News Summary
Baltimore is experiencing significant economic growth fueled by Black women entrepreneurs who are transforming the city’s business landscape. Under the leadership of Shelonda Stokes, initiatives promoting innovation, community support, and economic empowerment are thriving. Notable figures like Alisa Brock and others are showcasing resilience and creativity. With a focus on mentorship and collective development, these entrepreneurs are reshaping the city’s economy, inspiring future generations, and contributing to a broader strategy for economic revitalization.
Black Women Entrepreneurs Leading Economic Revitalization in Baltimore
Baltimore is experiencing a notable wave of economic growth driven by a rising movement of Black women entrepreneurs. These business leaders are emphasizing innovation, community transformation, and economic self-determination, positioning the city for sustained development and diversification of its business landscape.
Leadership and Community Development
Since mid-2020, Shelonda Stokes has served as president of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and the Downtown Management Authority. Under her leadership, downtown Baltimore has witnessed increased revenues, the relocation of 12 state agencies to the district, and nearly $7 billion in active and planned development projects. Stokes has also initiated programs such as BOOST, providing financial assistance and support services—including legal aid, training, and marketing—to Black business owners, aiming to foster vibrant entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in the community.
Stokes underscores the significance of community and mentorship in empowering Black women entrepreneurs. She highlights the pressures of being often the sole Black woman in various professional settings while advocating for collective support and leadership development to foster lasting business impact.
Profiles of Notable Black Women Entrepreneurs
Several Black women entrepreneurs have emerged as leaders and innovators within Baltimore’s business scene:
Alisa Brock and Community Support
Owner of Drama MaMa Bookshop and a stationary manufacturing company, Brock promotes purpose-driven work and community engagement. During the pandemic, her sales were sustained through inclusion in a holiday pop-up event organized by the Downtown Partnership. Brock faced environmental challenges that required her to relocate her storefront swiftly, demonstrating resilience and focus on her mission of serving her community through her business.
Emerging Business Leaders
Six Black women entrepreneurs exemplify leadership across diverse industries:
- Angola Selassie and Ayo Hogans—Owners of Mama Koko’s, a café and cocktail bar inspired by Southern, West African, and Caribbean cuisines, located in the Old Goucher neighborhood.
- Jasmine Norton—Founder of The Urban Oyster, the first Black-woman-owned oyster bar in the United States, known for seafood dishes with creative twists.
- Tamara Payne—Creator of the multimedia exhibition “Dear Black Girl,” which celebrates Black womanhood and Black joy through artistic expression.
- Elisa Milan—Known as “The Empanada Lady,” she has formalized her bakery specializing in Afro-Latina recipes and hosts community events in Downtown Baltimore.
- Kalilah Wright—Founder of Mess In A Bottle, an apparel brand with graphic tees addressing social issues, committed to supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
- Lynnette and Eric Dodson—Owners of Cuples Tea House and Vinyl and Pages, promoting healthier living through tea, music, and books, fostering community engagement around wellness and culture.
Recent Business Developments
Baltimore has expanded its entrepreneurial landscape with the opening of Chopped Broadway Bodega and Deli. This is the city’s first Black- and woman-owned bodega, bringing New York-style sandwiches to Baltimore. The bodega’s co-owner, Ernestine Chambers, emphasizes the store’s commitment to providing fresh, affordable food options while uplifting community cohesion and empowering women to pursue their own business ventures.
Statewide Focus on Minority Business Growth
Looking ahead to 2024, Maryland aims to position itself as a hub for minority businesses, with initiatives geared toward fostering entrepreneurship, attracting diverse investments, and supporting community-led economic growth across the state.
Overall, Baltimore’s economy is experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by Black women entrepreneurs who are reshaping local business, creating jobs, and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. Their efforts are a key part of the city’s broader economic and social revitalization strategy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AFRO: Black Women Entrepreneurs Leading Economic Revitalization in Baltimore
- Essence: The Power of the Pivot – Black Women Entrepreneurs
- Travel Noire: Black Woman Owned Businesses in Baltimore
- Black Enterprise: Baltimore’s First Black Woman-Owned Bodega Opens
- CBS News: Helping Women Entrepreneurs Grow During Women’s History Month
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
