Baltimore was recently ranked 2nd in economic opportunities for minorities in the country, and 5th among "Top Cities for Minority Entrepreneurs" (ExpertMarket.com, 2017). Maryland also drew praise as 1st in African American-owned firms with paid employees, 2nd in women-owned firms, 3rd in African American-owned firms (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 2012). What is it about our beloved city and state that makes it ideal for this type of unprecedented growth and opportunity?