Baltimore Homecoming Selected Crab Tank Finalists
Five local entrepreneurs will compete for a $25,000 grand prize at a signature event in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Remote Work
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Baltimore Homecoming has named five finalists for its 2027 Crab Tank entrepreneurship program following a public voting period. The selected innovators will pitch their businesses to compete for a $25,000 grand prize provided by M&T Bank.
Why it matters
The program provides critical financial support and mentorship to homegrown talent, helping local Baltimore entrepreneurs scale their operations and connect with regional business leaders.
Five finalists were chosen from the candidate pool, with the top pitch set to receive a $25,000 grand prize. Additionally, a $2,500 people's choice award will be granted to one participant.
The players
Baltimore Homecoming
This organization connects local Baltimore innovators and entrepreneurs with regional business leaders to stimulate economic growth.
M&T Bank
Based in Buffalo, New York, this financial institution provides the $25,000 grand prize for the competition.
Cynthia Johnson
She is the founder of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs and one of the five finalists selected for the 2027 program.
Dawn Myers
She is the founder of the company Richualist and serves as one of the program finalists.
Billy Fanshawe
He is the founder of Lytos Vodka, which operates a distillation site in the Hampden neighborhood.
The details
The finalists include Cynthia Johnson of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, Rachel McFadden and Hazel Geary of Drio, Ebonee Baker of Elocin Global Logistics, Billy Fanshawe of Lytos Vodka, and Dawn Myers of Richualist. These entrepreneurs will undergo programming with regional business leaders before the final pitch competition.
Timeline
Baltimore Homecoming was founded in 2017.
The Crab Tank program was established in 2019.
The public voting period ran from September 22, 2026, to October 6, 2026.
Finalists are scheduled to pitch during a signature event in spring 2027.
Market Landscape
The Crab Tank entrepreneurship program functions as a localized venture-style accelerator that bolsters the Baltimore startup ecosystem. By matching local founders with corporate sponsors like M&T Bank, the initiative bridges the funding gap for small businesses in the city.
Local shoppers and supporters of Baltimore businesses gain direct insight into emerging homegrown brands through this competitive selection process. The event highlights the growth of neighborhood-based enterprises like Lytos Vodka, potentially increasing their market visibility.
The takeaway
Supporting local finalists can help stimulate the city economy and foster innovation within the Baltimore business sector. Residents interested in regional development should monitor the upcoming spring pitch event for opportunities to engage with these emerging brands.
What happens next
The selected finalists are scheduled to participate in programming with regional business leaders throughout the coming months leading up to their final pitch session in spring 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the local innovation landscape on the Remote Work page.
More information
View complete Crab Tank program details on the official organization website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Times.
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