The Bridging the Gap initiative is dedicated to evolving the business culture of Greater Baltimore by developing and fostering relationships between majority, minority, and women-owned businesses. In addition to promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all organizations, the Bridging the Gap initiative provides targeted support and programming to help minority and women-owned businesses in Greater Baltimore succeed and grow.
Each year, through the Bridging the Gap Achievement Awards, the GBC recognizes exceptional majority, minority, and women-owned businesses and executives who nurture the development of minority and women-owned businesses in Greater Baltimore and Maryland.
Nominations are now closed.
Winners will be recognized at a virtual Bridging the Gap Achievement Awards Recognition Ceremony on November 23. See a list of previous winners here.
Please contact Adrea Turner, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Policy Advisor, at adreat@gbc.org with any questions.
See photos from the 2019 Bridging the Gap Achievement Awards here.
Award Categories
Successful minority or women-owned business
Examples of evaluation criteria include:
- Demonstrated growth in revenue, number of employees, and/or number of clients
- Outcomes or achievements associated with clearly articulated strategic vision or mission
- Innovation in creation or delivery of products or services
Eligibility:
- The primary location of the business must be located in the Greater Baltimore region (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, or Howard County).
- The business must have been in operation for a minimum of three (3) years
Innovative partnership or strategic alliance
Examples of evaluation criteria include:
- Heightened or accelerated outcomes achieved through partnership or alliance
- Outcomes or achievements associated with strategic vision or mission
- Innovation in creation or delivery of products or services
Eligibility:
- At least two organizations—private, nonprofit, or governmental—that have strategically partnered to deliver goods and services, one of which must be minority or women-owned.
- The partnership must have been formalized and operational for at least two (2) years and located in the Greater Baltimore region (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, or Howard County).
Diversity in Leadership
Examples of evaluation criteria include:
- Organizations with significant gender, racial, and ethnic diversity among board of directors and organizational leadership (c-suite and above).
- Organizations with policies or administrative practices that promote and reward leadership diversity.
- Organizations that have successfully taken steps to increase diversity in leadership.
Eligibility:
- Majority, minority or women-owned business that has been in operation for at least (3) years and located in the Greater Baltimore region (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, or Howard County).
Community Impact
Examples of evaluation criteria include:
- Significant outreach efforts that serve to uplift the community
- A culture of commitment to volunteerism through regular engagement
- Organizational policies that promote volunteerism and community engagement
- Leadership participation in community organizations through service on boards of directors
- Measurable impact of community engagement activities
- Monetary donations to support neighborhood or community enhancements
Eligibility:
- Women or minority-owned for-profit organization that has been in operation for at least (3) years and located in the Greater Baltimore region (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, or Howard County).
Mentorship
Examples of evaluation criteria include:
- Demonstrated commitment to mentoring women and minorities in business, with multiple examples of sustained mentorships
- Specific examples of mentorship contributions to support women and minorities in business
- Specific examples of how these contributions impacted mentee’s career/life
Eligibility:
- An individual or an organization with solid, sustained record of mentorship to women and minorities in business in the Greater Baltimore region (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, or Howard County).
Elijah E. Cummings Leadership in Diversity Award
All nominees will be considered for the Elijah E. Cummings Leadership in Diversity Award. This award is reserved for an organization or individual that has demonstrated solid professional success, commitment to supporting women and minorities in business, and dedication to the community.