York Road Small Business Resource Newsletter
June 2025 Edition
Helping Businesses Grow, Strengthening Our Corridor
Calling all York Road small businesses! There are some amazing opportunities available now to help you grow and reach new customers. Check out this month’s key resources below.
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Grant Opportunities – Apply Now!
BGE Energizing Small Business Grant (Due June 13) - $20,000
The BGE Energizing Small Business grant program is offering $20K grants to help central Maryland businesses succeed and thrive. This is an incredible opportunity to obtain operating capital to grow. Applicants must be a for-profit business and an existing BGE electric and/or gas customer in good standing with BGE.
➡️ Apply for the BGe Energizing Small Business Grant here
Facade Improvement Grants – Up to $15,000
Give your storefront a fresh new look with our Facade Improvement Program! Eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 for signage, painting, masonry, lighting, and other exterior upgrades. YRID pays the contractor directly - no out-of-pocket costs for approved applicants.
➡️ Apply for the York Road Facade Improvement Grant here
York Road Security Camera Grant – Up to $2,500
Keep your business safe with up to $2,500 for security cameras (interior and exterior). Grants are paid directly to contractors to help businesses improve safety outcomes.
➡️ Apply for the York Road Security Camera Grant here
Small Business Events & Resources
Check out upcoming programs and opportunities designed to help York Road entrepreneurs grow, connect, and thrive.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: Apply Now to Grow Your Business!
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program offers an exciting opportunity for York Road small businesses to grow their operations by learning from industry experts and peers. Participants receive expert training and coaching with a curriculum designed by Babson College, the nation’s top-ranked school for entrepreneurship, and gain an extensive support network that continues after graduation.
Why apply? Within 6 months of graduating, 67% of alumni businesses reported increasing revenues and 44% reported adding new jobs.
➡️ Interested in getting tips and trools to grow your business at no cost to you? APPLY HERE.
2025 Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference
The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Small and minority Business Advocacy & Development presents the 2025 Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference, a free event featuring city, state, county and federal government agencies, universities, institutions, corporations and resource partners. Attendees will hear about new opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses, and have the opportunity to connect with up to 100 exhibitors. Corporate roundtables, workshops and breakout sessions will be offered.
➡️ Want to RSVP for the 2025 Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference? CLICK HERE.
➡️ Want to see the current list of exhibitors? CLICK HERE.
Vending Opportunity for Local Makers and Small Businesses: Summer Music Festival on York Road
Heart of the 4th Music & Arts Festival (July 19)
Are you a local artist, maker, or small business owner? Showcase your work at one of Baltimore’s most vibrant summer festivals! We’re curating a vendor market with over 100 local businesses, including handcrafted goods, fashion, food, wellness products, visual art, and more. This is a huge opportunity to get in front of hundreds of festival-goers!
➡️ Interested in vending at the Heart of the 4th Music & Arts Festival on July 19? APPLY HERE.
Need Capital to Grow Your Business? Let Your Community Invest in You!
Getting funding doesn’t have to mean jumping through hoops with banks. The Maryland Neighborhood Exchange (MNE) offers a community investment crowdfunding platform that connects business owners like you with local residents who want to invest in businesses they believe in. Set your own investment terms, raise the capital you need, and grow with the support of your community.
Join the movement of small businesses transforming community support into business capital!
Learn how to raise funds for your business today! Visit MNE's website or email Stephanie Geller at sgeller@communitywealthbuilders.org
Stay Connected & Grow Your Business!
✔️ Join the York Road Business Network – Connect with other entrepreneurs & share resources.
✔️ Get featured in YRID’s Business Spotlight Series – Promote your business in our newsletter & social media!
✔️ Follow us for business tips, funding alerts & event updates.
Have questions? Need support? Contact us at info@yorkroad.org or call (410) 617-1172