Connecting Commerce to Community Capital
The Maryland Neighborhood Exchange is a Community Wealth Builders' initiative that connects local businesses with the neighbors who believe in them. If you're a business looking to grow or a resident who wants to support businesses in your community, this is your space. By working together, we’re building stronger neighborhoods and a more resilient economy—one investment at a time.
✨ Explore past campaigns and see what’s launching next!
✨ Explore past campaigns and see what’s launching next!
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THE MULBERRY The Mulberry will include ground-floor community space that can host gatherings, workshops, performances, art exhibits, and small business pop-ups, and 5 furnished upstairs residences. Learn how you can help re-activate this historic Mt. Vernon property here: THE MULBERRY |
Why We Created the Maryland Neighborhood ExchangeToo often, local businesses struggle to access the capital they need to grow—especially when traditional financing doesn’t fit their needs. At the same time, everyday Maryland residents rarely get the chance to invest in the businesses they care about in their own neighborhoods.
The Maryland Neighborhood Exchange was created to change that. We exist to bridge this gap—empowering small businesses to raise capital on their own terms and giving local residents the opportunity to invest directly in their community’s success. By supporting businesses that value people, the planet, and purpose—not just profits—we’re building a more inclusive financial ecosystem that reflects the heart and soul of Maryland’s Main Streets. When neighbors become investors, they don’t just help businesses grow—they help their communities thrive. That means more jobs, stronger local economies, and a better quality of life for everyone. |
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Our Impact
By connecting community members with locally owned businesses that need capital to grow, we’re making funding more accessible—especially for businesses that care about people, the planet, and purpose, not just profits. This work is part of a larger movement to build a more inclusive and equitable financing ecosystem for community-focused businesses.
(Impact reported from July 2019 - December 2024)
(Impact reported from July 2019 - December 2024)
89Local businesses featured on the Exchange achieved (or surpassed) their funding goals.
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$6.1MRaised from roughly 13,000 residents.
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90%Of businesses we support are owned by people of color.
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Testimonials
“Crowdfunding did two very important things for my business. Firstly, it gave me the funds that I needed to start my business in a financing model that is both communal and equitable. Secondly, it confirmed to me that I actually had a good idea.”
-FISHNET RESTAURANT & FISHIES |
“They have been instrumental in walking us through the process of preparing our business for crowdfunding as well as strategizing on how to help educate the community about our crowdfunding efforts and how they can get involved as well as support.”
- BOYD CRU WINES |
Getting Started
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Are you ready to scale your business with the Maryland Neighborhood Exchange? We are eager to support you!
To get started, register your business on the Exchange and someone from our team will contact you with next steps. |
Are you a Maryland resident who is looking for your next investment opportunity? Learn about becoming an investor and upcoming investment opportunities by registering for our newsletter below.
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Contact Us
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Stephanie GellerFounder and Director, Community Wealth BuildersStephanie Geller has spent over a decade working on the ground in Baltimore to build a more inclusive, supportive ecosystem for local and minority-owned businesses. Her deep relationships with city officials, local business networks, entrepreneurs, community organizations, funders, and technical assistance providers are central to the success of the Maryland Neighborhood Exchange and other initiatives led by Community Wealth Builders, where she serves as Founder and Director.
Prior to founding Community Wealth Builders, Stephanie worked at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, where she advanced community wealth building strategies and co-created the first-ever interdisciplinary graduate course for MSW, MBA, and JD students. The course focused on using anchor institution procurement to generate local business opportunities. Stephanie also brings nearly 15 years of research experience from her role as a Research Project Manager at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies, where she led national projects focused on the U.S. nonprofit sector. She holds a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Social and Community Development from the University of Maryland, a BS in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University, and has completed public policy training at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. |
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David "Chap" LovelessCommunication & Engagement StrategistDavid “Chap” Loveless is a Baltimore-based community leader, mentor, and media contributor whose decades of service have impacted thousands across the city. Through leadership and support roles in nonprofit organizations, Chap has advanced mentorship, youth development, community healing, and civic engagement.
He has organized city-wide programs and community events focused on education, violence prevention, food security, health access, and economic empowerment, often serving as a bridge between government agencies, local businesses, and the community. A frequent contributor to local media, he uses storytelling to uplift underrepresented voices and champion community needs. Chap’s community contributions have earned recognition from Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Mayor Sheila Dixon, and others. Chaplain Loveless continues to lead with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to Baltimore’s future. |