New Coalition Forms in Baltimore to Support Small Businesses

Baltimore, MD, August 22, 2026 —

A coalition representing over 200 small business owners has been established in Baltimore with the stated goal of enhancing protections and streamlining the process for entrepreneurship within the city.

The newly formed “Small Business Rights Coalition” intends to tackle a range of challenges faced by local businesses, including what they describe as predatory landlord practices, excessive bureaucratic red tape, and the persistent issue of vacant storefronts.

Members of the coalition have pointed to their own experiences as a driving force behind its creation. Tanner Mobley, owner of a cat cafe in Fells Point, and Marvin Rodriguez, a new restaurateur, are among those who have cited lengthy delays and difficult city processes as key motivations for joining the advocacy group.

The coalition aims to provide a unified voice for small business owners, advocating for policy changes that could foster a more supportive environment for new and existing businesses. Specific areas of focus include simplifying permitting and licensing procedures and addressing landlord-tenant disputes that can impact business operations.

The formation of the coalition comes at a time when small businesses are seen as crucial to the economic health of Baltimore. The group plans to engage with city officials to discuss potential reforms and collaborate on solutions to reduce barriers to entry and support long-term business sustainability.

Further details regarding the coalition’s specific proposals or planned actions were not immediately available.

Story summarized from the original created by Dennis Valera on www.cbsnews.com, see more information here.

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