Applied Development strives to give back to our community and help support local causes that benefit the citizens of Baltimore. This week, the Eubie Blake Cultural Center hosts Red Bull’s Amaphiko Academy, an event that helps jump-start the careers of Baltimore entrepreneurs who dedicate their lives to creating a positive impact in their community.
Coming from the South African Zulu term for “wings,†the Amaphiko Academy was founded in 2014, and 2017 marks the first year it takes place in the United States. During the ten-day event (August 11-20), Amaphiko Academy participants will connect and work with some of the world’s leading innovators and entrepreneurs to give them the inspiration, mentorship, skills, and tools they need to take their work to the next level. At Applied Development, we believe the development and support of Baltimore entrepreneurs remains essential to the growth of our city. Investing in its people, a city can ensure a bright future. Applied Development proudly takes part in supporting such causes. As the home of six of the 15 participating entrepreneurs, Baltimore seems the logical choice for the first U.S. location to host the event. In addition, the Amaphiko Academy recognizes Baltimore as an “emerging social impact community†whose social entrepreneurship efforts closely parallel those of the academy, according to Alfie van der Zwan, the social innovation consultant and coach for the Amaphiko Academy.1
The Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center serves as the venue for the kickoff and the culminating events. This center brings together artists from various backgrounds, genres, and mediums to help promote and support visual and performing arts in the Baltimore area. Derek Price, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Eubie Blake Center, explains the partnership between the two organizations. “The Red Bull Amaphiko program is about supporting people who are creating in order to help and serve others. The Eubie Blake Center shares a similar mission and, because of this common goal, it made perfect sense to have Eubie Blake be the home of this inaugural U.S. Academy.â€
Applied Development fully supports the efforts shown by both the Eubie Blake Center and Red Bull’s Amaphiko Academy, which is why we have decided to get involved to give back to the community. We see this as a great opportunity to show our support and make contributions on behalf of our company. Applied Development has provided infrastructure and financial support to the Eubie Blake Center for these events and is honored to play a part in helping further the careers of our Baltimore entrepreneurs. Giving back to our community is something we value, and we are committed to help great organizations like these continue their efforts to change the lives of those who want to make an impact in our community.
1 “Red Bull’s entrepreneurship program picks 6 Baltimore participants.†Edited by Carley Milligan,BizJournals.com, American City Business Journals, 17 July 2017, www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/07/17/red-bulls-entrepreneurship-program-picks-6.html. Accessed 16 Aug. 2017.