The Baltimore City Chamber Welcomes Our
New Director of Membership

Jennifer Van Beckum
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome
To Our New Chamber Member

Rhonda Wimbish, Broker and Owner
Door 2 Door Realty LLC 
A Real Estate and Broker Firm.
Email: door2doorreo@gmail.com
Phone: 443-838-1244 

Patrick Francis, Real Estate Investor
Francis RealEstate Investments
Work with a group of Investors who thrive in buying Multi Family Communities in the emerging markets throughout the US 
Website: www.FranklinFrancis.com 
Phone:443-794-9257 

Deven Zegar, Sales and Marketing Assistant
HighRock
A Maryland-based marketing firm that specializes in all things strategy, creativity and technology. 
Email:devan@highrock.com
Website: https://highrock.com/
Phone: 410-368-0074 
AUGUST CHAMBER EVENT
Despite the rain, we still had a ball of fun!
4th Annual
Business & Baseball
Chamber Cake
Free Orioles Shirt
Crystal Ashford and Chairwoman Royster
Chamber Member
Paul Gardner and Donzella Burton
Kathleen MacCubbin, Primerica and Chairwoman Royster
NEW RESCHEDULED DATE!!
Wednesday 10/5/22
Business and Baseball Networking Event
4:05pm Orioles Game in our Exclusive Private Suite
Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays

If you purchased a ticket for the Baltimore County & Baltimore City Chamber will meet again for the 4th Annual Business & Baseball Networking Event.

We will provide more details next week regarding next steps, so please hold the date for another fun and networking opportunity. Thank you.
September Chamber Events
Thursday 9/1/22
6:00pm - 7:00pm
General Membership Meeting (Virtual)

Come and meet other Chamber members and find our what events and opportunities you don't want to miss!

Thursday 9/7/22
6:30pm - 7:30pm
New Member Orientation-Chamber 101

Did you miss the In-Person Chamber 101 Membership Orientation in July? Don't worry because we have scheduled a virtual class. Come and learn more about Chamber membership benefits and opportunities with other new Chamber members.

Wednesday 9/14/22
7:00am - 11:00am
Breakfast With The Mayor

Join the Chamber as Mayor Brandon Scott shares the Future of Baltimore for businesses throughout our city.

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
550 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202
Parking: $10
Valet: $15

Vendor Tables: $250 Includes Entry for 2

7:00am - 8:00am Registration & Networking
8:00am - 10:00am Program
10:00am - 11:00am Close and Networking

Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
Contact Lenora Henry, Executive Director
443-860-2020

The Women's Leadership Committee (WLC)
Welcomes Anya Yankova
Project Manager at
Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
as the new Vice Chair for WLC
WLC Planning Committee
Calling all women!
The Women's Leadership Committee is expanding and we are seeking committed women to join our team. Join us for our virtual bi-weekly planning meetings Wednesday from 6 - 7pm. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 17th and bi-weekly thereafter.

Come and learn more about the exciting events that we are planning and learn how you can get involved. We look forward to having you join us!
Sign up to be a member soon because many of the events that are currently open to all will become members only very soon. We don't want you to miss out on the opportunity to have access to all of the new resourceful business opportunities that we have in store for you this year!
Check out all of our events! (HERE) Many more coming soon....
Business Promotions of The Week
Please email us at info@baltimorecitychamber.org in order to be featured in our Weekly Messages from the Chairwoman.

D. Amaadi Coleman aka The Belly Therapist® and Founder of Fit Tribe Wellness is helping moms lose their “mommy tummies” and regain confidence. She proudly offers Belly Therapy for moms who: can’t get rid of their belly pouch, suffer from lower back pain, digestive issues, and naturally want a slimmer waistline.
To learn more about Belly Therapy, please visit
https://www.fittribewellness.com/. Or click here to sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with D. Amaadi Coleman.
GRANT & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative 
GoFundMe will issue $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses that raise at least $500 on GoFundMe. Learn more here.

For more grants and loans Click Here

 
BGE Energizing Small Business Grants
Application opens: 7/18/2022
Application deadline: 8/26/2022

48in48 Website Build Events – This group’s largest event of the year will be October 14-16th. The focus is on international nonprofits, charities, and NGOs; but they accept all interested (nonprofit) applicants. Group will build your website with a team of professional web designers and developers within 48 hours for free. To sign up, click here - https://48in48.org/nonprofit-application/

Atomic Grants - Atomic Grants are available to those who identify as a woman, and who are 21+. You can live anywhere in the world - as long as you have a way to receive the money digitally, and you are connected via email and social media. Grant for $1,500. Next due date is 8/31/22. https://www.passioncollective.co/atomic-grants

Because Accelerator - Because Accelerator is designed for an entrepreneur who is in the early to middle stages of product development. The program is uniquely focused on overcoming the challenges to developing affordable manufactured products which have proven market attractiveness and are ready to aim for production at scale. Grants for $10,000. Apply by 8/17/2022 - https://becauseinternational.org/accelerator

