BALTIMORE, MD (June 12, 2023) — One hundred twenty-five small businesses in central Maryland received a combined $2.5 million in grants today thanks to the sixth round of BGE's Energizing Small Business Grants program, delivered in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Hello Alice. The program continues to help businesses recover from the economic downturn so they can survive and thrive.
BGE made the announcement at an event at Park Ridge Creamery in Howard County, where BGE leadership, County Executive Calvin Ball, Congressman John Sarbanes, and Jessica Klaitman from Senator Chris Van Hollen’s office presented the Ellicott City business with a $20,000 check for its grant award. All told, 16 Howard County businesses received a total of $320,000 in grant funds, and County Executive Ball announced that Howard County will contribute $650,000 to the Energizing Small Business Grants program to make BGE's grants available to an additional 30 Howard County businesses in the next round of program funding later this year.
“We appreciate Park Ridge Creamery and the many other small businesses that create thriving places to gather, serve, and provide for our community,” said BGE President and CEO Carim Khouzami. “With the extraordinarily generous support from Howard County, BGE’s Energizing Small Business Grants program will have the opportunity to make an even greater positive impact on the local economy. It’s a reflection of our collective dedication to what BGE calls ‘good energy’ – a virtuous cycle that leads to greater possibilities and outcomes for our customers, businesses, employees, and communities.”
The Energizing Small Business Grants program prioritizes businesses operated by historically underrepresented minority groups often challenged with access to capital – with 66 percent of grants provided to businesses owned by people of color and 69 percent owned by women.
Klaitman presented citations from Senator Van Hollen to BGE and to Park Ridge Creamery, recognizing BGE for the company’s commitment to helping small businesses and for focusing on uplifting businesses that are owned by women and people of color, and recognizing Park Ridge Creamery and owner Julia Sanger for the generosity they have shown the Old Ellicott City community and for their contributions to the local economy.
“During the Covid years, many business owners had to pivot and shift into survival mode. Plans and dreams went out the window; it all came down to keeping our staff paid and our doors open, and the financial toll was brutal on all of us,” said Sanger, who bought Park Ridge Creamery in 2019. “Luckily, 2023 has brought a renewed sense of hope and promise. It’s the first time in a long time I feel like we can make some forward progress, and the Energizing Small Business Grant from BGE will help make that possible. For that, I am eternally grateful and beyond excited about the possibilities.”
“Julia Sanger and Park Ridge Creamery are an example of determination and grit that gets people back on their feet, not just in the midst of a pandemic, but also in the midst of natural disasters that have beset Ellicott City over the last few years,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “
BGE partners with GEN and Hello Alice, a free, multichannel platform that helps businesses launch and grow, to provide the grants. All applicants gain access to Hello Alice’s full suite of small business tools and resources, and connectivity to a global network through GEN. Eligible businesses may receive grants of $20,000 each. A full list of awardees is available below.
“By supporting entrepreneurs, we support a thriving community. We are proud to partner with BGE and Hello Alice on this grants program to equip founders with the capital and resources they need, when they need it,” said Jonathan Ortmans, president of GEN.
In total, 522 businesses have received Energizing Small Business Grants totaling $10.48 million since 2021. The Energizing Small Business Grants program and all nonprofit contributions are made using shareholder dollars and are not reflected in customer bills.
To be considered for a BGE Energizing Small Business Grant, applicants must be a for-profit business located within BGE’s service area; be an existing BGE electric and/or gas customer with positive BGE credit history; be in good standing (or on the way to) with the State of Maryland; have a maximum of 25 employees (full-time, part-time, contractors); have a maximum annual gross revenue of $7 million; and have a demonstrated need of funding to support business and serve customers.