What it is

Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the lead economic development organization for the City of Baltimore. Its mission is to grow the City's economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding and attracting businesses. BDC was established in 1991 through the merger of the Baltimore Economic Development Corporation and Center City Inner Harbor Development, Inc. It describes itself as a one-stop concierge that coordinates City resources for businesses, and it states a commitment to supporting businesses owned by people of color and women.

What it offers founders

  • Emerging Technology Center (ETC): BDC's program for early-stage founders, life science companies and growth-stage companies, offering cohort-based acceleration, investor connections, shared wet lab facilities and a Venture Studio focused on life sciences, cybersecurity, green and circular economy, and port technology. See the ETC page.
  • BDC Loans Program: financing for working capital, business acquisition, leasehold improvements, and furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment for businesses operating in or relocating to Baltimore City.
  • Property Improvement Grants: reimbursement grants for facade work (FIG), outdoor spaces (OSG) and commercial tenant build-outs (CTIG). Work must be approved before it begins.
  • Investment incentives: information on the Enterprise Zone, Foreign Trade Zone, Opportunity Zones, Brownfields Tax Incentive, Grocery Store Tax Credit and Downtown RISE PILOT.
  • Baltimore Made: a membership network for makers, manufacturers, artists and creative entrepreneurs, offering promotion, workshops, technical assistance, capital resources, markets and pop-ups. See the Baltimore Made page.

Who it is for

BDC serves businesses located in or moving to Baltimore City, from tech and life science startups at the ETC to small retailers, restaurants, manufacturers and real estate developers. Loan applicants must show enough cash flow to repay, be current on taxes and have no outstanding judgments or liens.

How to engage

Most services start with BDC's online intake form on its contact page. For loans, a BDC team member reviews the intake and follows up; it helps to have tax returns, bank statements, interim financials and debt schedules ready. Startups can contact the ETC team directly through a form on the ETC page, and makers can join Baltimore Made through its Become a Member form. BDC's offices are at 36 S. Charles St, Suite 2100, Baltimore, and it can be reached at (410) 837-9305 or info@baltimoredevelopment.com.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

BDC is the City's front door for business support, and through the ETC it is one of Baltimore's main public startup support programs, reporting more than 700 companies supported. Founders deciding where to locate in the region can use BDC to find incentives, sites and local capital. More detail is on the BDC Loans Program page.