News Summary
Baltimore is set to host the third annual Wealth Summit Live, an event aimed at enhancing financial literacy among entrepreneurs and community members. With a new $100,000 pitch competition, the summit will feature workshops, panels, and local business participation, helping startups secure funding and develop their skills. Key figures, including Mayor Brandon Scott, will attend to promote community engagement and economic empowerment. Proceeds will benefit the CEO Empowerment Network, providing invaluable resources for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
Baltimore is set to host the third annual Wealth Summit Live, aimed at boosting financial literacy among entrepreneurs and community members. The event, which will feature a new $100,000 pitch competition, is organized by Tony and Raven Parker, who are committed to fostering opportunities for startups in the region.
The summit will take place over the course of two days and will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring individuals seeking guidance in various fields including real estate, technology, and funding opportunities. This year, the addition of the pitch competition seeks to address the critical need for accessible capital within the community, as many startups face barriers when trying to secure funding.
The pitch competition is supported by several prominent organizations, including EDAC, Urbane Venture Fund, and the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. The goal of this competition is to provide startups with the financial backing necessary to bring their business ideas to fruition, which has been identified as a significant challenge in the area.
Workshops and panels at the summit will cover a range of topics to help participants develop their business skills. A highlighted session titled ‘From Kitchen to Empire’ will delve into the restaurant industry, featuring local entrepreneur Ronnie Faulcon, the owner of Shareef’s Grill. Faulcon will share insights on the importance of establishing an LLC and building one’s own company, particularly in a climate where job security has diminished for many.
Co-owner of Shareef’s Grill, Sydne Shaw, also emphasized the summit’s focus on community engagement and enhancing financial literacy awareness across Baltimore. Several local businesses will participate, such as Crust by Mac, Element with DJ Flow, Empanada Lady, Los Hermanos Tequila, and Nafasi Catering. Chef Maynard McMillan from Nafasi voiced support for the summit’s initiative to mentor young entrepreneurs and improve financial literacy in the community.
Adding to the event’s importance, special guests will include Mayor Brandon Scott, Imani Ellis of CultureCon, and Marcus Allen, co-founder of the Broccoli City Festival. Their participation underscores the significance of the summit in promoting economic growth and empowerment in Baltimore.
The Parkers, the founders of Wealth Summit Live, acknowledged the complexities involved in organizing an event of this magnitude but expressed optimism about its positive impact. Recognizing the efforts required to pull together such a diverse group, they remain enthusiastic about the potential outcomes for the participants.
In a commitment to give back to the community, forty percent of the proceeds from the Wealth Summit Live will be directed towards the CEO Empowerment Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth programming in Baltimore. The Parkers hope the summit will serve as a catalyst for change and a source of inspiration in a city where financial literacy initiatives are often limited.
This year’s Wealth Summit Live promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in improving their knowledge of financial matters, accessing funding, and starting or growing a business. With its rich roster of speakers, engaging workshops, and significant financial incentives, the event aims to equip participants with the tools and insights they need to succeed in their ventures and contribute positively to the local economy.
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Additional Resources
- WMAR2 News: Wealth Summit Live
- Wikipedia: Financial Literacy
- AFRO: Baltimore Wealth Summit
- Google Search: Entrepreneurship
- Black Enterprise: United Justice Coalition Summit
- Google Scholar: Financial Literacy Initiatives
- FOX Baltimore: Wealth Summit Live
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- UBS: Disruptive Technology Event
- Google News: Community Engagement
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.
