At Baltimore Community Lending (BCL), our mission has always been clear: to foster economic empowerment, support small business growth, and revitalize the communities we serve. Now, we are taking a bold step forward with our new Business Development & Resource Center (BD&RC), located in the heart of Baltimore. This new space, currently under construction, will be more than just a building—it will be a hub for opportunity, collaboration, and growth.
A Vision Takes Shape
The idea for our new headquarters and BD&RC began with a belief shared by our President and CEO, Watchen Harris Bruce. She envisioned a space where BCL’s impact could extend beyond just lending capital. Instead, she saw the need for a comprehensive center where entrepreneurs could access not only financial resources but also the mentorship, guidance, and support necessary to thrive. This belief set in motion years of hard work and planning, from fundraising to securing a new building in March 2023.
Building a Future Together
After a successful awareness event in 2021 and a fundraising event at The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, we raised over $321,000 from community supporters. With additional funding, including a significant $1 million federal grant secured in June 2023, we are well on our way to transforming the vision of our BD&RC into reality. This project is endorsed by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, who recognize the potential of our new space to serve as a catalyst for equity and opportunity in Baltimore’s underserved communities.
The BD&RC: More Than Just a Building
At its core, the BD&RC is a manifestation of BCL’s commitment to Baltimore’s small business ecosystem. It will serve as a dynamic training center and resource hub, offering connections to capital, entrepreneurial coaching, and technical assistance tailored to the unique needs of small business owners. Entrepreneurs will have access to formal real estate coaching, home repair workshops, and tailored assistance to help their businesses grow.
As Senior Vice President & COO Clarence Snuggs said, “We could’ve found space to rent, but we decided we wanted to be an anchor. This is going to be our home; we have our name on the building, and we want to contribute to the economic development of our own community.”
Resilience Through Delays
Like any major project, the construction of our new headquarters has encountered delays. However, we remain committed to moving forward, ensuring that this space is completed with the care and intention it deserves. Our goal is not only to build a structure but to build a future for Baltimore’s small businesses—creating a space where they can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to the revitalization of our city.
A Collaborative Future
The success of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration. From the support of our local and federal partners to the generosity of our community donors, the BD&RC represents the strength of collective effort. Once completed, it will be a place where Baltimore’s entrepreneurs can access the tools, resources, and network they need to succeed.
As we continue to move forward with construction, we will share regular updates on our progress. Keep an eye out for photos and videos as we document this exciting journey on our social media platforms. We are committed to transparency and want you—our community—to be part of this transformation.
Looking Ahead
Our new headquarters and BD&RC will stand as a symbol of hope, opportunity, and progress for Baltimore. It represents the culmination of years of dedication and the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to strengthen underserved communities.
We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to “Transform Vision to Reality.”