News Summary
Baltimore Gas and Electric has awarded $1.8 million in grants to 90 small businesses in the Greater Baltimore area. The funding aims to support local enterprises impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on minority and women-owned businesses. This initiative is part of BGE’s ongoing commitment to economic recovery and growth in the region.
Baltimore – Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has awarded $1.8 million in Energizing Small Business Grants to 90 small businesses in the Greater Baltimore metropolitan area. The announcement was made on September 16, 2025, highlighting BGE’s ongoing commitment to support local businesses recovering from the financial strain imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant program, initiated in 2021, focuses on providing essential financial support to small businesses that face challenges in accessing capital. Since its launch, the program has awarded grants totaling $16.66 million to 831 businesses, with a strong emphasis on supporting establishments that are minority-owned and women-owned.
This year’s round of grants will see each of the 90 eligible businesses receiving $20,000. The recipients hail from a variety of sectors including food service, healthcare, and manufacturing, showcasing the diversity of the small business landscape in Central Maryland.
BGE’s President and CEO, Tamla Olivier, emphasized that the program is designed to support businesses that are vital to the local community. The grants not only provide financial assistance but also aim to bolster the recovery and stability of the local economy in the wake of the pandemic’s impact.
To effectively administer the grant program, BGE has partnered with organizations such as Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network. As a result of this collaboration, small businesses interested in applying for grants were able to access guidance and resources to navigate the application process more smoothly.
The list of businesses awarded grants in this cycle can be found on the Hello Alice website, providing transparency and recognition for the entrepreneurs benefiting from this financial support.
The Energizing Small Business Grants program stands as a testament to BGE’s dedication to fostering economic recovery and growth in the region. With most grants awarded to minority-owned and women-owned businesses, the initiative aims to empower diverse entrepreneurs who play a crucial role in their communities.
Since its inception, the grant program has seen a significant positive impact, enabling numerous small business owners to stabilize and expand their operations during incredibly challenging times. Moving forward, BGE continues to take proactive steps to support the economic landscape of Central Maryland, ensuring that local businesses not only survive but thrive.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Record: BGE Awards $1.8M in Energizing Small Business Grants
- Baltimore Sun: Maryland Farmers Left Wondering How to Pay for Solar Projects
- WBAL TV: Energy Bill Customer Relief Fund Maryland
- Google Search: Maryland Energy Grants
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Maryland Struggles to Meet Its Ambitious Climate Goals
- Wikipedia: Small Business Administration
