Baltimore County, Md. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is wrapping up its business accelerator program designed to strengthen companies that were struggling after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Funded with $95,000 from the PNC Foundation, the 10 small businesses are celebrating with a graduation ceremony, 6 – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 10, in the Career Building, Rm. 204 at CCBC Dundalk.
Small businesses that relied heavily on the bridge’s regular traffic have been the hardest hit, with significant revenue losses, increased operating costs and staff layoffs. Through its PNC Small Business Accelerator program, CCBC provided education, resources and coaching support to assist struggling businesses.
CCBC offered business owners from Dundalk and the surrounding area the opportunity to join an eight-week, in-person, cohort-based program that included one-on-one business coaching, staffing support, networking and other resources to help establish and implement a growth plan. Workshops included strategic planning, funding options, sales and marketing, business planning and finance. Each business also received a $3,000 grant to go toward improving their business operations, marketing and sales.
CCBC collaborated with organizations such as the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Corporation to reach small businesses, assess challenges and determine which resources would be of most value. Businesses admitted to the program learned innovative techniques to strengthen their companies. A public narrative program taught business owners to tell their story most effectively for high-impact marketing and communications outreach. Networking sessions brought business owners together with community members to learn to build crucial connections in person and on LinkedIn. A community economic development class helped business owners understand how to advocate for themselves, navigate small-business-related policy, engage with their community, and support their area by prioritizing sustainability.
CCBC offers the region’s most expansive selection of degree, certificate and workforce certification programs, tuition-free for most students, that prepare students for careers in business, education, health care, information technology, cybersecurity, construction, transportation and more.
Since 1957, CCBC has opened the doors to accessible, affordable, high-quality education empowering generations of area residents to transform their lives and the lives of others. Each year, over 50,000 students enroll at the college’s main campuses, extension centers and online to make their starts, earn degrees, launch and build careers. CCBC offers the region’s most expansive selection of degree, certificate and workplace certification programs that prepare students for transfer, job entry and career advancement in such industries as business, education, health care, information technology, cybersecurity, construction, and transportation. Designated as the “Best Community College” among the Maryland Daily Record’s 2024 Reader Rankings, CCBC is also nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies and among the nation’s top associate degree producers.
Dir, Communications