What Baltimore Community Commons Is All About
Baltimore Community Commons is a financial inclusion and wealth-building ecosystem project founded by attorney and coach Jenny Kassan. Housed at The Mulberry, this initiative focuses on creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs to access capital without compromising their values or control over their businesses. It’s not just another funding source—it’s a movement to reshape how entrepreneurs think about raising money, moving beyond the typical Silicon Valley playbook.
The Main Benefit: Empowering Entrepreneurs on Their Own Terms
This project offers a fresh perspective on capital access, emphasizing strategies that align with entrepreneurs’ personal values and business goals. Here’s what stands out:
- 25 years of Jenny Kassan’s experience guiding small businesses through diverse capital-raising options
- A six-step, customized capital-raising plan that’s practical and inspiring
- Focus on mission-driven investors, not just profit-hungry venture capitalists
- Legal insights that most lawyers won’t share, making fundraising less intimidating
- Support for entrepreneurs to avoid personal financial stress and maintain control of their businesses
Breaking the Myths Around Raising Capital
Many entrepreneurs believe the only way to fund their business is by making a “devil’s bargain” with venture capitalists demanding sky-high returns. Jenny Kassan challenges this myth head-on. She reveals that the investment landscape is far broader and more diverse than most people realize. It’s not just about Silicon Valley or crowdfunding—there are investors out there who care about impact and community just as much as they care about returns.
The Legal Framework You Need to Know
Understanding the legal side of fundraising can be daunting, but it’s crucial. Kassan breaks down the laws and regulations in a way that’s accessible to non-lawyers, helping entrepreneurs navigate compliance without getting overwhelmed. This knowledge empowers business owners to design offers and choose legal strategies that fit their unique situations, avoiding costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.
Creating Your Customized Capital Raising Plan
The heart of the project lies in a six-step process that helps entrepreneurs craft a capital-raising plan tailored to their goals and values. The steps include:
- Getting clear on what matters most to you and your business
- Identifying the right investors who share your vision
- Designing an offer that’s attractive yet true to your principles
- Choosing a legal compliance strategy that fits your needs
- Enrolling investors effectively
- Addressing obstacles head-on to keep moving forward
Project Impact and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – through financial inclusion and equitable access to capital
- SDG 1: No Poverty – by building wealth in underserved communities
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – fostering innovative business models and ecosystems
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – connecting mission-driven investors and entrepreneurs
Why This Approach Matters
Entrepreneurs are often heroes in their communities, dreaming big and working hard to make a difference. Baltimore Community Commons, inspired by Jenny Kassan’s expertise and vision, offers a roadmap that respects those dreams without forcing compromises. It’s about funding your business without selling your soul—finding partners who believe in your mission and helping you build a sustainable, thriving enterprise. This approach not only changes how businesses grow but also how communities prosper.
