In The News
The 3rd Receives A Grant From Kaiser Permanente
The recent grants will support programs and resources for critical community organizations, allowing them to expand the impact of social services in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
The 3rd was chosen because it shares Kaiser Permanente’s mission to improve the conditions for health and equity in the community by addressing the root causes, such as economic opportunity, affordable housing, safe and supportive schools, and a healthy environment.
HC Business Monthly Feature: Q&A with Laura Bacon
The life and work of Columbia native Laura Bacon has long centered around community building. For much of the last 15 years, her efforts were made as an Italian teacher and later an alternative education teacher at Wilde Lake High School, and in nonprofit arts administration. Recently, those efforts have been focused on her nonprofit, which is based at Columbia’s nearby Lakefront.
Now firmly guided by her new passion for entrepreneurship, Bacon promotes the efforts and wares of fellow women of color entrepreneurs at The 3rd, “A place where WOC can find access to various needs, ranging from capital and collaboration to friendship and a community that provides an understanding of our gifts and challenges,” she said. “My talent is in putting all the right people in the right space to make something special.”
HBCU Times Magazine Fall 2022 Feature
When you drill down and look at the statistics, Black women earn only 63% of what white, non-Hispanic men earn. It’s a deep-seated racial wealth gap in the United States, and government-sponsored efforts to address the problem have been woefully lacking to date. However, one non-profit organization in Columbia, MD, strives to elevate women of color( WOC) entrepreneurs, potentially making a dent in that wealth gap. If successful, the founders hope it’s a model that could eventually roll out nationwide.
The 3rd’s Soft Opening
On Tuesday, October 25th, The 3rd, a unique space that is part incubator, community gathering place, co-working space, training center, podcast studio, and café will open its doors to visitors during phase one of its grand opening activities. During this soft opening week, members, community partners, and invited guests can enjoy fresh coffee from Black Acres Roastery, and tea from Cured Leaves Tea - both local, Black-owned businesses. There will also be delectable baked goods from Chef Jamila Wright, culinary manager and member of The 3rd, in addition to delicious, homemade treats from Apple Core's Bake Shoppe.
WGC, The 3rd, The Highland Project Partnership
“Our growth will be exponential with the local support from @wgchowardcounty and the national support from @LeadHighland - both understand and support the unique challenges we face and the unique gifts we bring to the table” - Laura Bacon, Founder of @the3rdinc
Key Public-Private Partnership Between Howard County and BGE Commits $500k to Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
“The 3rd is excited to be recognized as a recipient of the ARP funds grant from the Howard County Government,” said The 3rd Founder and CEO Laura Bacon. “This grant is brought about by the work of many and will provide for many. We believe that community is the radical solution to our economic development and social justice challenges. Our community of women of color entrepreneurs has brought us to this point and we can't wait to take this momentum into the future.”
Our Physical Space is Closed
Thank you for your support during the time our physical space was open. We closed our doors in May 2024 and are working behind the scenes on an online membership and community platform.
Stay tuned!