WHC is a DBE, SBE, MBE Certified firm serving government agencies, financial institutions, universities & thousands of growing companies across the globe.
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Members and Friends,
Summary: In this message, I feature a great video, 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 Video:
Check out this short video from last week’s Baltimore Means Business learning session. I discussed how to properly price your products and services so you can be profitable. Then, we had some interesting Q&A with the group on choosing your customers and finding needs in the market. Email me to learn more about the next free Cohort that starts in January 2021.
Here are 10 things you should know:
First, I am thankful that despite all the surprises 2020 has presented, we have been able to thrive and grow Membership. Special thanks to our Executive Director, Mr. William Honablew, Jr. for handling the day-to-day activities and helping me provide technical assistance to over 350 Chamber Members. We average over 150 calls per month from Chamber Members, prospective Chamber Members and people in the community looking for resources. It’s a team effort and we get it done. But, it would not happen without his incredible effort and commitment. Please connect with Mr. Honablew on LinkedIn.
Second, join me this week on Wednesday, October 21st at 6pm for an Online Open House for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Register to learn how this free program has helped over 9000 businesses increase revenue, add jobs and have a more positive impact on their communities. Click here to register.
Third, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we’ve taken on the fight against breast cancer by becoming a “Real Men Wear Pink” fundraiser for Baltimore. I want to thank all those who have already donated. We have raised over $3000 and we are currently leading fundraising in our region. If cancer has affected your family or if you want to join the fight, I encourage you to check out our Real Men Wear Pink profile page at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/willholmes
Fourth, Chamber Member, Justin Reid of Soccer to Achieve Baltimore is hosting a free, after-school soccer program for 6-14 year olds. Students will receive professional soccer instruction, uniforms, shin-guards, cleats, and a ball. Visit www.soccertoachieve.org to register. Only 20 spaces remain!
Fifth, the Federal Reserve is conducting a national survey of small businesses. This survey amplifies the voices of small businesses and provides timely economic data to policymakers who are weighing decisions that affect small businesses. The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed and those about to launch. All responses are confidential and survey results will be shared with participants. Take the survey.
Sixth, the Baltimore MBDA Business Center is hosting a webinar on accessing capital called “Financing Solutions in a Post PPP & EIDL World.” The presenter is Steve Monroe from Liquid Capital Alternative Funding and the webinar takes place on Thursday, October 22nd from 1pm-2pm. Register at http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EF55DE8483483B
Eighth, on Tuesday, October 20th, join Chamber Member, Bellevue University for a special, online event! Register for a live, online information session to learn more about Bellevue University, a partner of BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Meet your local Bellevue University representative, Debra Vines who will cover some of the most popular topics for students such as transfer credits, cost, and our 100% online degree programs. Register now athttps://www.bellevue.edu/event-forms/ppn-online-open-house/
Ninth, the Social Innovation Lab at Johns Hopkins University is recruiting for its 2020-21 Accelerator cohort. SIL provides funding, mentorship, office space, and workshops to help innovative nonprofits, mission-driven companies, and disruptive technologies grow into thriving, sustainable ventures that make a measurable impact. Apply before Sunday, October 25th 2020! Link to apply: https://ventures.jhu.edu/sil-apply/
Tenth, join Miles & Stockbridge P.C. corporate lawyers Venroy July and Jeffrey Markowitz for their new “Foundations: Legal & Business Tips for Start-Ups & Next Gen Businesses” webinar series. Register now for the Thursday, October 22nd event where they will discuss the advantages and challenges of different business entity structures available to start-ups and next gen businesses. Register at https://bit.ly/34ZWInU
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
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.
1-on-1 Academic Mentorship Perks for Working Parents
Take the stress off of working parents, let them focus on job performance, and make a difference in their child’s life by setting them up with Baltimore’s leading academic mentors. Streamline Tutors is partnering with local businesses to provide discounted support for kids of your employees. Any student, any class, elementary through high school. Learn more at StreamlineTutors.com, or email Jack@StreamlineTutors.com to get started.
Cyber Workforce Training
The SANS Cyber Workforce Academy- Maryland is a four-month accelerated cyber security training program open only to Maryland residents and provides job-seekers with advanced technical training, industry-recognized GIAC certifications and hands-on cyber defense and incident handling skills sought by Maryland employers. The academy is funded in part by funds received from EARN Maryland, a Grant program of the Maryland Department of Labor. The Academy will train Maryland residents, with a focus on U.S. Military veterans and women, over the next two years in highly sought-after cyber security skills to provide them a pathway into the cyber security workforce. EARN Maryland is a state program dedicated to the workforce needs of Maryland’s cyber security and IT industries. More information is available on our web site at https://www.sans.org/cybertalent/cyber-workforce-academy-maryland.
