Operation Storefront

Operation Storefront, operating as the Downtown BOOST Program, is a Downtown Partnership of Baltimore initiative supporting minority-owned businesses in Downtown Baltimore through grant funding and cohort-based technical assistance. With backing from JPMorgan Chase, the program awards grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 to help minority-owned businesses occupy currently vacant retail spaces in the downtown core.

Selected businesses receive wraparound technical assistance and participate in a structured cohort model featuring workshops, peer learning, and collaborative activities. The program addresses historical racial inequities in business ownership and aims to revitalize Downtown Baltimore by filling vacancies with innovative minority-owned enterprises.

A related Harborplace Local Tenancy Program places Black-owned businesses in the historic Harborplace waterfront pavilions.

Downtown BOOST Program | Downtown Partnership of Baltimore Downtown Partnership of Baltimore Building a more equitable Downtown The Downtown BOOST Program is designed to support the long-term success of minority-owned businesses in Downtown Baltimore through grant funding and a structured cohort-based model.

With support from JPMorgan Chase , we cannot wait to invite the fourth cohort of BOOST business owners and entrepreneurs to Downtown Baltimore! BOOST STATUS Thank you to all for applying! We have received all materials and are in the process of review.

Stay tuned Baltimore! By supporting innovative minority-owned businesses, this initiative will address historical and contemporary racial inequities while fostering a more dynamic, safe and vibrant downtown. The BOOST program, and its iterations provide grant funding, as well as robust technical assistance to support their long term success of minority-owned businesses in currently vacant retail spaces.

It's a win-win.

BOOST grant program is building a stronger downtown Baltimore BOOST grant program is building a stronger downtown Baltimore By Shelonda Stokes Like many great American downtowns, Baltimore’s urban core has evolved over time in response to economic change, shifting population patterns and new retail models, with the pandemic […] Décorelle opens storefront in downtown Baltimore supported by BOOST program Décorelle opens storefront in downtown Baltimore supported by BOOST program Sisters open ‘the dede.

shop’ interior design store in downtown Baltimore Meet the businesses selected by DPOB and MCB Real Estate for BOOST Harborplace Program Meet the businesses selected by DPOB and MCB Real Estate for BOOST Harborplace Program In partnership with MCB Real Estate, we are excited to announce the recipients of the Downtown BOOST Harborplace Local Tenancy Program.

This initiative will bring seven Black-owned businesses to Harborplace, revitalizing the historic pavilions and waterfront with a fresh and vibrant energy.

Downtown Partnership and MCB Real Estate Launch Applications for Downtown BOOST Harborplace Local Tenancy Program Downtown Partnership and MCB Real Estate Launch Applications for Downtown BOOST Harborplace Local Tenancy Program Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, in partnership with MCB Real Estate, is excited to announce that applications are now open for small businesses to apply to the Downtown BOOST Harborplace Local Tenancy Program.

What The BOOST Program Does for Your Business Benefits of Being Selected as a Downtown BOOST Business: Grant Funding — Awards from $20,000 up to 100,000 for our fourth cohort. Cohort Model — Small businesses progress together through a series of workshops and activities, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support. Wraparound Support: Robust technical assitance.

Why We Believe in This Initiative As in the rest of the country, storefront vacancies have increased in Downtown Baltimore due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minority-owned small business have been most at-risk for closure, and have historically had less access to capital funding. Additionally, targeted business incentives will ensure Downtown Baltimore’s retail sector has a swift and equitable recovery.

Downtown BOOST Seeks Entrepreneurs with the Following: Strong business plan — demonstrate ability to execute concept Broad community impact — foster collaboration, offer unique experiences. Original ideas — innovative, unique to Downtown Baltimore. Support Downtown's recovery — increase foot traffic, attract new customers.

The Businesses That Qualify Your Business may be Eligible if You Meet the Following Criteria: Businesses in operation for at least 2 years. Qualifying businesses operate open, activated storefronts for goods and services, including clothing, markets, and specialty retailers. A comprehensive business plan and a proposed budget.

Guinness hosted a mixer event at their brewery, bringing together the entrepreneurs from Cohort 1 and 2 of the BOOST program. Providing a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration! MRI Studios in Technical.

ly “When asked about the impact of being a part of the Downtown BOOST program on MRI and its opening, Welch highlighted: “Their support has been instrumental in guiding us through the process of transitioning into a physical location. They have assisted us with various aspects, including negotiating leases, designing and building out the space and determining the functionality of the space.

They have also provided assistance with staffing and employee-related matters. Essentially, they have covered everything that a small business needs.

” Midday with Tom Hall (WYPR) “We’re happy to welcome back to the show Shelonda Stokes , the president of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore , to talk about the BOOST Program for African American retailers… She joins us on Zoom along with two entrepreneurs who are benefiting from the BOOST program: Bryan Robinson is the arts space proprietor of The Black Genius Art Show .

LaTonya Turnage is the founding owner of Elite Secrets Bridal Boutique . ” “In Baltimore, a new program is paving the way for entrepreneurs to attract and uplift Black-owned retail businesses in Downtown Baltimore neighborhoods. With support from Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s (DPOB) Black-Owned & Occupied Storefront Tenancy Program (BOOST) program, led by Shelonda Stokes, president of DPOB.

The first of its kind, BOOST’s purpose is to strengthen and revitalize the Central Business District of Baltimore by supporting small, creative Black-owned retail businesses and arm them with expert resources to set them up for success. ” — Jenn Barthole of Ebony Magazine Media Rhythm Institute in BBJ “Media Rhythm Institute’s new space will help prepare young creatives entering the media industry.

Media Rhythm Institute is seeking to change the landscape for aspiring media industry professionals through comprehensive arts education. ” — Alicia Diaz at Baltimore Business Journal Black Genius Art Show in BBJ “Bryan Robinson formed his creative brainchild, The Black Genius Art Show, so people could experience his art by buying custom paintings or apparel.

The East Baltimore native now wants to expand his vision and create a physical space for fellow local artists to run shows, while he mentors and curates. ” — Alicia Diaz at Baltimore Business Journal BOOST Winner Announcement “Five entrepreneurs have been selected to take part in a new incubator program designed to fill empty downtown retail spaces with Black-owned businesses.

” — Ed Gunts at Baltimore Fishbowl “With an eye toward increasing Black-owned retail businesses in downtown Baltimore, the Downtown Partnership is launching an initiative that will pair creative Black businesses with vacant storefronts, and connect them with technical, marketing and other expertise.

” — By TATYANA TURNER at BALTIMORE SUN Baltimore Community Lending Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council Guinness Open Gate Brewery Maryland Small Business Development Center Mckennon Shelton & Henn LLP Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP Small Business Resource Center Small Business Development Center Trout Daniel & Associates.

In Downtown Baltimore, you'll find a diverse, thriving community of residents and businesses working to make this city a great place to be. There's always something exciting happening in Downtown Baltimore. Want to be first to know what's next?

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