Baltimore’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant, supported by a network of organizations committed to fostering innovation and economic growth. Aspiring and established entrepreneurs can tap into a variety of resources designed to guide them from ideation to successful business operations.
Baltimore Entrepreneurship & Leadership Network (BELN)
BELN is a coalition of leaders from social entrepreneurship and leadership programs serving Baltimore. Its mission is to support organizations that help entrepreneurs and leaders develop their knowledge, skills, connections, and access to resources, aiming to build on the assets of and respond to the challenges facing underserved Baltimore residents and communities.
Baltipreneurs Accelerator
Hosted by Loyola University Maryland, the Baltipreneurs Accelerator is dedicated to building a more prosperous and equitable Baltimore. The program provides funding, training, and mentorship for Baltimore’s innovators, including Loyola students, faculty, and staff. Participants engage in sessions from December through March, culminating in a Demo Day showcase in early spring.
Emerging Technology Centers (ETC) Baltimore
Since 1999, ETC Baltimore has empowered over 700 startups by connecting them to technology, capital, talent, and community resources. The organization focuses on amplifying entrepreneurship in Baltimore, supporting underrepresented founders, and serving as a pivotal community connector to strengthen the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Fuel: Late-Stage Track
Offered by the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University, the Fuel accelerator is designed for committed ventures aiming to become market and investor-ready. The program emphasizes customer acquisition, marketing development, entrepreneurial finance, investor readiness, and team building through customized attention, including workshops, mentorship, and targeted support.
Entrepreneur Support Network
Coordinated by UpSurge Baltimore, the Entrepreneur Support Network comprises organizations in the Baltimore region with a shared purpose of improving entrepreneurs’ navigation to opportunities that advance their startups. The network focuses on aligning practices to develop curated pipelines of startups, directing entrepreneurs to the right opportunities with regional and national investors and large corporate customers at the right time.
Social Innovation Lab
Also part of the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship, the Social Innovation Lab accelerates early-stage, mission-driven ventures from Johns Hopkins and the Baltimore community. The program advances innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that build a healthier, more equitable world and transform visionary leaders into impactful, thriving organizations.
These organizations and programs exemplify Baltimore’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial environment. By leveraging these resources, local entrepreneurs can access the support necessary to thrive and contribute to the city’s economic vitality.