Tradepoint Atlantic, a strategic commercial gateway and supply chain in the Baltimore region, proudly announces the graduation of twelve small businesses from the inaugural cohort of its Empowerment Academy.
“Tradepoint Atlantic is honored to collaborate with these businesses and commemorate their graduation. The Empowerment Academy strives to level the playing field, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth and ensuring economic success through direct engagement with small businesses. Our commitment is to position these remarkably diverse participating companies for continuous growth and expanded opportunities,” stated Kerry Doyle, Managing Director of Tradepoint Atlantic.
Launched in Summer 2023, the Empowerment Academy is a new initiative representing a substantial investment and commitment to historically disadvantaged businesses. This two-month program spanned from mid-September through early-November. Graduation recognizes participants’ successful completion of the Empowerment Academy’s investment and training program tailored to support minority-, women-, and veteran-owned small businesses based in Maryland.
The Tradepoint Atlantic Empowerment Academy is intended to play a proactive role in driving economic development in the Baltimore region. Offering integral training and resources, the program focused on fostering business growth for participants. Originating from a small business-led listening session, the Empowerment Academy became a cornerstone of Tradepoint Atlantic’s economic diversity initiatives. The curriculum spanned key entrepreneurship areas, such as human resources, accounting, workforce engagement, and marketing. Expert-led workshops guided participants in thriving within the competitive business environment while facilitating lasting partnerships with Tradepoint Atlantic, its clients, and vendors.
“Tradepoint Atlantic has assembled this extraordinary program centered on empowerment, equity, and economic development to help entrepreneur graduates create new jobs, drive economic growth in our communities, and build new pathways to prosperity,” said Governor Moore. “In our first year, the Moore-Miller Administration has expanded access to banking for entrepreneurs, invested in minority-owned businesses, and now, Maryland is ranked second best state in the nation for minority entrepreneurs. We will continue to move in partnership to support programs like Empowerment Academy and reward the work of Maryland’s minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.”
“One of Baltimore County’s greatest strength is its diversity, and Tradepoint Atlantic’s Empowerment Academy demonstrates a real commitment to advancing equal opportunity and promoting economic success for our community’s historically disadvantaged businesses,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Tradepoint Atlantic has already become a transformative economic engine for the region, our communities and our residents – and this new program also exemplifies their commitment to advancing equity and promoting success for business leaders across Baltimore County and beyond.”
1. B-Elite Transportation
- Location: Baltimore County
- Ownership: Women-owned small business
- Location: Howard County
- Ownership: African American-owned small business
3. Calderon Enterprises
- Location: Baltimore County
- Ownership: Latina women-owned small business
4. CBY Enterprises
- Location: Anne Arundel County
- Ownership: African American-owned small business
5. D&L Foreclosure Cleanup
- Location: Baltimore City
- Ownership: African American women-owned small business
6. Dirt Plus, Inc.
- Location: Prince George’s County
- Ownership: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
7. Green Mechanics
- Location: Prince George’s County
- Ownership: African American-owned small business
8. Insight Engineering
- Location: Prince George’s County
- Ownership: Southeast Asian-owned small business
9. Kim Engineering
- Location: Prince George’s County
- Ownership: East Asian-owned small business
10. M Luis Construction
- Location: Montgomery County
- Ownership: Latina women-owned small business
11. Lightning Electric
- Location: Baltimore City
- Ownership: African American-owned small business
12. Roane’s Rigging & Transfer
- Location: Baltimore County
- Ownership: African American women-owned small business
Jayson Williams, CEO of Mayson-Dixon Companies, emphasized, “The success of this inaugural class is undeniable proof that supporting minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses not only enriches economic diversity but also nurtures success for our communities, paving the way for a brighter future for all businesses.”
Starting in Spring 2024, entrepreneurs of minority, veteran, or women-owned businesses interested in the next cohort can submit applications. Applicants must be certified as a M/WBE by the State of Maryland, Baltimore City, or another Maryland jurisdiction, and commit to in-person workshop participation at Tradepoint Atlantic in Fall 2024. For detailed information, visit www.tpaempowermentacademy.com
About Tradepoint Atlantic: The 3,300-acre multimodal logistics and industrial center in Baltimore, Md., offers a gateway to U.S. domestic and global markets, featuring an unmatched combination of access to deep water berths, rail, and highways. At Tradepoint Atlantic, industry is set in motion with the financial backing of Redwood Holdings, as well as the robust support of local and state government which enables the redevelopment of the former Sparrows Point steel mill site. From here, world-class companies unleash their potential, jobs are created, communities prosper, and industry is set in motion. For more information visit www.tradepointatlantic.com.
