This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Shea Rice, Interim President & CEO, Host, Voices of the People Podcast, Greater Baltimore Urban League, (GBUL), to talk about their mission, Restaurant Accelerator Program & Tasting Event, Pitch Competition, Recent Workshops and Training, Voter Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities.
The Greater Baltimore Urban League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multi-ethnic social service organization affiliated with the National Urban League.
Audacy partnered with the National Urban League in 2020 and Audacy Baltimore teamed up with GBUL locally to advance racial justice and equality in the communities we serve. Part of that partnership is quarterly interviews that highlight GBUL's impact in the community and shine the spotlight on voices like Shea Rice and her dedicated team.
GBUL's Restaurant Accelerator Program, (RAP), currently has 13 businesses participating in a 6-session, intensive training focused on finance, marketing, real estate, operations and overall business readiness. The program is sponsored by the PepsiCo Foundation, National Urban League and Giant Food and granted by the Small Business Administration, (SBA). RAP participants also have the opportunity to compete for $25K in direct cash prizes. The Pitch Competition is sponsored by Wells Fargo, granted by the SBA and is designed to provide entrepreneurs with capital they can use to grow and strengthen their business. RAP will culminate with an invite-only Tasting Event on September 30th at the World Trade Center in Baltimore giving participating businesses a chance to showcase their products and connect with supporters.
Over the past quarter, GBUL has provided a range of practical learning opportunities including Microsoft 365 technology training, a Financial Planning and Investing Workshop with Chase Bank, and a small business workshop with TD Bank.
Civic engagement remains a priority for GBUL. They are continuing their work around voter registration, voter education and voting rights. The voter registration deadline is October 13th. Early Voting runs October 22nd through October 29th and Election Day is November 3rd.
GBUL invites everyone in the community to get involved. They have 2 volunteer auxiliaries: The Guild for members ages 41 and older and GBLA for young professionals ages 21-40. Both provide opportunities to volunteer, build relationships and support GBUL's work throughout the Baltimore region.
For more information about the Greater Baltimore Urban League and to donate, visit gbul.org, email contact@gbul.org and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Click the media player above to listen to the interview and find out more.
GBUL Has Volunteer Opportunities
GBUL Has Volunteer Opportunities
