For Social Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Social innovators and entrepreneurs pave the way for transformative impact by advancing ideas and building businesses that create jobs and uplift communities. Since 2015, Baltimore Corps has focused on investing in local talent and delivering resources to Baltimore-area innovators and entrepreneurs passionate about generating social impact through their ingenuity and enterprises.

The Elevation Awards cultivate opportunities for Baltimore-based social entrepreneurs and innovators to access the capital and personalized support they need to launch and scale their businesses. Awardees are granted $10,000 seed funding to advance proposals for novel approaches to bolster Baltimore’s communities. With the additional value-add of expert business support provided to awardees, entrepreneurs are set up for success in realizing their goals of stimulating growth for our city.

Note: Applications are currently closed and will be open in late 2026.

Our program requirements: 

• You are at least 18 years of age, and currently a Baltimore City resident or operating a programming business serving Baltimore City residents.
• Your business operations have generated at least $1k in funding but no more than $50,000 in annual revenue.
• You are an Innovator who wants to grow your venture into a full-time career.
• You are committed to full participation in the program – attending workshops and working with Baltimore Corps’ support team.