Meet BCL - Baltimore Community Lending

Our Story

Our Mission

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

Our Story

Since 1989, Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) has been committed to creating equitable access to capital and driving community revitalization throughout Baltimore. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), BCL provides flexible financing and technical assistance to real estate developers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are investing in neighborhoods and creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Over the years, BCL has grown beyond lending to become a trusted partner in community and economic development. Through innovative financing, educational programming, strategic partnerships, and the Frank B. Coakley Business Development & Resource Center, BCL equips individuals and businesses with the resources they need to launch, grow, and succeed.

Today, BCL continues to expand its impact across Baltimore by supporting neighborhood revitalization, increasing access to capital, and fostering sustainable economic growth. In FY2025 alone, BCL deployed more than $17.4 million in capital, provided technical assistance to 423 businesses, and earned an A- rating from Aeris, recognizing the organization’s financial strength, operational excellence, and commitment to long-term sustainability.

As BCL enters a new chapter of leadership and growth, our mission remains the same: to empower communities, strengthen local businesses, and invest in projects that create lasting opportunity and transform Baltimore for generations to come.

1989

Baltimore Community Development Financing Corporation (CDFC) is established under the Baltimore City government, in partnership with local banks and foundations.

2002

Baltimore CDFC transitions into Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL), an independent agency that received certification as a Community Development Financing Institution (CDFI) by the US Department of Treasury.

2018

Baltimore Business Lending (BBL) is established as a subsidiary to provide funding to underserved small business owners.

2020

Watchen Harris-Bruce becomes the President & CEO of Baltimore Community Lending; BBL merged into BCL, resulting in the establishment of our Small Business Division and the Real Estate Division.

BCL launches a three-year strategic plan and a five-year capital growth plan to move us closer to our goal of self-sufficiency.

2021

BCL hosts “Re-Imagine Baltimore” at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum — a fundraising event to share information about and raise funds for our future Business Development and Resource Center.

2022

We expand our service area to include the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), specifically Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.

2023

We officially acquire the building that is slated to become our Business Development and Resource Center and office headquarters.

2024

Baltimore Community Lending continued to expand its reach by strengthening partnerships, growing its lending portfolio, and increasing support for real estate developers and small business owners across Baltimore. Throughout the year, BCL laid the groundwork for its next chapter by investing in new programs, deepening community relationships, and preparing for the opening of a permanent home dedicated to entrepreneurship and economic development.

2025

Baltimore Community Lending acquired its permanent headquarters at 301 N. Calvert Street and opened the Frank B. Coakley Business Development & Resource Center (BD&RC), expanding access to business education, technical assistance, networking, and flexible financing for Baltimore’s entrepreneurs and developers.

Baltimore Community Lending Statements

Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Statement

At Baltimore Community Lending, we are committed to revitalizing and strengthening underserved communities that face ongoing oppression due to systemic inequities. We support the creative and productive capacity of our staff, board of directors, stakeholders, and partners who represent a wide array of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our ability to fulfill our mission is strengthened when we include the perspectives of individuals who represent a variety of differences, which may include but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical and cognitive abilities, culture, religion, spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic background.

Our work is focused on removing barriers for real estate developers and entrepreneurs who are unable to access mainstream financing. Black, Indigenous, and people of color and women disproportionately face these barriers as a consequence of historical and current economic disenfranchisement. Thus, our work emphasizes helping these populations join the economic mainstream. We believe in fostering intentional economic inclusion so that all individuals can have access to capital and thrive in clean, healthy, safe, and vibrant communities.

Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with federal law and U. S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination to U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone), (202 622-0367 (fax), or emailrcomplaints@treasury,gov (email).