Revitalizing our communities together through affordable lending products

We are a mission-based certified community development financial institution (CDFI). Our loans help low-income, low-wealth, and other disinvested people and communities join the economic mainstream.

Welcome

Baltimore Community Lending’s mission is to support the revitalization and strengthening of underserved communities throughout the Baltimore metro area through innovative and flexible financial assistance designed to promote community development.

our new headquarters is Officially open!

The BCL headquarters and

The Frank B. Coakley Business Development and Resource Center!

Located at 301 North Calvert Street Baltimore , MD 21202

On June 18, we opened the doors to our new headquarters and the Frank B. Coakley Business Development & Resource Center — a dynamic new space dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community changemakers.

Impact report

Aspiring entrepreneurs are opening their own businesses in droves, and community developers are pushing to make affordable housing available to those who need it most. Discover how we're helping realize these goals to help improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.

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Celebrating Exceptional Leadership! 

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Watchen Harris Bruce Honored as One of The Daily Record’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs

🌟 Celebrating Exceptional Leadership! 🌟

We had the honor of celebrating our CEO, Watchen Harris Bruce, who was recognized as one of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs by The Daily Record. Out of 80 impressive nominees, only 33 were honored with this esteemed award that speaks volumes about her exceptional leadership, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to our mission. Nominated by our team, this award highlights how her passion inspires us to reach new heights every day.

Under her guidance, we are constantly pushed to be our best – for each other, for our clients, and for the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to see her incredible impact recognized on such a high level.

Congratulations, Watchen! Well deserved!

Read the full press release here.

BCL Launches Regional Search, Preps for Transition as CEO Eyes Retirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2025 (Baltimore, MD) – Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) today announced the retirement of President and CEO Watchen Harris-Bruce, who will step down in 2026 after…

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Built From the Ground Up: The Rise of Lightning Electric and the Story of Sekwan Merritt

By: Jessica Brockington Marketing and Communications Officer at Baltimore Community Lending Sekwan Merritt, founder and owner of Lightning Electric, didn’t just start a business—he sparked a movement. His company, an…

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The Entrepreneurial Journey Vol. 6: The Business Model of Salon Suites

Join us for an inspiring and information-packed session designed for beauty industry entrepreneurs and service-based business owners ready to take their brand to the next level. What You’ll Learn:Participants will…

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Memberships and certifications