NEW CARROLLTON, MD (December 1, 2025) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced Baltimore-based coworking space The Cube CoWork has received the first direct loan through the Division of Business Development’s new Own Your Future program. Using federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding, the program seeks to empower small businesses and support their owners in building wealth by providing financing for owners to purchase space to operate in.
“Too many entrepreneurs are held back by rising rents and market uncertainty. Through Own Your Future, we’re giving Maryland’s small business owners the tools they need to build real, lasting wealth,” said Secretary Day. “With this investment through Own Your Future, The Cube CoWork will be able to put down permanent roots in Baltimore City, continuing its mission to empower working families and support entrepreneurs. We’re proud to stand behind Dr. Lucas’ vision and celebrate The Cube as our first Own Your Future recipient.”
The $725,000 loan to The Cube CoWork, which has been matched by the Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund, supported the business’ purchase of the 13,135-square foot building it currently leases in Baltimore’s Hamilton-Lauraville neighborhood. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Tammira Lucas, The Cube CoWork is the largest Black woman-owned coworking space in the United States and is the only coworking space in Maryland to also offer on-site childcare services for members, removing a major barrier to workforce participation…