Contrary Sabbatical 2022 - For tech entrepreneurs from any country, Contrary has supported Sabbatical founders like any other portfolio company: with connections to operators who have scaled companies from zero to thousands of employees, a diverse network of potential hires, and tactical advice from their team. Funding up to $250,000. Apply by 8/31/2022 - https://contrary.com/blog/contrary-sabbatical-2022      

Ford Fund Fellowship with Watson Institute - Virtual program is for advanced, next-generation social entrepreneurs and community leaders building ventures that create impactful and scalable innovations. Looking for applicants from United States, China, Mexico, South Africa, and Argentina. Ford Fund applicants must be able to commit to be part of the 16-week program from October 17th, 2022, to February 24th, 2023. Grant of $25,000. Apply by 9/15/2022 - https://watson.is/ford-fund/

Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program - This program is designed to encourage preparedness and resiliency. We want to ensure that all small businesses have what they need to deal with the impacts of a disaster in their community. 
The R4R program provides resources and incentives for small businesses to take the actions they need to become more resilient, including the distribution of grants following a disaster. https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/small-business-readiness-resiliency-program

Roddenberry Catalyst Fund - The Catalyst Fund is offering grants to Nonprofits & Social Enterprises to fund ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. Eligible candidates for the Catalyst Fund may be individuals, teams of individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. Grants for up to $15,000.  https://roddenberryfoundation.org/our-work/catalyst-fund/

Techstars Accelerators - Techstars accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, they surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. Companies can receive $20K for 6% of company. Various locations and due dates - https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/

Western Union Fellowship - (specific counties) - Western Union Foundation Fellowship is for next-generation high-promising entrepreneurs and community leaders who are from and working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe. Looking for applicants from and are working in the following countries: Mexico, Kenya, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, and Afghanistan. Funding of $25,000. Apply by 11/15/2022. https://watson.is/western-union-foundation-fellowship/

AT&T Black Future Maker - Black Future Makers are dedicated individuals pursuing greater possibilities for the greater good. Submit a video of 30-60 seconds, or photo, on your Instagram feed explaining how you are pursuing greater possibilities for you and the community. Grants for $10,000. Apply by 12/31/22 https://www.attdreaminblack.com/contest

Comcast RISE - Marketing and Tech Support and Investment Fund - There are separate applications for the marketing and technology services awards and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund. Eligible business owners may apply for either, or both programs. https://www.comcastrise.com/

Fearless Strivers - Open to black women who are legal U.S. residents (including DC), 18+ and the principal owner of a U.S.-based small business. Grants for $10,000. Apply by 12/31/22. https://www.fearless.fund/strivers
                                           
HerRise Micro-Grant - Each month a $500 micro-grant will be awarded to a for-profit small business owned by women of color. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more.  https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/

Juntos Crecemos Hispanic Digital & Delivery Program - PepsiCo is inviting Latina entrepreneurs who work in food service to apply for eight weeks of personalized expert consultation, including best practices across operations, technology, marketing and digital presence.  https://pepsicojuntoscrecemos.com/jefaowned/

McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund in Food and Wine - SHE CAN Fund invests in the professional advancement and career growth of high-potential, professional women, with a particular focus on women of color. Mission is to close the gender and race gap in leadership positions in wine & spirits, hospitality, and finance industries by providing professional developmenthttps://www.mcbridesistersfund.org/grants

Truist NonProfit Grant - The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Quarterly deadlines https://www.truist.com/purpose/truist-foundation/grant-application

Wish Local Empowerment Program - You must be a Black-owned business with a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States and less than 20 employees. If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local (which is free). Grants for up to $2000 https://www.wish.com/local/empowerment

Maryland

ExportMD Program - Maryland companies that receive an ExportMD Award are eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with an international marketing project. Apps due first of each month - https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/exportmd-program

Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund - This is an evolving loan fund, which supports small businesses that don’t qualify for traditional loans or financing. This specific program will grant priority to businesses in Baltimore City and rural regions across the state. - https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/meaf

Project Restore - Financial support to Maryland’s existing or new businesses to help incentivize commercial investment in vacant retail and commercial properties.​ Grants for up to $30,000. Apply by 9/8/2022 - https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/ProjectRestore/default.aspx

Scale Your Partnership Accelerator - Free 8-week business accelerator designed for bold, visionary creative companies who are ready to go all in to evolve their business - must be located in Baltimore. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 8/29/2022 - https://www.baltimorecreates.org/syp-fellowship                                 
Grant for Non-profit Organizations
Baltimore City has established an online application process for the American Rescue Plan Act funding to support projects for City agencies and nonprofit organizations. Projects must have a minimum grant request of $250,000 to be considered.


For additional questions or assistance regarding the application process, please contact arp@baltimorecity.gov
Want to Become a Corporate Partner?

