From Vision to Vibrancy
5 Years of Rebuilding Neighborhood Economies through Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing

As we celebrate our history, we're invigorated by a powerful vision for the future. Our strategic plan for the next phase (FY24-26) is all about amplifying impact and driving lasting change. We're ready to take the lessons learned from our pilot phase and leverage them to create an even more transformational shift for Baltimore City. Our focus remains steadfast: supporting social entrepreneurs, rebuilding thriving communities, and bridging divides to pave the way for an equitable future. With our eyes set on the horizon, we're excited to build on our history and drive forward.
Join us on this exciting journey as we bridge our history with a visionary future. Together, we'll continue to innovate, empower, and create a lasting impact that resonates far beyond our five-year mark.
Key Milestones
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- Official Due Diligence Begins

- Innovation Works Files Articles of Incorporation
- Founding Board of Directors Formed

- Innovation Works Becomes Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship Domestic Partner
- First Full-time Staff Hired
- Innovation Works Begins Public Events, Hosting International Impact Measurement Symposium and Social Innovation Day with Baltimore Innovation Week

- Cohort-Based Programs Launched with Boost Program and Accelerator, in Partnership with Miller Center
- Mentor Network Launched with 33 Mentors
- Neighborhoods Initiative Launched in East and West Baltimore
- IW Pilots BNIA Community Guidepost Platform, in Partnership With Baltimore Neighborhoods Indicator Alliance

- Building structure and curriculum
- February - IW Launches Ignite Capital fund
- Piloted Strategic Initiative idea with Piloted idea with Flatten The Curve (PPE Manufacturing/COVID Emergency Response)

- Focus on Staff Growth and Improving Stakeholder Experiences
- Supported Transform Lexington Market Initiative Through a Customized Accelerator Program

- Launched Strategic Planning Efforts
- Recorded over 2000 Hours in Pro Bono Mentoring

- Approve Strategic Plan for FY24 through FY26
- Celebrate 5th Anniversary
- Launch New CRM Platform for IW Network
Moving Forward
The Innovation Works (IW) Strategic Plan for FY 2024-2026 outlines the organization's future direction and key objectives.
IW's vision and mission remain straightforward: to work towards a more thriving Baltimore city where historically underinvested communities can benefit from the existing bold ideas and those to come, led by social entrepreneurs. This strategic plan emphasizes place-based engagement in specific neighborhoods, deepening our framework for supporting social entrepreneurs and enhancing how IW will measure its long-term impact and a roadmap to financial sustainability.
Executive Summary: This section provides a concise overview of the key findings, recommendations, and insights from the report, giving readers a snapshot of its most crucial elements. Browse the digital book below or for direct access, clink the link the here.
Champion for Community Change
How Will You Champion Community Change Through Innovation?
- Support SEs, buy local and for those of you who are in businesses institutionally
- Innovation works
- Made in Baltimore directory
