 at 6:15pm for “The 5 Pillars of Building Your Fempire.” Speaker: Caterina Rando. Please RSVP at bccocwlc@gmail.com for login details.

Seventh, on January 28th at 1pm, the Baltimore Business Journal is hosting the Future of Cities virtual talk with Richard Florida. Chamber Members receive a 50% discount! Click here to register! Code at checkout: future50

Eighth, Chamber Member Allan Hirsh is leading a free training series for entrepreneurs who want to grow revenue and scale their businesses. Contact him today to learn more and reserve your spot. Only a few seats remain! Register at allan@allanhirshadvisors.com.

Ninth, 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.

Tenth, in a few weeks, I will be working with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Anne Arundel County on two new, free growth programs 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 

Need a Massage? 
New Year, New You!!!! Chamber Member, Wellness Today Spa wants
members to start the new year right with these Ahhh-mazing Treatments!
Massage, Back Scrub, Meditation and Body Wrap all for $99 or try a
Steam and Massage for $69.

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 to advise 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/.

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

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

1/25/21 at 7pm
Healthy and Wealthy Initiative

Are you and your business financially fit? Does the concept of tax-free retirement intrigue you? Is building generational wealth a top priority for you? The Healthy & Wealthy Initiative aims to educate, inspire, support, and provide resources to individuals, families, and business owners that have a desire to build wealth, protect their assets, and establish financial freedom. Join us for Money Making Monday the Live Stream show powered by The Love Dynasty’s the Healthy & Wealthy Initiative! To watch the show like The Love Dynasty page on Facebook and set your reminder for the Live Stream this Monday January 25th at 7pm.

1/26/21 at 1pm
MBDA Webinar: What Every Restaurant Needs to Know About Insurance and Risk Management.

Discussion topics- Income Protection, Succession Planning, Retirement and Life Insurance Solutions. Register at https://www.anymeeting.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=E050DF81814A3D

1/27/21 at 1pm
MBDA Webinar: Round Two: Understanding Eligibility & Accountability to COVID-19 Relief Grants and Loans According to SBA.

Discussion Topics- Updated Round Two PPP and Eligibility and Loan Forgiveness Information. Register at http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E050DF81814930

1/28/21
MBDA Webinar: Can You Force Employees To Get The COVID-19 Vaccination?

Discussion Topics: What Laws Might Prevent You From Requiring An Employee To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine? What Policies And Procedures Should You Implement Regarding Requiring Employees To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine? Can You Terminate Employees That Refuse To Get The Vaccine? Register at http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E050DF81814B38

1/28/21 at 1pm
Baltimore Business Journal Future of Cities 

The Baltimore Business Journal is hosting the Future of Cities virtual talk with Richard Florida. Chamber Members receive a 50% discount! Click here to register! Code at checkout: future50

1/28/21 at 6pm
Webinar with the Governor’s Office on Winning Government Contracts
Join us 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. Click here to register!

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.

2/18/21
Afro Newspaper Black Business Matters Expo

Click here for details and registration.

FEATURED EVENT
2/27/21
The Power of the Collective Economic Conference hosted by Baltimore Young Professionals

Click here for details and to register.

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.


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: http://www.anchor.fm/whcusa