Small and minority businesses are invited to explore concession opportunities today (18 May 3 p.m. – 4 p.m) at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) during a first virtual Launch Pad Information Session.

Interested parties in the Maryland/Washington D.C. Metro area are invited to explore an opportunity to start a retail or grab-and-go food and beverage business at BWI.

Launch Pad BWI is an “internship” concession programme providing an opportunity for area business owners to participate in the airport’s retail programme for a limited time.

BWI said: “These entrepreneurs have access to operating a business with a low investment, business resources and ongoing business development training.”

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT

Piloted in 2017, Launch Pad has welcomed small and minority businesses to the airport, including Fran’s Organic Bodycare and Fashion Spa House. Proposals for the 2021 programme are being accepted through 1 July 2021.

The free virtual event is being hosted in partnership with Fraport Maryland, BWI Marshall Airport and The Nelson Ideation Group.

Presenters include Ricky Smith, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; Michael Mullaney, CEO, Fraport USA; Gary Gilliard, Vice President, Fraport Maryland; Derryl Benton, Executive Vice President of Business Development, HMS Host; and Cynthia and Ketorus Gooding, Fashion Spa House.

As reported, two small Maryland businesses opened pop-up outlets at BWI last year as part of the Launch Pad programme. Launch Pad businesses receive 12-month leases along with training, sales, and marketing support.

Click here to register for today’s event.