Solutions for Auto Dealers
NOFA Business Consulting works with auto dealers (BHPH, Independent and Franchise auto dealers). We provide solutions to dealers experiencing difficulty with: overloaded workflows; managing assets (vehicles); financing customers with low credit scores and low income; reducing payments and delinquencies; and recovering assets. We have been able to help our clients address these issues with a single integrated solution. Our solution, Goldstar GPS can eliminate these concerns. Book a consultation here or call 301-338-6800.
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/
Curated Personal Connections
Chamber Member, Salil Choudhary would like to invite you to his new group called “Aligning Stars.” Aligning Stars is an Elite Matchmaking & Event Planning Service where they hand pick potential matches for face-to-face meetups. If interested in learning more, upload your profile and book a session at www.AligningStars.life. You can also contact Salil & Meenu Choudhary at letschat@aligningstars.life for more details.Luxury Apartments
Greetings Baltimore City Chamber Members, we are excited to announce the arrival of Alta Brewers Hill, the newest apartment community in the Brewers Hill neighborhood of Canton, Baltimore. We offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury apartment homes and townhouses, along with a great location with premiere amenities, and garage parking. We are offering virtual, in-person, and self-guided tours and would love to schedule yours today. For more information, visit us online at www.altabrewershill.com. We look forward to hosting a future Chamber event!! Thanks for the warm welcome!
Support for Foster Youth
Resiliently You Community Resource Center Inc is a 501c3 organization that helps former foster youth ages 21-25 heal from the residual effects of personal and family addiction through housing, mental health, and peer recovery. We are selling shirts in an effort to build our housing component of our program, entitled Mo’s House. Mo’s House is a housing unit that will be utilized to reduce homelessness in the foster care alumni population. Mo’s House will provide support for up to 18 months and has an emergency shelter service that can provide support for up to 90 days. To learn more about our organization, please visit www.resilientlyyou.org.
Marketing Help
With the current market disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, marketing plans need to be adapted to changes in consumer behavior and demand. 444 Ignite Consulting, a strategic marketing consultancy and services company, has relevant in-market data to better predict outcomes. Describe your consumer from the engagements with your brand to behaviors, attitudes, lifestyles, media use and preferences, information sources and every nuance that can guide in the creation of strategies and actionable tactics. For a free consultation and demonstration please contact Edward Ramsey at edward.ramsey@444ignite.com or go to our website at www.444ignite.com.
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.
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
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 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.
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/
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
October 2020
Webinar Series: SHIFT HAPPENS
Global Innovation Strategies, a strategy consulting and business breakthrough coaching organization is offering a Webinar series during the month of October highlighting the “5 Ways to get unstuck and accelerate your business performance”. This is for you, if you are a business owner, entrepreneur or leader looking to dial-up your results quickly, with a repeatable system that allows you to excel daily! Sign Up for this Breakthrough Webinar and Start Realizing the Benefits Today! For additional information or to inquire about our additional services, please email ceo@gblinnovstratllc.com.
October 2020
PINKTOBER
Chamber Member, Wellness Today Spa is hosting PINKTOBER! This October, pamper your love one with any spa treatment from the PINKTOBER menu. 10% of funds from will be donated to Pink Wishes, a Baltimore based non-profit organization supporting local breast cancer patients and their families. To sign up for special pricing, click here to contact Wellness Today Spa.
10/20/20 at 2pm
Webinar:Join Bellevue University for a special, online event!
Register for a live, online information session to learn more about Bellevue University, a partner of BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Meet your local Bellevue University representative, Debra Vines who will cover some of the most popular topics for students such as transfer credits, cost, and our 100% online degree programs. Register now athttps://www.bellevue.edu/event-forms/ppn-online-open-house/
10/21/20
Webinar: U.S. General Services Administration Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence Contractors
Does your small business provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytic services? Are you interested in working with the federal government? We need more small businesses like yours. Join us for this FREE virtual webinar on October 21, 2020 via Zoom to learn about available federal opportunities. During this virtual event, you will learn about the various contracting approaches to acquisition of federal technical services and emerging opportunities for AI and predictive analytic services in the federal government. You will also learn about how to virtually submit a portfolio of your technical capabilities to subject matter experts within the GSA. Click here to register.
10/21/20 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.
11/5/20 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.
11/11/20 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.
11/12/20 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!
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.
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.
Will Holmes