FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Baltimore Community Lending Welcomes Kathleen Clark as Director of the Business Development and Resource Center
Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) is excited to announce the appointment of Kathleen Clark as the Director of the highly anticipated Business Development and Resource Center (BD&RC). With a strong background in small business development, financial planning, and strategic consulting, Kathleen brings a wealth of expertise that will help drive the center’s mission of fostering business growth and economic inclusion in the Greater Baltimore region.
Kathleen’s career spans multiple facets of small business support. She co-founded a B-Corp financial planning firm specializing in estate planning for families with disabled members and worked at a CDFI credit union, where she ran small business development programs and oversaw lending operations. Her extensive experience includes conducting one-on-one business consultations, leading workshops, and offering strategic planning guidance tailored to the needs of small businesses and underserved communities.
In her new role as Director of the BD&RC, Kathleen will lead efforts to establish the center as a one-stop resource hub for entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. Her key responsibilities include:
-Building a network of technical assistance providers
-Designing comprehensive support services based on small business needs
-Cultivating partnerships that foster collaborative growth opportunities
-Providing direct one-on-one support to entrepreneurs seeking guidance
While construction is still underway, Baltimore Community Lending has launched a virtual soft launch of its one-on-one business coaching program, ensuring that entrepreneurs don’t have to wait to access critical business support. These tailored sessions focus on strategic planning, operations, growth strategies, and capital readiness—empowering entrepreneurs to take actionable steps toward success even before the physical space is completed.
“We are thrilled to have Kathleen Clark, a seasoned professional, join the BCL team to lead our efforts to establish strategic partnerships with technical service providers, community partners and subject matter experts to make our vision for the Business Development and Resource Center a reality”, said Clarence Snuggs, SVP and Chief Operating Officer.
Stepping into this pivotal role, Kathleen is prioritizing the coordination of services and partner providers to eliminate duplication and maximize impact. She is also focused on addressing evolving business challenges, such as economic shifts, policy changes, and unexpected disruptions like the Key Bridge collapse. Recognizing that time is a critical factor for business owners, she is dedicated to designing accessible and streamlined support mechanisms.
Kathleen’s passion for small business development stems from her deep belief in entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic vitality. She is committed to leveling the playing field, recognizing that many entrepreneurs start from unequal positions. Her work is fueled by the desire to see business owners achieve their dreams, create jobs, and contribute to the strength of their communities.
BCL’s Business Development and Resource Center is set to become a cornerstone for business support in Baltimore, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools, knowledge, and network they need to thrive. With Kathleen’s leadership, the center is poised to make a significant impact on the region’s small business landscape.
If you are interested in the free virtual one on one coaching with Kathleen, sign up here Calendly – Kathleen Clark, Small Business Strategist and for more information about the Business Development and Resource Center and Baltimore Community Lending, read our 2024 Annual Impact Report here BCL-005-Annual-Report-2024_r8_web.pdf
Media Contact
Jessica Brockington
Marketing Manager