Following its merger with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), UpSurge is focusing on data-driven strategies to support high-growth startups and strengthen the region’s innovation economy. The organizations aim to balance targeted investment with community-building efforts to create a more dynamic and resilient startup ecosystem.
Category: BUSINESS
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Greater Baltimore Urban League placed on immediate probation
The Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) is officially on probation according to an Aug. 15 letter sent from the National Urban League. The communication, recently obtained by the AFRO, details 11 alleged violations by the GBUL Board of Directors.
Posted inHealth
Thousands of patients insured by UnitedHealthcare cut off from in-network care at Johns Hopkins Medicine
Following eight months of failed negotiations, Johns Hopkins Medicine will no longer be covered as “in-network” for patients with insurance through UnitedHealthcare. This leaves thousands of patients in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia potentially facing higher costs or reduced coverage.
Posted inNational News
Target CEO to step down amid company struggles
Boycott leader doubts leadership change will address DEI concerns By Anne D’InnocenzioAP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Target named an insider as its next chief executive officer Aug. 20, a decision that comes as the discount retailer tries to reverse a persistent sales malaise and to revive its reputation as the place to go […]
Posted inBaltimore Recovery
Pimlico demolition underway, redevelopment to boost Park Heights
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and first lady Dawn Moore attended a demolition ceremony for the old Pimlico Race Course that hosts the iconic Preakness Stakes annually in West Baltimore on Aug. 21. Demolition is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with construction for the new race […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Broadmead acquires Sparks, Md properties, announces first off-site campus expansion
By Broadmead Broadmead, Inc., a Quaker-founded Life Plan Community and a leading senior living provider in Baltimore County announces a historic milestone: the acquisition of five contiguous properties in Sparks, Md., and the development of Broadmead at Ridgebrook, the organization’s first off-site campus expansion. Located less than three miles north of Broadmead’s current campus, the […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Baltimore entrepreneurs thrive through Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com As National Black Business Month continues, the AFRO is shining a light on the efforts of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Baltimore, which aims to educate and empower small businesses in the region. Since 2017, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has served more than 700 […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Circle hits $1 million milestone in support for Black communities
Baltimore Community Foundation highlights its impact during Black Philanthropy Month. In just four years, the BCF’s Black Philanthropy Circle has directed $1 million in grants to Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits, advancing equity and opportunity across Greater Baltimore.
Posted inBUSINESS
Baltimore women turn cultural roots and community ties into culinary success stories
Baltimore women entrepreneurs, Montana Logan and Elisa Milan, are breaking barriers in the male-dominated food industry by building businesses rooted in their cultural identities and community ties. Despite facing challenges such as capital and sexism, both have seen success and credit being embraced by Baltimore.
Posted inArts & Culture
From craft to calling: How Nate Couser turns Black stories into wearable art
Artist and entrepreneur Nate Couser, founder of VashtiBlue Jewelry and The Artist Exchange, uses fashion, jewelry, and teaching to honor and preserve Black culture through creative expression. Through deeply personal and spiritual artwork, Couser creates wearable pieces that tell stories and celebrate individuality, while advocating for the proper teaching and representation of Black art history.
Posted inBUSINESS
Meet the Baltimore business turning ‘mess’ into a success
Kalilah Wright, a Black immigrant woman and Brooklyn native, founded the customized T-shirt company Mess in the Bottle in 2016 to share positive messages and amplify Black voices in her community. Wright shares how she tackles entrepreneurship and motherhood while aiming to expand her brand and provide guidance to other Black women entrepreneurs.
Posted inBUSINESS
From vision to venture: Founders building with heart and hustle
Black business ownership is on the rise, with entrepreneurs like Anissa Truitt, Christina Sledge and Ceal Starks transforming personal missions into purpose-driven, community-centered ventures.