Nominations are open for the Baltimore Homecoming Hero Awards

Even without a marching band, Baltimore Homecoming stays on beat by bringing together accomplished Baltimoreans from across the country through programs that amplify startup founders and uplift those working to make Baltimore a better place every day.

Through May 10, you can help highlight those individuals with your vote.

The nonprofit organization, in partnership with The Baltimore Banner, seeks nominations for its Homecoming Hero Awards. The T. Rowe Price-sponsored awards aim to recognize individuals who made a significant impact on their communities in Baltimore

Submit your nomination for the Baltimore Homecoming Hero Awards

After the May 10 close, the Baltimore Homecoming committee will select ten finalists before the public votes again to determine the five winners. Awardees receive a $5,000 cash prize and invitations to speak at Baltimore Homecoming’s signature event in October.

“Our Homecoming Heroes are changemakers who inspire their communities,” said Matt Reeds, Baltimore Homecoming’s newly onboarded deputy director. “They can come from any walk of life and are defined by their dedication to improving Baltimore’s communities. We are excited to hear from the Baltimore community and recognize those stand-out individuals who are committed to bettering Baltimore.”

Susan Clayton holds her Crab Tank check. (Courtesy photo)

Baltimore Homecoming not only recognizes outstanding community leaders but also supports local businesses through the Crab Tank Pitch Competition during its Amplify event that, like the Homecoming Hero awards, takes place annually. The Crab Tank contest highlights the work of small- to medium-sized businesses, startups and entrepreneurs in the Baltimore area.

Last year’s top prize went to founder Susan Clayton of WhitePaws RunMitts, a Baltimore-based company that creates apparel for outdoor exercise in cold weather. Clayton told Technical.ly after she won that the victory helped validate her business, which was since spotlighted in GoDaddy’s “Made in America” docuseries and accepted into Loyola University Maryland’s Baltipreneurs Accelerator.

“Winning the Crab Tank showed me that a small business like mine has viability in the city and is scalable,” she said via email last year.

Reeds described the competition as an opportunity for participants to learn about some of Baltimore’s most engaged business leaders.

“Every year, Crab Tank brings together exceptional talent, and this year we want to expand our reach by hearing from the community about who they want to see win the $25,000 grand prize,” said Reeds.

Prior Crab Tank victors include Femly CEO Arion Long, who won two checks during the 2019 cycle. Baltimore Homecoming and Crab Tank partner Baltimore Business Journal will accept nominations from the public and applications from startups and businesses until May 26.

Nominate a business for the Crab Tank competition

Apply for the Crab Tank competition