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. Learn more about us at www.baltimorecitychamber.org and connect with me on LinkedIn. If this message landed in your spam or promotions folder, please add willholmesconsulting@gmail.com to your contact list so that you can receive these timely messages in your main inbox.
Here are 10 things you should know:
First, you should know that the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce is busy! Check out our feature in the Daily Record. Listen to our podcast interview on the Maryland Is Open website. Check out the videos from our very successful Economic Update with the Federal Reserve Bank and our webinar on Aerial Surveillance in Baltimore. Plus, we are adding new Members each week, providing technical assistance daily and our new Women’s Leadership Committee is already off to an amazing start! The Chamber has what you need! If you haven’t joined, here’s the link.
Also, please scroll down to the Opportunities and Events sections of this email. I have added some new events, funding sources and incredible offers from Members!
Second, our October Virtual Happy Hour on October 8th will be a MASK-erade Party!!! Wear your best costume while we network and make toasts every 15 minutes! The best costume wins a free Chamber Membership for a year! So, if you haven’t joined or renewed yet, here is your chance to get a free Membership. If you are already an active Member, this will cover next year. Click here to register!
Third, I would like to highlight our Women’s Leadership Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Rhonda Farrell and Ms. Brenda Kwateng. I am so impressed by their commitment and their high level of execution. I need Leaders who will step up and make it happen and they are certainly doing a fantastic job in their leadership roles. Please connect with them if you do not know them already. We will hear more about their work during this Thursday’s General Membership Meeting. Click here to register.
Fourth, 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. I highly recommend it. Contact George at gcoromilas@shanercorp.com to discuss the possibilities. We plan to host events there again very soon!
Fifth, check out our Women’s Leadership Co-Chair, Dr. Rhonda Farell’s webinar series, SHIFT HAPPENS. Here is some info: 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.
Sixth, Chamber Member, Chris Maynard of the Tuerk House is sponsoring an important webinar called “Why Businesses Need to Support Mental Health.” This event will be on Tuesday, October 6th at 9am. Contact Chris for details. Also, Chamber Member, Brian Olds is hosting the Black Speakers Network 2020 Global Speakers Virtual Summit on October 9th and 10th 2020. This event will be a premier learning experience with hundreds of international attendees who will receive in-depth training on how to position and profit from professional speaking. For more details, visit http://www.bsnsummit.com.
Seventh, as part of the Cares Act to help businesses affected by covid-19, the MBDA is hosting a webinar called “Commercial Lease Renegotiating (Force Majeure – Property and Casualty – Early Termination Evictions).” This webinar is coming up on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 1pm-2pm. Don’t miss this! Here is the registration link: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EF54D887864A3C
Eighth, I want to thank all those who donated to our Real Men Wear Pink fundraiser for cancer research. We have raised nearly $3000 in 4 weeks and we are currently leading fundraising in Baltimore. If cancer has affected your family, I encourage you to check out our Real Men Wear Pink profile page at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/willholmes
Ninth, I am recruiting for 3 free programs for Business Owners! Schedule a call with me to discuss: the May 2021 Cohort for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program; the January 2021 Cohort for the Baltimore Means Business program; and the January through April 2021 advisory program through the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Community Consulting Lab. Each program has different benefits and requirements. Schedule a call with me to discuss which one is best for you. Also, if you know someone who would benefit from free guidance and consulting, please share this message.
Tenth, we are looking for testimonials from Chamber Members for an upcoming video project that will be seen by thousands of members of the business community. If you’ve had a positive experience and you are willing to do a video testimonial, please email our Executive Director, William Honablew, Jr. Ideally, we are looking for a simple, 1- 2 minute selfie video, with the light facing you and good sound quality. Here’s a great example from Chamber Member, Tonya Moore of TLM Public Relations. Thank you for your kind words, Tonya! https://youtu.be/cu63jm1Sr_E
Keep reading for this week’s Opportunities and Events!
OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL OFFERS
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.
List your Business for Free
Check out www.MarylandIsOpen.com. You can list your business there for free and find local businesses to support.
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 GRANTS
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 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/
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
9/29/20 at 10am
The SBA Open Doors To Surety Bonding for Small Businesses
Webinar link
This free webinar, presented by Jennifer C. Black, MBA, an Underwriting Marketing Specialist in the SBA’s Office of Surety Guarantees in Washington, D.C., is an easy-to-understand overview of the SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program covering:
• Contract Bonds: what they do and when they are required
• Pre-qualification and bonding capacity
• The surety’s underwriting focus
• The SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program: how it can help your small business, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process and fees
9/30/20
MBDA CARES Act Program Webinar
Commercial Lease Renegotiating (Force Majeure – Property and Casualty – Early Termination Evictions)
Wednesday September 30, 2020 1pm-2pm
Webinar Registration Link: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EF54D887864A3C
10/1/20 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.
October 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.
10/5/20
Access to CDFI Lending Webinar Series
CDFIs assist with small microloans up to $50,000 for under-served businesses with five or fewer employees and annual sales of less than $100,000. In this series you will have the opportunity to learn about: Lending options; What lenders look for; Preparing a successful loan package; How to prepare to meet with a lender; and Business finance consulting resources. Please visit Access to CDFI Lending Webinar Series to register for this event.
10/6/20
Webinar: “Why Businesses Need to Support Mental Health.”
This online event will be on Tuesday, October 6th at 9am. This important panel discussion is part of the Health Care Access Maryland Speaker Series. Contact Chris Maynard for registration details.
10/8/20 at 6pm
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce Virtual Happy Hour MASK-erade Party!
Join us for our monthly Virtual Happy Hour! This event is open to all. Wear a mask or costume, your logo and be ready to toast, mingle and network. Click here to register!
10/9 and 10/10/20
Black Speakers Network 2020 Global Speakers Virtual Summit
This event will be a premier learning experience with hundreds of international attendees who will receive in depth training on how to position and profit from professional speaking. For more details, visit http://www.bsnsummit.com.
10/10/20
Baltimore Children’s Business Fair
The Baltimore Children’s Business Fair is seeking sponsors, judges, speakers, and volunteers to help support their 4th Annual Baltimore Children’s Business Fair on October 10th and educational programming for the 2020-21 school year. The Baltimore Children’s Business Fair is a non-profit organization. Please contact Janear Garrus at janear@baltimorechildrensbusinessfair.org to learn more.
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.
11/12/20 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!
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.
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