Baltimore, Maryland, December 18, 2025
Governor Wes Moore has introduced the Maryland Community Business Compass, a data platform designed to empower local entrepreneurs in underserved areas. This innovative initiative provides critical resources, including an interactive map for market opportunities and a database of government funding incentives. With a $10 million investment aimed at fresh food retailers and childcare providers, the Compass aims to bolster Baltimore’s economy by fostering entrepreneurship and addressing community needs.
Baltimore, Maryland – Governor Wes Moore has recently introduced the Maryland Community Business Compass, an innovative data platform aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved areas. This initiative marks an important step towards enhancing access to vital information, funding, and support as businesses work to grow and thrive in Baltimore’s vibrant economy.
The Community Business Compass is designed with several features that cater specifically to the needs of emerging business owners. By integrating market demand data with a comprehensive database of state funding opportunities, this resource is positioned to streamline the process of starting and scaling businesses. Such innovation is crucial in fostering an entrepreneurial environment where small business resilience can flourish, especially in communities that have historically faced economic challenges.
In the wake of challenges such as food insecurity and limited childcare options, the Moore administration’s $10 million investment paves the way for significant support for fresh food retailers and childcare providers. This funding includes $8 million designated for a zero-interest loan program aimed at assisting childcare facilities, along with $2 million allocated for grants to encourage fresh food retailers to establish themselves in areas with limited access to essential goods.
Key Features of the Maryland Community Business Compass
The Community Business Compass offers a variety of tools designed to support entrepreneurs throughout their journey. Here are some of its key features:
Locate the Opportunity
This segment includes an interactive data map that helps aspiring fresh food or childcare entrepreneurs uncover unmet needs and potential market opportunities across the state. By identifying areas with high demand, entrepreneurs can better position themselves for success.
Find Government Funding
The platform hosts a searchable database comprising nearly 250 government incentives. By consolidating information from over 70 distinct webpages, it simplifies the process for existing business owners to discover the right government programs for their unique situations.
Connect with Experts
To bolster the entrepreneurial journey, the Compass includes a repository of business support resources. This feature connects users with local economic development organizations and small business development centers, providing crucial guidance throughout the business development process.
Addressing Community Needs
The Maryland Community Business Compass also reflects a broader strategy to tackle pressing issues such as food insecurity and childcare deserts prevalent in high-poverty communities. By directing funding towards sectors that meet essential community needs, the administration strives to not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance overall quality of life for Maryland residents.
With the introduction of this digital platform, accessibility to support is expected to improve. Training sessions scheduled for early 2026 will help users navigate the system effectively, ensuring that local entrepreneurs can maximize available resources.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurship
The establishment of the Maryland Community Business Compass is a testament to the state’s commitment to fostering a thriving business environment. By emphasizing private investment and simplifying the access to resources, Maryland is actively championing the entrepreneurial spirit in its communities.
As Baltimore continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly vital for residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations to actively engage with these new tools. By leveraging the resources of the Community Business Compass, local entrepreneurs can pave a more prosperous path forward.
Conclusion
The Maryland Community Business Compass represents a pivotal effort to bolster the Baltimore City economy by supporting local businesses and addressing community needs. As residents and entrepreneurs become familiar with this platform, the potential for economic growth and innovation increases substantially. Marylanders are encouraged to explore the Compass, connect with local resources, and take part in shaping a brighter economic future for Baltimore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Maryland Community Business Compass is an interactive data platform developed by the Maryland State Innovation Team to assist local entrepreneurs in accessing information, capital, and support for starting and scaling businesses in underserved communities.
The platform includes: Locate the Opportunity: An interactive data map to identify unmet needs and market opportunities. Find Government Funding: A searchable database of nearly 250 government incentives. Connect with Experts: A repository of business support resources, including local economic development organizations and small business development centers.
Governor Moore announced a $10 million investment, comprising $8 million for the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund and $2 million for the NourishMD Grant Program. These initiatives aim to provide zero-interest loans and grants to support facility acquisitions, improvements, expansions, and new constructions, particularly in underserved or rural communities.
Maryland residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations can explore the platform at compass.maryland.gov. Training sessions will be available in early 2026 to assist users in navigating the platform.
| Key Features of the Maryland Community Business Compass |
|---|
| Locate the Opportunity: An interactive data map to identify unmet needs and market opportunities. |
| Find Government Funding: A searchable database of nearly 250 government incentives. |
| Connect with Experts: A repository of business support resources, including local economic development organizations and small business development centers. |
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