Small Business Owners Can Now Apply To This Program That’s Offering $20K Grants

Hello Alice is continuing its commitment to serving underserved entrepreneurs.

In partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Hello Alice has officially launched the next round of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s (BGE) Energizing Small Business grant program. The initiative offers $20,000 grants to central Maryland businesses to help them succeed and thrive, according to the Hello Alice website.

No stranger to empowering local small businesses, the BGE Energizing Small Business grant deployed more than $2.5 million in grants to 129 small businesses in central Maryland in 2023.

“When small businesses thrive, they become powerful economic engines, creating even more opportunities in their communities and we are so pleased to celebrate today’s grant recipients,” said BGE President and CEO Carim Khouzami in the 2023 grant announcement. “Since 2019, BGE has granted over $13 million to small businesses throughout Central Maryland. This is in addition to other small business partnerships, development, and resource programs, reflecting our dedication to bringing good energy to the community. We are not just a power company, we are an empower company.”

Previous grant recipients include companies like 3 Gear Games, A.L. Dukes Inc., A&M Smoked Meats LLC, Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, and many other small businesses in various industry sectors.

Hello Alice co-founder and CEO, Carolyn Rodz also spoke to the continued partnership during the announcement of last year’s grant recipients.

“We are thrilled to partner with BGE once again on their grant program and help small business owners access vital resources to expand their companies,” said Rodz. “This year has been especially challenging for small business owner s with hurdles ranging from inflation to rising interest rates. Grant programs like BGE’s allow entrepreneurs to tackle these challenges and take the next step forward in growing their businesses.”

To be considered for this year’s program, applicants must be a for-profit business in operation for at least one year and an existing BGE electric or gas customer currently in good standing with the company. Applicants must also have an annual gross revenue of less than $7 million and d emonstrate their need for funding to support their business and serve customers.

Since 2021, a total of 651 businesses have benefited from the Energizing Small Business Grants in $13.06 million, per BGE. Click here for more on how to apply.