Tradepoint Atlantic celebrates third ‘Empowerment Academy Graduation’

Nov 20, 2025

Eleven Maryland Small Business Owners Complete Expert-Led Curriculum

Tradepoint Atlantic is proud to announce that the third class of small- and minority-business owners have graduated from the Empowerment Academy. This marks another milestone in Tradepoint Atlantic’s commitment to investing in Maryland’s minority- and small-business community, equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

“The Empowerment Academy is exactly the kind of partnership that strengthens Baltimore County’s small-business community,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “When local entrepreneurs have access to expert training, real networking opportunities, and support from regional leaders like Tradepoint Atlantic, our entire economy grows stronger.”

Launched in 2023, the Empowerment Academy has continued to evolve each year to strengthen Maryland’s economy and support diverse business growth across the region. Over the course of two months this fall, eleven small-business owners participated in a comprehensive series of expert-led workshops covering financing, procurement, accounting, human resources, legal essentials, insurance, and marketing. This diverse cohort—comprised of minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses—came ready to learn from industry specialists and gain the practical knowledge, connections, and tools needed to strengthen and grow their companies.

In addition to the technical skills gained, the Empowerment Academy continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for cross-pollination among entrepreneurs. Cohort members forged new relationships, shared best practices, and collaborated across industries—strengthening the region’s small-business ecosystem and expanding each participant’s network of support.

“Tradepoint Atlantic is committed to growing small businesses and boosting the Maryland economy, and the Empowerment Academy reflects our dedication to this effort,” said Kerry Doyle, Managing Director of Tradepoint Atlantic. “This diverse cohort combines new startups and established companies and highlights what it means to have an entrepreneurial spirit required for success.”

The eleven small businesses in this year’s cohort span numerous industries, including construction, management, healthcare, and technology. Some are newly founded this year, while others have been operating for more than 50 years.

The following companies comprise the third graduating class of the Tradepoint Atlantic Empowerment Academy, whose participation began on September 12, 2025: