Providing technical assistance and support to Baltimore’s small businesses

The Baltimore BASE Network (Business Assistance and Support for Equity) is a growing coalition of organizations committed to advancing equitable economic growth by supporting Baltimore’s small business ecosystem—especially entrepreneurs of color and neighborhood-based businesses.

 

OUR HISTORY & IMPACT

Mapping of grant distribution, courtesy of Baltimore Development Corporation.

The BASE Network’s roots trace back to 2017 with the creation of the Baltimore Small Business Support Fund (BSBSF), launched in response to studies commissioned by The Annie E. Casey Foundation. These studies revealed major gaps in Baltimore’s small business infrastructure, particularly for underrepresented entrepreneurs. In its early phase—BASE 1.0—a smaller group of support organizations focused on strengthening the capacity of local CDFIs and small business development organizations through leadership training, technical assistance, and culturally competent lending practices.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Network expanded significantly, with the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) coordinating a broader group of partners. This evolution led to BASE 2.0, a phase defined by emergency response efforts, including helping businesses navigate federal relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and distributing over $8.5 million in grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This mobilization forged lasting relationships among ecosystem partners and demonstrated the power of coordinated outreach, multilingual resources, and tailored technical support. By the end of 2022, BASE partners had served nearly 5,700 businesses across Baltimore.

OUR FOCUS: BASE 3.0

Now entering BASE 3.0, the Network is turning its attention to building long-term systems that ensure capital access, network coordination, and structural equity for Baltimore’s small businesses. Through a process of co-design—which began with a dedicated “Co-Design Day” on July 9, 2024—BASE partners evaluated the successes and challenges of the past and laid the groundwork for a more focused, sustainable future.

As a result, the Network has launched five active workgroups to guide its next chapter:

  • Advocacy & Storytelling – Advancing policy reform and amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs.

  • Education & Learning – Creating shared learning spaces and long-term business growth tools.

  • Capital Access – Ensuring fair and flexible financial support that doesn't penalize failure.

  • Navigation & Coordination – Streamlining support through shared digital platforms and case management tools.

  • Strategy & Structures – Defining clear leadership models, shared metrics, and a sustainable operational framework.

These workgroups align with the Network’s strategic pillars, which include equitable access to capital, multi-sensory learning, policy reform, centralized business navigation, and long-term infrastructure to support ecosystem leaders.

The BASE Network, with support from BDC, continues to serve as a Technical Assistance Hub for the city—providing business development resources, data insights, and responsive programming. While the ARPA-funded grant programs have concluded, BASE’s mission continues: to transform how small business support is delivered and ensure Baltimore’s entrepreneurs have the tools they need to thrive.

GRANT CLOSE OUT

In January 2022, the Baltimore BASE Network and Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs launched the Economic Recovery Fund, made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act. This program is now closed. However, if you have not filled out your grant survey please use the links below.

The Baltimore BASE (Business Assistance and Support for Equity) Network is committed to helping BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) owned small businesses in Baltimore city obtain pandemic-related recovery assistance.

The Network launched in April 2020 and has helped more than 3,000 Baltimore businesses access upwards of $50 million in recovery assistance. We are a partnership of entrepreneurial support organizations led by the Baltimore Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development.

 
 

The Baltimore BASE Network Vendor Directory is intended to be a resource for small businesses that apply for and are awarded Economic Recovery Fund Business Grants.

Grantees will have an opportunity to hire vendors to implement grant activities listed above, such as an updated e-commerce shop or a new marketing campaign.

 

Grantees are not required to use vendors from this directory; it is provided as a resource only and is not a specific endorsement.

Vendors interested in being listed in the directory must complete the Vendor Questionnaire.