BLACK ACRES ROASTERY

Travis Bell's journey began in 2017 with a simple yet profound thought: "We could use more coffee in Baltimore." With this idea, he set out to create a business that would not only serve exceptional coffee but also become an integral part of Baltimore's vibrant small business community.

Impact

• Ethically Sourced Beans: Each coffee bean is ethically sourced, ensuring sustainability and fair practices.
• Unique Roasting Profiles: Every roast aims to bring out the best qualities in unique coffees from around the world, making each cup a story in itself.
• Community Heartbeat: Black Acres Roastery is more than just a coffee shop; it's an invitation to engage in meaningful ways; to build relationships, and grow communities.

Our Support

Recognizing the potential of Black Acres Roastery, Ignite Capital provided funding to secure an expanded production space, enabling Travis to increase capacity and reach more coffee enthusiasts. This support is helping Travis realize his dream of growing his wholesale distribution and opening additional locations in the future.

IMAGINE ME MINISTRIES

Empowering Young Girls in Baltimore

At Ignite Capital, we are dedicated to supporting visionary leaders like Pasha Lee, founder of Imagine Me. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on youth development and mentoring for girls in Baltimore City, transforming lives through comprehensive support and empowerment.

Impact

• Holistic Development Programs: Focusing on the "whole" girl through one-on-one, peer, and group mentoring and a customized curriculum that focuses on delivering weekly in-school, after-school, and out-of-school time program structures to promote healthy social and emotional development, academic achievement, cultural enrichment, college and career exploration, and healthy life skills for our middle and high school girls.
• 500+ Girls Served: Providing crucial tools and support.
• 85+ Long-Term Mentorships: Building deep, lasting connections.
• Holistic Development Programs: Focusing on the "whole" girl through one-on-one, peer, and group mentoring.

Our Support

Our interim fund contract investment in Imagine Me has enabled the expansion and enhancement of their programs, ensuring more girls receive essential mentoring and development opportunities.

DOMINION REAL ESTATE

Transforming Park Heights

Nicole Earle is a proud resident of the Park Heights neighborhood, an area that is experiencing a renaissance after years of neglect. She saw an opportunity to make a significant impact by purchasing an 11,800 square foot parcel between 4405 and 4411 Park Heights Ave., a site that had been vacant for years.

Abe Dua Residences: Creating a Sustainable Community

• Residential and Commercial Use: The Abe Dua Residences will blend residential apartments with commercial spaces, fostering a lively and diverse environment.
• Community Revitalization: This project is a crucial step in the ongoing revitalization of Park Heights, providing much-needed housing and commercial opportunities. The project aims to prioritize Baltimore City residents, providing rental units at 60% of the area's median income, particularly focusing on Park Heights and Life Bridge Health residents. Additionally, the project will offer integrated services and amenities for young professionals, aspiring artists, and athletes, fostering a Live, Work, and Play environment.

Our Support

Nicole believes in improving the quality of life through meeting three basic human needs: food, shelter, and security. Recognizing the potential of Nicole's vision, Ignite Capital provided a bridge loan to support the development of the Abe Dua Residences. This six-floor building will feature both residential and commercial spaces, offering a safe and vibrant place for the community to live, work, and thrive.

STEM AND VINE

The Vision

Quincy Goldsmith founded Stem and Vine with the goal of creating a space where people could connect over their love for plants, art, and good company. The shop is meticulously organized by plant origin, featuring flora native to the Americas, Australia, and Africa. In addition to plants, Stem and Vine offers ceramics and artwork, primarily created by women of color, celebrating diverse artistic expressions.

A Unique Experience

• Diverse Plant Selection: Plants are curated based on their origin, featuring species from the Americas, Australia, and Africa.
• Supporting Local Artists: The shop showcases ceramics and art primarily made by women of color, fostering a supportive community for local artists.

Our Support

Recognizing Quincy’s innovative vision, Ignite Capital provided the funding necessary to open Stem and Vine's storefront. This support has allowed Quincy to bring his dream to life, offering a unique blend of horticulture and hospitality to the heart of Baltimore.

ZEHBRAS FITNESS CLUB

The Vision

Dr. Spencer founded Zehbras Fitness Club with the mission of promoting holistic health and wellness. Located in the Waverly neighbourhood, Zehbras has turned a once-neglected property into a vibrant hub for fitness and community engagement. The facility offers a range of CrossFit training programs designed to improve physical health and foster a sense of community.

Advancing Wellness

• Holistic Health Programs: Zehbras offers comprehensive CrossFit training and wellness programs that cater to a diverse community, promoting physical and mental health.
• Community Enhancement: By revitalizing a neglected property, Zehbras has become a cornerstone of the Waverly neighbourhood, enhancing the quality of life for local residents.

Our Support

Ignite Capital recognized the potential of Zehbras and provided the funding necessary to support its expansion. With this support, Zehbras Fitness Club plans to broaden its impact, extending coaching and wellness services to local senior living facilities, universities, and non-profit partners.