M&T Announces Winners of the Baltimore Small Business Accelerator Program

Brian Dawkins awarded $5,000 grand prize to support From Baltimore With Love

Baltimore, MD, Oct. 29, 2025 - Brian Dawkins, founder of From Baltimore With Love, was awarded the $5,000 grand prize in the small business accelerator pitch competition hosted by M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB). This program aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and guidance to build resilient businesses, drive economic growth in Baltimore, and create generational wealth for their families.

From Baltimore With Love (FBWL) is a creative brand dedicated to celebrating Baltimore through authentic storytelling, apparel, and community initiatives. Beyond clothing, FBWL builds civic pride by producing digital content, public campaigns, and collaborations that highlight the city's culture and impact. Its mission is to shape a positive and authentic narrative of Baltimore, crafted by and for the community.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be one of five businesses that participated in the Baltimore Small Business Accelerator pitch competition and to represent my brand," said Dawkins. "The prize will go directly toward inventory and marketing for our upcoming pop-up at Lexington Market."

The competition was the culmination of a seven-week program launched on September 9, covering topics such as business planning, capital sourcing, financial management, marketing, and branding. The program concluded on October 28 with a pitch competition, followed by the announcement of awards, funded by M&T Bank.

Courtney Roberts of Cure Medspa and Wellness won the second-place prize of $3,000, and Amber Washington of London's Bright Beginnings won the third-place prize of $2,000.

To qualify, businesses had to be based in Baltimore, in operation for at least two years, and in good standing. M&T Bank also offers similar accelerator programs in Montgomery, Howard, Frederick, and Prince George's counties.

"Each year, we're inspired by the vision and determination local entrepreneurs bring to this program," said Jim Peterson, Vice President and Small Business Ambassador at M&T Bank. "Their dedication to building sustainable, community-focused businesses plays a vital role in strengthening Baltimore's economy. M&T Bank is proud to support their efforts and remain committed to helping small businesses continue to grow and thrive across the region."

About M&T Bank
M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services with a branch

and ATM network spanning the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.

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