I’m Tanner, one of the organizers behind the B’More Small Biz Rights Coalition. Two months ago, we were just a handful of local business owners with a lot of frustrations. Now, we are a growing coalition of small business owners, neighbors, and advocates fighting for the rights of the businesses that give Baltimore its charm.

As small business owners, we sink our life savings into a space, work tirelessly for years to keep the lights on, and then, after all that, we can lose everything overnight.

With the lack of tenant protections, shady landlords get away with raising the rent, refusing to renew leases, or even refusing to cover basic maintenance, like water main breaks, leaving the business owner to foot the bill. They leave storefronts vacant for years because the current tax laws make it more profitable to be empty than rented. These predatory landlords treat Baltimore like an investment portfolio instead of a home, actively hollowing out our neighborhoods for profit.

Right now, small businesses are disappearing from Baltimore. Not because they failed, but because the system is stacked against them. Right now, none of these shady practices are illegal in Baltimore. But B’More Small Biz Rights Coalition is going to change that. Our movement is growing faster every day.

In just two months, we have: Recruited 60+ volunteers. Engaged a growing list of local businesses. Established volunteer committees that meet biweekly. Created a website, talking points, and press materials. Built a social media presence. Drafted demands. Secured a bill sponsor on City Council (shout out Zac Blanchard!). And continue to garner support from neighborhood associations, media, and even have the Mayor’s office paying attention.

Here’s exactly where your donation goes:

We want our bill in front of City Council by September 2026. We’re raising $20,000 to get there. If you can chip in, every penny counts. If you can't, share this page, and tell someone about what we've built in just two months.