Downtown BOOST Program
The Downtown BOOST Program supports the long term success of BIPOC-Owned businesses in Downtown Baltimore through grant funding and a robust cohort model.
We’re excited to announced our BOOST Harborplace recipients on April 24, 2024.
The Latest
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.
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Announcing the Next Class of Black Businesses Selected for the Downtown BOOST Program
Downtown Partnership is thrilled to announce the entrepreneurs selected for the second cohort of the Black Owned and Operated Storefront Tenancy (BOOST) Program.
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Checking in with NKVSKIN
For Black Business Month, we’re highlighting our Downtown BOOST businesses. NKVSKIN is taking the natural skincare world by storm with her house-made effective products, and a new spa in Downtown Baltimore.
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Checking in with The Black Genius Art Show
For Black Business Month, we’re highlighting the inaugural Downtown BOOST businesses. Today, we check in with Bryan Robinson of The Black Genius Art Show, who is making waves in Baltimore’s arts community.
Continue ReadingBy supporting innovative Black-owned businesses, this initiative will address historical and contemporary racial inequities while fostering a more dynamic, safe and vibrant downtown.
THE WHAT
Benefits of Being Selected as a BOOST Business:
- Grant Funding — This varies ($20,000-50,000+) based on program year and type.
- Cohort Model — Small businesses progress together through a series of workshops and activities, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support.
- Lease Assistance: help sourcing storefront spaces and assistance negotiating fair lease terms.
- Wraparound Support: Including robust technical, legal, marketing, public relations, zoning and permitting services.
THE WHY
As in the rest of the country, storefront vacancies have increased in Downtown Baltimore due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Black-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.
THE WHO
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.
ELIGIBILTY
Your Business is Eligible if You Meet the Following Criteria:
- Operational retail businesses in Maryland for at least 1 year, with preference for applicants of color.
- Must currently employ at least 2 employees.
- Qualifying businesses operate open, activated storefronts for goods and services, including food and beverage, clothing, markets, and specialty retailers.
- Businesses operating in Greater Baltimore area, with priority for those in the City.
The BOOST program, and its iterations provide grant funding, as well as robust technical, legal, marketing, zoning and permitting services to support their long term success of BIPOC-owned businesses in currently vacant retail spaces. It's a win-win.
Meet Codetta Bake Shop
Business Directory
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.”
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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.”
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Ebony Magazine
“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
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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
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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
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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
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BOOST in Baltimore Sun
“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
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