Loyola University Maryland hosted an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Blitz Nov. 2 and 3 to examine ways the University can engage with and support the entrepreneurial community of Baltimore in creating jobs. The invitation-only event, which was held at Accelerator Baltimore, included entrepreneurs, community and business leaders, representatives from the Maryland Department of Commerce and Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh's office, and Loyola students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni.

The Blitz posed a broad question to participants, challenging them to consider how Loyola can use its unique assets in ways that enable entrepreneurs and those who support them to scale, grow, and thrive in greater Baltimore—while creating new engagement opportunities for Loyola students and faculty.

Participants worked together in small groups to address that question through a series of engaging workshops and activities given to them by event facilitators from Future Partners. Future used its “Think Wrong” method to help participants explore their biggest and brightest ideas, leading to “a portfolio of small proposals to create businesses that matter.”

“We wanted people here who would think differently, people who were not afraid to let go of their inhibitions and their old ways of thinking,” said Kathleen Getz, Ph.D., dean of the Sellinger School of Business and Management.

The end goal is finding ways to create jobs, strengthen Baltimore's economy, and ensure that Loyola has an even greater impact on the community.

“The desired impact is a better Baltimore and a better Loyola,” Getz said. “For me, that means we’re contributing to economic and social development. We want to be a part of creating jobs for the people who are the heart and soul of the Baltimore community; the people who are simply trying to provide for their families."