December 13, 2023

Strengthening Communities Through Nonprofit Excellence

Nonprofit organizations are invaluable to our county, driving prosperity while serving vulnerable groups. More than just economic stimulators, nonprofits strengthen the bonds that unify our community by addressing unmet needs.

Much like for-profit ventures, thriving nonprofits rely on entrepreneurial vision and innovative strategies. They grow through volunteers and the generosity of donors who want to make a positive community impact.

I encourage you to engage with local nonprofits as they carry out their inspiring missions. From donating resources to volunteering time, our community must support these changemakers.

Consult Lemonade Flourishes in November

November brought remarkable successes for Consult Lemonade, an MIC Empower Resident. Highlights include:

• Exploring Career Opportunities: A partnership with STACK Infrastructure opened doors, and AWS is committed to providing specific training at Consult Lemonade’s Career Workshop on January 20th. 29 candidates applied for positions after a tour of Stack Infrastructure, an AWS Partner. 

• Empowering Careers through Workshops: A full-house LinkedIn and Resume Workshop on November 11th resulted in four successful hires with an average salary increase of 33% and two promotions.

• Triumph in Pitching: Consult Lemonade won first place in its first-ever on-stage pitch, securing $10,000 for the organization. Dr. Bill Winston's team donated an additional $20,000 to their home church in Baltimore.

• Attracting Valuable Partnerships: The pitch success has attracted interest from potential partners, including SAP and Millennial Enterprise.

This success underscores the vital importance of Consult Lemonade's work. We look forward to building on these triumphs in the new year and watching them flourish!

To learn more, check out Consult Lemonade’s website!

To learn more about membership at the Maryland Innovation Center, click below. 

Nonprofit Success Stories: 

Inspiring Change and Empowering Lives

MIC Nonprofit Members

Event Recap: HoCo Higher

On December 6, entrepreneurs from all five HoCo Higher Accelerator cohorts gathered for the HoCo Higher Celebration & Pitch Competition, an exciting event showcasing local talent and innovation.

The evening featured networking, reconnecting with classmates and the highlight: the Pitch Competition with cash prizes! A diverse range of businesses competed for grants provided by Howard County.

🏆 And the Winners Are:
1️⃣ 1st Place & Audience Favorite: Viviana Lindo, Mausi & Little Bear KinderCafe
2️⃣ 2nd Place: Cheryl Ford, Athos 1
3️⃣ 3rd Place: Kevin Cheung, Our Power
4️⃣ 4th Place: Mark McMahon, Audio One
5️⃣ 5th Place: Ashley Kansinally, Blossom & Grow Wellness Center

Huge congratulations to all winners and participants! As a bonus to the cash prizes, winners receive a 3-month complimentary Amplify membership with the MIC, contributing to their continued growth and success. Stay tuned for more inspiring events and success stories from our vibrant entrepreneurial community! 

To learn more about membership at the Maryland Innovation Center, click below. 

Event Recap: Rebuilding Ukraine

Last Wednesday's Rebuilding Ukraine panel discussion explored the economic opportunities arising from the reconstruction of Ukraine. With estimates ranging from $138 billion to $750 billion, Ukraine is poised to become "the world's largest construction site", as noted by the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce.

The seminar provided an insightful roadmap to collaborate with these esteemed professionals and the Ukrainian private sector, Multilateral Development Bank, World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

Let's continue paving the way for economic recovery and international collaboration together. 

Unlock Funding for Your Business

Are you struggling to secure funding for your small business? You're not alone. Finding the right financial support is crucial, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. We recognize the challenges, and that's why we're here to help.

Our loans are customized to each recipient and offered at or below market rates. Our Catalyst fund provides access to capital for businesses in the pre-banking stage, helping them bridge gaps in existing/ available funding options. Our LIFT fund provides microloans ranging from $10,000–$30,000 to small businesses for a three- to five-year term.

Step into the rhythm of the New Year with the swankiest event in town, our Jazzy New Year at The Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Columbia!

📅 Save the date: Thursday, January 18th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

📍 Location: 6000 Merriweather Dr Suite B140, Columbia, MD 21044

Join us for a rollicking evening of networking, fine food, full bar and fantastic jazz. The menu includes lobster tails, crab cakes, beef short ribs and pork osso bucco. The band is none other than Unified Jazz Ensemble, innovative performers of of jazz standards and original compositions.

Secure your spot now for a night of toe-tapping tunes, exquisite cuisine and a celebration that will set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. Don't miss out on the magic— let's welcome the new year in jazzy elegance with members of our business community!