The Baltimore City Chamber wants to partner with YOU! The Chamber offers a variety of affordable sponsorship packages which provide the opportunity to have your business promoted in our weekly emails, website, and more! Contact Lenora Henry, Executive Director to schedule a meeting and learn more how to engage with the Chamber at Executivedirector@baltimorecitychamber.org
Look What's Happening
Around Town
Council President Nick Mosby is partnering with the Residence Inn by Marriott, The Movement Team, Inc., TRUIST Bank and Safeway Foundation to host a Back to School Community Family Fun Day at Eager Park, 900 N. Wolfe St., on Saturday, August 27th from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
He is inviting you and your children to join him for fun activities, food, face painting, free haircuts and a school supply giveaway to help our young people start the school year off right!
They still need sponsors who are either willing to purchase school supplies for youth in grades Pre-K-12 or make a monetary donation so we are able to purchase school supplies for them.

Those willing to make a monetary donation can do so via the Movement Team, Inc.’s PayPal at cctoydrive@gmail.com or via mail to 911 South Charles Street, Suite C1, Baltimore, MD 21230.
 
Our collection day will be at City Hall, 100 N. Holliday St., 21201, on Monday, August 15th from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. To make it even easier, we have created a wish list for you to choose what supplies you would like to donate. You can find that list by clicking on this link: Click here to view the list
Need Help Creating Your Marketing Plan?
You can have the best product or service on the market, but without a great marketing strategy, you may struggle to acquire sales.

Owner of Qween of All Tradez LLC, Tyanna Ellisse, has released The Ultimate Marketing Guide Workbook. The book helps new female entrepreneurs and small business owners learn marketing fundamentals while guiding them on how to develop their own marketing plan.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Chamber Member Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland has classes!
Creating a more peaceful world, one mind at a time.
New classes with Resident Teacher Gen Chogden starting this week
Meditation for Modern Life: Breaking Through Loneliness
Thursdays at 6:30 & Sundays at 10:30

Wednesdays at 5:50 with Teacher Marlene Robinson

Chamber Member Vonnya Pettigrew of Root Branch Media Group is is an award-winning media production and communications firm headquartered in Baltimore City’s Woodberry community. Root Branch is 100% African American and Woman Owned with MBE and WBE certification in the state of Maryland. RBMG services include creative development, story-boarding, script writing, casting, cinematography, photography, sound design, graphic design, web design and live streaming.

RBMG produces media campaigns,
commercials, promotional videos, training videos, television programming, radio spots, short films and documentaries. They also offer a COVID compliant safe certified production studio fully outfitted with the industry’s standard top of the line equipment including 4K Black Magic Cameras, Sennheiser Microphones, Aperture Lighting, Teleprompter, Dolly Tracks, and a multitude of backdrops and green screen. The in-house editing suite is equipped with Adobe Premier and is backed up on our
G-Drive media storage.

To learn more about Root Branch Media Group visit https://www.rootbranchmediagroup.com

Chamber Member Joanna Bartholomew of O'Hara Development Partners are restoring communities one block at a time! "Reducing vacant houses and vacant lots not only leads to an attractive area to reside in, but it improves one’s mental health and overall quality of life." Many studies have demonstrated that adding trees to empty lots and lessening trash results in a reduction in the reported number of depression cases in an area.

To learn more about how you can become a Donor or Sponsor, visit https://www.oharacdc.org/sponsor. If you would like to discuss in more detail how you or your organization can volunteer or provide any additional support, please send an email to info@oharadev.com.
Chamber Member Wayne S. Stewart of Stewart Design Agency
Company Overview & Offer: Has COVID-19 made you take a hard look at your digital branding? Does your organization need a new website? With over 14 years of experience designing and building custom internet based applications, Stewart Design Agency a Minority Certified Business, can take your business online presents to the next level. We offer exceptional, digital branding, custom website design/development, web application hosting, social media management and content management system training. Book your FREE Consultation today by clicking the link below.
 

Website Address: www.sdagency.net
E-mail Address: info@sdagency.net
Phone Number: 443-429-0494
Contact Person: Wayne S. Stewart
Chamber Member Yolanda Harrison offers Life Insurance, Retirement, and Financial Repair Specialist assistance for anyone looking for a healthy financial situation, she assists with getting on a sound plan, protected, and prepared. The key to transforming financial situations begins with customized services.
Schedule a free financial consultation, today at yolandaharrison.org/home or info@yolandaharrison.org
Do You Want To Volunteer?

The Chamber wants members to get involved with our Events, Membership, Public Policy, Young Professionals or Woman’s Leadership Committee. This is an opportunity to develop relationships and exchange ideas with other business owners and corporations. To learn more, reach out to Lenora Henry, Executive Director at Executivedirector@baltimorecitychamber.org
Want Your Business Highlighted in
Our Weekly Emails?
Please email us at info@baltimorecitychamber.org in order to be featured in our Weekly Messages from the Chairwoman.

In the email please include the following:
  • Business name
  • Brief 4-7 sentences explaining what your company does and the product/ service that you would like to be highlighted.
  • A link to your website
  • An email and/or number for members to contact you
Follow us on our Socials
What to expect:

  • Daily Inspirational Quotes
  • Motivational Videos
  • Updates on Events
Did this message land in your spam or promotions folder?

Sincerely,

Kimberly Castle Royster
Chairwoman
Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce 443-860-2020 www.baltimorecitychamber.org