Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,
Summary: In this message, I highlight: events and resources; funding opportunities; job opportunities; offers from Members and info you can use to make better business decisions. Please share this weekly message with 10 people who will benefit. Learn more about us at www.baltimorecitychamber.org and I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn.
First, I hope you and your family are safe. As you probably know, Maryland has experienced a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Please refer to the Governor’s Office’s press releases. You can read about the steps they’ve taken to support Marylanders. Also, you can read the guidelines on school re-opening, housing relief, business operations restrictions and out-of-state travel at https://governor.maryland.gov/category/press-releases/.
Second, I have listed 5 new loan sources in the Opportunities section of this message. Please scroll down and check them out!
Third, our goal is to reach 400 active Members by 2021. Take advantage of 2019 pricing with our Summer Membership Drive! Visit our website www.baltimorecitychamber.org and click “Membership/ Join The Chamber.” Pricing starts at $30! If you are already a Member, please share with a friend who can benefit from getting connected to the resources in the city and one-on-one business coaching.
Fourth, I am recruiting business owners for the free, Baltimore Means Business Entrepreneur Growth Program. This free program is open to business owners who earn UNDER $100k annually. There are two tracks. Track One is for Startups and Track Two is for more mature businesses. The classes will occur online on Monday and Tuesday evenings in October and November 2020. Applications are open at www.baltimoremeans.business. Apply today! The deadline is approaching!
Fifth, if you are looking for safe, high-quality daycare options for your children near downtown, check out Higher Heights Educational Center. They have added new procedures and training for staff to ensure the continued safety of the children. Learn more at https://higherheightseducationalcenter.com/ or contact Rene via email or by phone at 410-789-0152.
Sixth, if you are looking for a less expensive option for your company’s 401k program, email me and I can connect you.
Seventh, this week, you can learn more about the Baltimore Housing Mobility Program. On this webinar, you’ll learn the benefits of the program, anti-discrimination law, how to pass inspections and more. Please register for the orientation at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1621859223465180171
Eighth, I am taking some time off and will return on August 10th. The Weekly Message will resume on August 10th also. Please contact Executive Director William Honablew, Jr. with any questions at honablew@bccoc.org.
Keep reading for this week’s Opportunities and Events!
OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL OFFERS
Temperature Checks
Pabst Enterprises is offering a stand alone Temperature Measurement and Face Recognition Terminal that provides a non-contact, high accuracy IR body temperature measurement. It detects if the individual is wearing a face mask and if they are not, the technology prompts them to do so. Contact William Pabst at 443-613-4377 or wpabst@pabstent.com to learn more.
Mobile and IoT solutions for Chamber Members
Chamber Member, NOFA Business Consulting is a Mobile and IoT solutions provider committed to developing and implementing reliable, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes, no matter the scope of the need. We are more than a service provider. We are your business partner. Schedule a free consultation at https://calendly.com/farhad-nofa. More information can be found by downloading our mobile app.
Chamber VIP Office Day Rental
Need a safe place to meet with your clients? Come to BrickRose Exchange and use our back-office space, featuring a floor-to-ceiling whiteboard. You can book here: http://brickroseexchange.org/whiteboard-rental. Get some work done in a convenient, quiet, professional environment. Click here to contact Chamber Member, Bianca Jackson with questions.
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.
Handgun Certifications for Chamber Members
Chamber Member, M4 Security is a security guard and investigation agency that provides high-quality training for handgun certification. A special discount is being offered to Chamber Members. Visit this page to learn more: http://www.m4security.us/baltimore-city-chamber-members.html
Accounting Services
Chamber Member, A Little Faith Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, a local accounting firm determined to provide unforgettable service to individuals and small businesses. They provide accounting, payroll and tax preparation services to small and mid sized businesses in and around the Baltimore Metro area and assist individuals and small businesses with other financial services, such as budgeting, loan applications, financial planning and other similar areas. Visit their website, www.alittlefaithaccounting.com, to find out more info and to sign up for their monthly newsletter. If you’d like to set up an initial consultation, call Mr. Jackson at 443-343-2484.
LOANS AND GRANTS
Baltimore Business Lending
Baltimore Business Lending’s mission is to ensure access to capital for small business creation in Baltimore City, which will, in turn, provide employment opportunities to strengthen the economy of the city and increase the availability of goods and services to Baltimore City neighborhoods. Learn more about their programs at https://baltimorebusinesslending.org/about-us.
MD Nonprofit Recovery Initiative
MD DHCD has posted updates on the recovery grants here:
https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/MarylandNonprofitRecoveryInitiative.aspx
Summary:
- DHCD will award $30M in grants to nonprofits engaged in economic recovery, health and human services, and housing. An online application portal will go live July 22nd and grants will be due by July 29th with awards being made starting August 19th.
https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/DHCD-NOFA.aspx - DHCD will award $10M in grants to nonprofits serving people with disabilities that are licensed by the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). An online application portal will go live July 29th and grants will be due by August 5th with awards being made starting August 26th.
https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/BHA-DDA-NOFA.aspx - MSAC will award $3M to arts organizations and artists. The grant portal is now live and applications are due by 5pm on August 3rd.
https://www.msac.org/grants/emergency-grant
PPP
The Paycheck Protection Program has been extended! Check out the details at https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7010 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses. Locally, the LEDC is processing PPP loans. Learn more at https://www.ledcmetro.org/about.
Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority Fund
Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority Fund will provide emergency financial relief to businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis with low-interest rate, low-documentation loans. Loans range from $25k to $200k for eligible Maryland businesses. MSBDFA promotes the viability and expansion of businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Meridian Management Group is handling the applications. Learn more at http://mmgcapitalgroup.com/covid-19-emergency-relief-loan-fund-guidelines/
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 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.
If you are an active Baltimore City Chamber Member and you have a special offer for our Members, schedule a call with Will Holmes at https://whc.as.me/baltimorechamber
INVITATIONS TO EVENTS
7/30/20 at 10am
BRHP Property Partner Orientation Webinar
As a valued property owner in the Baltimore region, you are invited to learn more about the Baltimore Housing Mobility Program. On this webinar, you’ll learn how to lease with us, the benefits of our program, anti-discrimination law, how to pass inspections, and more. We want our property partners to be successful and this orientation is the first step. Please register for the orientation at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1621859223465180171
8/6/20 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting
Our monthly General Membership Meeting is open to all. We’ll give you an update on Chamber business, highlight Members, discuss resources and share solutions. And of course, we’ll network. Click here to register.
8/13/20 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Virtual Happy Hour
Join us for our monthly Virtual Happy Hour! This event is open to all. Wear your logo and be ready to toast, mingle and network. Click here to register!
Apply for the January 2021 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Cohort!
Earn more that $100k? Applications are open for the free, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! Click here to learn more and apply.
Apply for the Baltimore Means Business Entrepreneur Growth Program!
Earn less than $100k? Learn more about this free program to help you grow revenue, add jobs and impact your community. Applications are open for the Fall 2020 session. Click here to learn more and apply.
INFORMATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Talk to you next week!
Sincerely,
Will HolmesChairman 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