Launched in 2022, the Light of Baltimore Incubator at Baker Donelson is a partnership with Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses to support local businesses in Baltimore. As part of this initiative, Baker Donelson dedicated the entire 23rd floor of its Baltimore office as a collaborative workspace, offering resources and strategic guidance to a diverse group of small businesses across multiple industries.
The incubator was born from a visionary conversation between Jennifer Curry, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson's Baltimore office, and Alicia Wilson, former managing director of JPMorgan Chase's North American Regional Philanthropy Team. Their commitment to economic development and entrepreneurship in Baltimore has resulted in a dynamic support system for small businesses, providing mentorship, capital access, and networking opportunities that drive growth.
In June 2024, Innovation Works was invited to lead the launch of the 2025 Small Business Incubator Cohort, further expanding the incubator's impact. Through this collaboration with Baker Donelson and JPMorgan Chase, Innovation Works will integrate its proven model of business development into the program, helping local entrepreneurs access targeted resources, mentorship, and a supportive workspace to strengthen their enterprises.
Why Innovation Works?
Innovation Works is a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering economic opportunity and entrepreneurship in historically underestimated communities. Through a structured ecosystem of mentorship, technical assistance, and access to capital, Innovation Works has supported over 160 entrepreneurs and facilitated investments into growing businesses.
By leading the 2025 Light of Baltimore Incubator Cohort, Innovation Works will:
- Provide business coaching and mentorship tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Facilitate access to financial and social capital by leveraging partnerships with banks, investors, and philanthropic organizations.
- Curate workshops, networking opportunities, and leadership development sessions to equip business owners with the tools needed for sustainable growth.
- Foster a thriving ecosystem where Baltimore's entrepreneurs can collaborate, innovate, and scale their businesses.
Through this partnership, Innovation Works and Baker Donelson are strengthening Baltimore's entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring that business owners have the resources, connections, and infrastructure needed to succeed.