BOOST Harborplace Incubator Application (2023)

The Downtown Partnership's BOOST (Black-Owned and Occupied Storefront Tenancy) Program is excited to expand grant opportunities with the new Harborplace Incubator.

In partnership with MCB Real Estate and The Mayor's Office, the BOOST Harborplace Incubator will support 7 grants for Baltimore-based entrepreneurs to set up short-term retail locations at the most iconic location in Downtown Baltimore.

Winners are eligible to receive grants for $20,000 - 25,000 in unrestricted grant funding and extensive wraparound support.

Seven retail locations at Harborplace are available for this program - 2 standalone turnkey retail locations and 5 retail hubs at the Baltimore Boutique concept in the former H&M space. Please refer to the BOOST Harborplace Incubator available spaces for more details about the space available and select which location(s) you are applying for in the following form. You can apply for both options. The Baltimore Boutique locations qualify for $20,000 grants, the standalone locations qualify for $25,000 grants.

In order to have your application considered for the grant opportunity, it must be completed with all supporting documentation included.

Before beginning the application, please review:

+ Click here to view the available tenant opportunities at Harborplace that are included in this grant program.

+ Eligibility requirements:

Must be in good standing with State Dept. of Assessment & Taxation
Have business need for COVID-19 hardship, personal need for COVID-19 hardship relief, or community need for COVID-19 hardship relief (narrative required)
Minority business, black or brown owned
50% of employees Baltimore City residents
System for Award Management Unique Entity ID number (If you do not already have this, it takes approx. 3 days. Visit SAM.gov | Home to learn more.

+ Program Process:

Phase 1: Tour the retail locations, ask any questions you have to the program team, and complete this application.

Phase 2: At the close of the application period, DPOB and a selection committee will evaluate all completed and eligible applications. DPOB will offer an award to 7 select businesses. The time from submission of application to an award decision should take approximately 6 weeks. Awardees will be notified by early November.

Phase 3: After receiving the award offer, the business must submit a signed license for a temporary location in Harborplace.

For questions, please contact Lauren Hamilton, Lhamilton@dpob.org.

Storefront Selection

Please select your storefront choices. Refer to the Storefront Brochure for more information (you can select either or both)

Baltimore Department Store (5 locations available)Standalone Retail Location

Narrative Responses (required)

Please answer each of the following questions in 500 words or less.

Introduce yourself by describing how you came to start this business, your connection to Baltimore, and your motivations for success.

Describe your business, including how you believe it is unique to Baltimore. Please include information on your business’ history and vision for the future.

Describe why your business is the right fit for Downtown Baltimore, including how you plan to crosspollinate with other Downtown retail and how your business will increase foot traffic in Downtown Baltimore.

Describe what business needs you will have in order to operate at Harborplace. How will you likely use the grant money?

Describe your internet / social media presence. How frequently do you promote your business online, and how important are digital sales (including from an online store or third-party apps) to your business model?

Document Upload

Please submit the following documentation:

Business plan

See example business plan here. Plans or pitch decks should include web/social presence, marketing plan, market research, and business summary.

The Maryland Small Business Development Center is available to assist any
prospective applicants create a business plan.

Most recent year's financial statement, including:

Balance Sheet

Income Statement

Cash Flow Statement

Signed Certification and Acknowledgement

Proof of Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT) Status of Good Standing

Proof of Matching Funds (if applicable)