Since 1989, Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. has been supporting the revitalization and strengthening of underserved Baltimore neighborhoods through innovative and flexible financing designed to promote community development. BCL has successfully provided loan capital for affordable housing, community facilities and mixed-use developments. BCL recognized, however, that to revitalize Baltimore’s stressed neighborhoods and economically empower its residents, particularly minority residents, a small business economic development strategy is a necessary compliment to efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate the housing stock and commercial real estate. A neighborhood must have local amenities to ensure its vitality and stability. It is also critical that, while housing is being rehabbed and stabilized, there is a growth of jobs at a scale that ensures potential occupants can sustain their housing and support their families.