August 15th 2023.
This year, five Black-owned businesses from the DMV area have been chosen to join the Launch Pad program at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. This unique opportunity, established in 2017, provides small business owners with the resources and training needed to showcase their brands to an international audience.
Faraji Whalen-Robinson, Fraport Maryland's vice president and BWI concession manager, shared his enthusiasm for the program: "This year’s Launch Pad class represents some of the region’s most creative entrepreneurs, and Fraport is extremely proud to be partnering with BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport on this long-term initiative to provide small local businesses an opportunity to reach an international audience."
According to Afro News, those businesses include Zaaf, an African artisanal brand; Pamper Me Please, a spa and beauty, health, and wellness company; Drama MaMa Bookshop, a stationery company; Different Regard, a sustainable men’s and women’s boutique; and Abrin Fashion House, a jewelry and accessory store.
For the business owners, the Launch Pad program is more than just occupying retail space in the airport. It's a chance to gain invaluable insight into the next steps needed in order to take their businesses to the next level. Alisa Brock, owner of Drama MaMa Bookshop, expressed her optimism: "The Launch Pad program is more than just popping up in the airport. It’s a fine-tuning for our businesses and makes us hyper-aware of where we are as businesses and what we need in order to be prepared to operate in a place like the airport. I have high hopes."
The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is proud to be a part of this innovative program, providing Black-owned businesses with the opportunity to showcase their brands to an international audience. All of us are invited to come welcome these new business owners and salute supporters and advocates that have been part of promoting small business at BWI Marshall Airport over the years.
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