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Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,
Summary: In this message, I share a featured image, 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 Image:
Special thanks to new Chamber Member Avalon 555’s Jelani Walker for the tour of their new building in Harbor East. I have lived in Fells Point for many years and I must say this apartment building makes me want to consider making a change. The city and water views from the balconies were exceptional. They have convenient parking, 24 hour concierge, a dog park on the 8th floor and a rooftop with amazing amenities and sunset views. The floor plans were brilliant and the prices were affordable, especially for the area. I highly recommend contacting Mr. Walker for a tour at jelani_walker@avalonbay.com. I think I said “Wow” a dozen times during the tour.
Here are 10 things you should know:
First, covid-19 cases are surging, death tolls are rising and projections look grim for the winter. On top of that, businesses are having a very difficult time. If you can safely support small businesses via online purchases, please make an effort. Our local economy depends on it. If your business needs assistance creating an e-commerce portal or digital products, please contact me. I will assist you or introduce you to Chamber Members who can help you connect with customers online.
Second, you can now add ALL the 2021 General Membership Zoom Meetings to your calendar! Register at https://whc.as.me/1stThursdays.
Fourth, on December 3rd 2020, the Anne Arundel County Purchasing Division is hosting a Zoom webinar for Minority, Small & Women-Owned Firms, who are interested in working with the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. A Spanish translator will be present during the webinar for those who require it. Click here to register.
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, 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. A registration link will be available next week.
Seventh, I invite you to join me on January 9th 2021 for a half-day business boot camp! 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. Just $19! Limited space available! Register at https://whc.as.me/2021JanBootcamp.
Eighth, join me on Wednesday, December 9th at 6pm for the online Open House for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Due to covid-19, we have reduced the revenue criteria to $75,000 for the next cohort starting in May 2021. So, if you have wanted to apply, now is the time. Register to learn how this free program has helped over 9,000 businesses increase revenue, add jobs and have a more positive impact on their communities. Click here to register for the Open House.
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. For more information, contact Allan at allan@allanhirshadvisors.com.
Tenth, I am looking for business owners to work one-on-one with me in my Growth Coaching program. We will focus on your pricing, profitability, projections and your marketing strategy for 2021. Be advised, I will hold you accountable to your growth plan. Learn more at https://whcusa.com/coaching/.
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 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 toadvise 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!
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/.
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
12/3/20
Procurement Webinar
On December 3rd 2020, the Anne Arundel County Purchasing Division is hosting a Zoom webinar for Minority, Small & Women-Owned Firms, who are interested in working with the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. A Spanish translator will be present during the webinar for those who require it. Click here to register.
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 (Saturday morning from 8am to 12 noon)
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.
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.
Will Holmes