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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 business owners have a choice when creating their business model. Your business model and pricing structure should support the financial goals and work-life-balance you desire. Email me to learn more about the next free Cohort that starts in January 2021.
Here are 10 things you should know:
First, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are entering our last week of fundraising for “Real Men Wear Pink Baltimore.” We have raised over $3,200 and we are currently leading fundraising in our region. If you have not donated, please visit our Real Men Wear Pink profile page and make a donation at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/willholmes.
Additionally, the American Cancer Society is hosting its 21st annual wine and food event, Taste for Life, virtually this year. All $100+ donors will have the option to pick up a Beef Wellington dinner kit from the Horseshoe Casino, as well as be entered to win a 2020 Mazda CX-30. Join us for our Virtual Program on November 7th 2020 at 6:30pm with magic, live music, wine and food pairing, live DJ and more. To get your ticket and make your donation, please visit www.tasteforlife.org.
Second, the Women’s Leadership Committee invites you to our inaugural “Open to the Community“ WLC event called “Business Acceleration Scrum– Positively Pivoting for 2021 & Beyond.”This virtual event is Wednesday, October 28th 2020 from 6:00pm to 7:00 pm. Our “virtual” doors open at 5:45pm to ensure that you have time for a technology check before we begin. Please RSVP via email to the WLC Co-Chairs, Brenda Kwateng and Dr. Rhonda Ferrell at: bccocwlc@gmail.com.
The Co-Chairs have also created a survey. If you’d like to share your feedback on your business needs, please contact them for the link.
Third, Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Labor have announced that additional funding is available beginning Wednesday, October 28th through the successful COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, which is designed to support businesses undergoing economic stresses due to the pandemic by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for layoffs. Learn more at https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/covidlafund.shtml
Fourth, join me on Wednesday, November 11th at 6pm for my 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.
Fifth, the application deadline for the free, online Baltimore Means Business program is November 9th 2020. This program is for business owners earning between $0 and $100,000 in revenue who want to grow and add jobs in their communities. Apply today at www.baltimoremeans.business. Limited spaces remain for the January 2021 cohort!
Sixth, BCAN is currently accepting applications for their new, reimagined 2-day pre-accelerator for Baltimore’s creative entrepreneurs- “SCALE YOUR PASSION.” Scale Your Passion (SYP) is a pre-accelerator, imagined and inspired by the Baltimore Creative Community. SYP provides access to content and resources to help guide emerging creative entrepreneurs. Apply at https://baltimorecreativesacceleratornetwork.submittable.com/submit/174731/bcan-scale-your-passion-application-2020
Seventh, 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 and to become a sponsor.
Eighth, please attend our November General Membership Meeting and November Virtual Happy Hour. We will not have events these events in December. However, we will resume the monthly series in January 2021.
Ninth, 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.
Tenth, I am looking for 10 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
Programs for Members
Global Innovation Strategies, a strategy consulting and business breakthrough organization, is offering the BCCoC and associated community partners the following programs:
AIM, PIVOT, ACCELERATE: Consulting services to gain clarity, enhance focus, and increase productivity. If you need to get Unstuck, Gain Clarity, Align for Impact and Value, Innovate and Examine Strategic Partnership opportunities, Sign Up for one of our consulting offerings now! Need more than an hour to help you achieve your break-through? Sign up to discuss longer term consulting options.
BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS SERVICES: Coaching services to catalyze your aligned success and offer accountability to keep you succeeding in the long-term. Sign up for one of our VIP masterclasses to get you mastering your mindset, dialed into your brand, honing your ideal client niche, packaging for value and impact, and pricing for profit. Sign up for a Coaching consult to discuss 90-day, 6-month, and 12-month coaching packages.
SHIFT HAPPENS: Webinar series highlighting the “5 Ways to get Unstuck and Accelerate Your Business Performance”. Sign Up for this Breakthrough Webinar and Start Realizing the Benefits Today! These services and webinar are 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 grow and excel daily! Not seeing exactly what you need? Don’t hesitate to reach out to ceo@gblinnovstratllc.com about additional services or designed-your-way packages!
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
Do you know a displaced School Healthcare Professional looking for part time work?
Experience in school health services or school-based health centers is required. Experience in technical writing related to policy development, public health/community health, school health guidelines, health standards and protocols will be helpful for updating the current standards document. Access to health databases is necessary for current literature reviews. This engagement will be from November 16th 2020 to June 30th 2021 for approximately 10 hours per week. Contact: brenda.kwateng@icscglobal.com
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
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.
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