By Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
The Baltimore Culinary Exchange (BCX) grant program, is now accepting applications.
The program is administered by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor. Leaders of the program are aiming for the economic development initiative to support a healthy and vibrant downtown by providing financial support to new or existing restaurants, food entrepreneurs and culinary concepts within the Downtown Management Authority district.
The BCX grant program is funded through Downtown RISE with support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The grant application is now open and the deadline to apply is May 30. DPOB is offering two BCX grant opportunities:
Operations-Only Grants will range from $10,000 to $40,000 to support operating costs associated with sustaining and growing the business.
Building and Operations Grants will range from $50,000 to $200,000 to support both operating costs and interior and exterior property improvements. Grant funds must be used for both property improvements and operating costs. Requests for operating costs may not exceed 25 percent of the total funds requested.
Restaurants are a driving force for Downtown Baltimore’s economy and are vital to increased tourism and renewed vibrancy throughout the neighborhoods of Downtown. There are more than 360 restaurants in Downtown Baltimore and nearly half of them are in the 106 blocks of DPOB’s business improvement district and support more than 1,400 jobs.
“Baltimore’s restaurants don’t just feed us—they create jobs, power our economy and bring people together,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Through the Baltimore Culinary Exchange and Downtown RISE, we’re investing in their continued success, and building a more vibrant Downtown for all Baltimoreans to enjoy.”
“The Baltimore Culinary Exchange is more than a grant—it’s a strategy to strengthen the food economy at the heart of our city,” said Shelonda Stokes, President of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. “By helping entrepreneurs stabilize operations and enhance their spaces, we’re fueling long-term growth and making sure Baltimore’s vibrant food culture continues to thrive downtown.”
Interested applicants can register for one of four virtual application trainings being hosted by DPOB May 6 and May 12. Grant awards will be announced in July.
About Downtown Partnership of Baltimore: Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is a non-profit corporation creating a more vibrant Downtown community for businesses, property owners, residents and employees. Through its many initiatives, Downtown Partnership improves Downtown’s quality of life by increasing investment, retaining business, solving transportation challenges, improving parks and green space, and creating workforce development opportunities. For 40 years, these programs have been good for Downtown and good for Baltimore.