BELN FALL 2022 Networking Event

307 Washington Avenue,Towson MD 21204

17 September, 2022

Description

Are you a potential or current entrepreneur or leader focused on improving outcomes for Baltimore-area residents and their communities? Do you want to meet others who share your interests and passions and challenges? If so, join us for a dynamic networking event in Towson University's beautiful StarTUp Accelerator in the Armory. BELN is a network of programs that support the development of effective, engaged entrepreneurs and leaders. We are inviting you to: (1) network with fellow and future entrepreneurs and leaders; (2) learn about incubators, accelerators, fellowships and academic programs in BELN, and; (3) ask questions of financial and legal resource experts in the for-profit, nonprofit and public sectors. Wendy Bolger, Founding Director of the Simon Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Loyola University Maryland, will be MC'ing the event! There's no charge to attend, but you need to register for the event! We'll provide a continental breakfast at 9am and a box lunch at 12pm. Confirmed Resource Experts, with more to come: Jennifer Clark, Deputy Director, Social Innovation and Leadership at Baltimore CorpsMaggie Gunther Osborne, President and CEO, Maryland Philanthropic NetworkGabe OMaru, Business Consultant, Maryland Small Business and Technology and Development Center Jennifer Smith-Funn, Regional Director Baltimore City/ Baltimore County Maryland Small Business Development CenterMaggie Gunther Osborn is President and Chief Executive Officer or the Maryland Philanthropy Network (MPN). MPN is a statewide association of more than 115 funding organizations offering an organizing backbone to promote alignment and maximize the impact of giving on community life in Maryland. Before joining MPN Osborne served as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at United Philanthropy Forum where she was responsible for the execution of their rebranding as well as the onboarding of new members resulting in a 300% growth rate over four years. Osborn has held roles across the entire continuum of philanthropy including leadership positions with the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, Florida Philanthropic Network, Conn Memorial Foundation, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, and The Florida Aquarium among others following an early career in the designer fashion industry. Over her career, Osborn has served as a liaison between diverse groups of people from small grassroots organizations to major foundations, business leaders and governmental groups with success and pleasure. As a frequent speaker at national and regional philanthropic conferences, she has been applauded and sought after for her informed balance of the expert, humorous and inspirational that has moved audiences to thought and action on behalf of their missions. Gabriel (Gabe) OMaru is a Business Consultant and International Trade Specialist based at the UMB and MSU centers. In this capacity he assists local and global firms. Gabe consults with potential and current small business owners on issues such as business planning, financial planning, marketing plan development, international market research and strategy, loan packaging, export logistics and compliance. Gabe’s office is in the Earl Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University. Gabe has the prestigious NASBITE CGBP (Certified Global Business Professional) certification and has been awarded the Maryland SBDC State Star in 2018. Gabe grew up working for his parent’s retail business. He managed and run a family-owned venture while in college. He also briefly owned a retail business while living in Atlanta GA. Gabe OMaru holds three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in Communications studies from the University of the District of Columbia, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Baltimore. As Deputy Director of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jennifer Clark is the lead strategist and implementer of Baltimore Corps’ social innovation and entrepreneurship programs. Jennifer works cross-departmentally to lead the development of team's strategy and continuously builds expertise, knowledge, and understanding of topics in the entrepreneurship and innovation field. Jennifer brings her passion for seeing people learn and grow to the Programs Team. She started her career in the education field as a classroom teacher, then continued her impact as an educator as a Program Manager for various national and local non-profits. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Sociology from Georgia State University. As Director of the Baltimore region Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Maryland. Jennifer Smith-Funn is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing all programs offered by the SBDC; identifying resource requirements and strategies in the delivery of such programs and services and securing and maintaining the funding necessary to accomplish program goals and objectives in this diverse area of the state. Before stepping into this role she served as a business start-up specialist and Retail Revitalization program coordinator for Branch Avenue in Bloom – an award-winning community-based program that brought together resources, expertise, and county support to revitalize a once-blighted business community. Funn is a graduate of Virginia State University whose work with the community has deep roots. She was a former business owner and main street manager in the town of Dundalk, Md. She has been recognized for her commitment to the community and small businesses throughout the state. She is a member of the Arbutus Sustainable Advisory Committee and was appointed by Governor Hogan to the Chesapeake Conservation Corporation Advisory Board.