—  Kaela, Technical.ly lead reporter in Baltimore and DC

PS: I'd love to see you at our annual Builders Conference in Philly this May. 

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Maryland's biggest city offers tons of programs for founders to find mentorship, capital and a community of fellow entrepreneurs going through similar roadblocks. 

Many of these incubators and accelerators come out of Baltimore's robust higher education network, including Towson University and Johns Hopkins University. We rounded them up in a comprehensive chart so you don't have to go down the rabbit hole trying to find them. Continue reading ... 

More than 40 businesses won a total of $5 million through the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program, which provides grants to small or mid-sized companies with manufacturing at their core. 

Companies making products as varied as soup, ice cream and a device to package work boots scored money from the state. Continue reading ... 

• Student founders who earned $50,000 grants through the Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act of 2024 showcased their startups last week, in front of LaPere's family at the recently opened 4MLK building. [Technical.ly]

• IndyGeneUS Bio is working to build a database of African genetic data. The company was once based in DC but is now part of the ETC Venture Hub in 4MLK. [Baltimore Biz Journal/Technical.ly]

• Local consultants focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion are struggling to find work as the Trump administration targets those initiatives. The Equity Brain Trust CEO Angel St. Jean said clients have been removing anything related to equity from their websites. [Baltimore Banner/Technical.ly]

• The Maryland House passed a bill that would prohibit employers from punishing workers who refuse to attend a mandatory meeting where political or religious matters are discussed — a common union-busting tactic. It was motivated by fears that the Trump administration will walk back already established protections. [Maryland Matters]

• Kevin Spacey's former home on Baltimore’s waterfront is on the market for nearly $6 million. [Baltimore Fishbowl]

• Baltimore accessibility tech firm ReBokeh Vision Technologies will deploy its tech at the Detroit Zoo and a nature center in the city. [ReBokeh/Technical.ly]

• PBS produced a documentary about the Key Bridge collapse and ensuing investigation. [PBS]

• Towson-based construction firm Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is moving its main offices to Goucher College. A new building will be developed as a "hub for introducing young people to career opportunities in today's high-tech and innovative design and construction industries," according to an announcement. [Whiting-Turner]