Baltimore’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant, supported by numerous organizations dedicated to fostering innovation and business growth. Here are some key resources available to local entrepreneurs:
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 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs 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. Current members include Baltimore Corps, Innovation Works, and several local universities. More information can be found on their website.
Emerging Technology Centers (ETC) Baltimore
Since 1999, ETC Baltimore has empowered over 700 startups by connecting them to technology, capital, talent, and community resources. ETC focuses on amplifying entrepreneurship in Baltimore, supporting underrepresented founders, and serving as a pivotal community connector. They offer programs like the Funding Catalyst, Community Connector, and Amplifier to support startups at various stages. Learn more at their website.
Baltipreneurs Accelerator at Loyola University Maryland
The Baltipreneurs Accelerator aims to build a more prosperous and equitable Baltimore by providing funding, training, and mentorship for innovators, including Loyola students, faculty, and staff. The program runs from December through March, culminating in a Demo Day showcase in early spring. Notably, 94% of Baltipreneurs are underrepresented founders, and participants have raised over $10.4 million in capital from 2019 to 2023. Details are available on their website.
Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University
The Pava Center offers a range of programs for students, alumni, and community members, including accelerators like Kindling, Spark, and Fuel, designed to support ventures at various stages. They also provide funding opportunities such as the Ignite Fund, Blaze Awards, and the President’s Venture Fellowship, offering non-dilutive grants ranging from $100 to $100,000. More information can be found on their website.
Entrepreneur Support Network by UpSurge Baltimore
This network comprises entrepreneur support organizations in the Baltimore region with a shared purpose of improving entrepreneurs’ navigation to opportunities, aligning practices to develop curated pipelines of startups, and connecting founders to resources. They offer a digital platform, BMore Tech Connect, to help entrepreneurs find programs, events, and opportunities suited to their needs. Visit their website for more details.
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Baltimore
The Center serves as UBalt’s hub for entrepreneurship, providing resources and support from initial idea development to later-stage business growth. They offer mentorship opportunities and are launching an AI-Enabled Business Accelerator to foster inclusive entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in the Baltimore region, especially among underrepresented groups. More information is available on their website.
These organizations exemplify Baltimore’s commitment to nurturing its entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources for those looking to start or grow their businesses in the city.