Blog
Econo-Mía Podcast: Sweetgreen's Rise to Success
Econo-Mía's premiere episode features an interview with Nathaniel Ru, co-founder of Sweetgreen. As a former small business client, Sweetgreen demonstrates what can happen when we invest in minority-owned businesses.
Baltimore City S. Broadway Corridor Façade Project Underway in Historic Neighborhood
Small businesses on S. Broadway between Gogh Street and E. Pratt Street in Fells Point are undergoing major façade improvements with support from LEDC and the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (MD DHCD).
$7.5MM in Concessionary Loans Deployed During COVID-19
LEDC has deployed 456 loans totaling over $7.5 million since March 2020. Eighty-five percent of loans deployed went to entrepreneurs of color. With an average loan size of $16,614, our team reached and supported truly small, family-owned businesses during COVID-19.
Eviction Prevention Continues in Baltimore City with Support from Local Government and Partners
In January 2021, LEDC expanded its tenant services and eviction prevention efforts to Baltimore City. With support from the city and local partners, our team has helped dozens of families pay past-due rent and other necessary housing expenses.
Small Business Spotlight: Number 1 Sons
Number 1 Sons' fermented foods already have a loyal following in the DMV. But, once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they were forced to adapt. Thanks to the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF), they were able to weather the storm and create a new vision for their small business.
“DON'T BE A FOOL WITH YOUR FINANCES”
The financial wealth gap is beyond tumultuous for minority communities. Generational poverty, lack of financial education, and misguided decision-making have caused minorities to become further away from creating generational wealth. We often hear the saying, "you don't know what you don't know." However, we also do not know what we think we know by listening to someone else who knows just as much as you.