By Kenzie Burn
Root Branch Media Group
On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, Root Branch Media proudly presents Root Branch Marketplace, an inspiring television special that celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and the local business community.
Premiere live stream broadcasting will take place on Root Branch Media’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RootBranchMediaGroup on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 am EST, with an encore presentation airing on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at 3 pm EST on WMAR-2, the show features an impressive lineup of 30 segments spotlighting 25 local small businesses, 2 innovative small business accelerator programs, five media influencers, three city government agencies, and two chambers of commerce.
Back for its second season, this IMDb accredited, home shopping-style show, illuminates the products and services of local home grown businesses and introduces new elements like the “Buy Baltimore by Baltimore Corner,” giving voice to Baltimore influencers and thought leaders as they express the importance and impact of buying local.
Created and executive produced by, “The Media Mogul” herself, Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, Root Branch Marketplace showcases the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth and fostering community connections. Co-hosted by Dr. Pettigrew and Kenzie Burn, the show also welcomes celebrity guest hosts Marc Clarke and April Watts to add star power to the festivities.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
This special edition highlights the achievements of small business owners across Baltimore and beyond, featuring:
- Twenty-five Local Small Businesses like: Shea Radiance, Hiatus Cheesecake, Cajou Creamery, Body Basics Wellness Center, and Tech Slice & RPM Tech sharing their stories, products, and community impact.
- Two Small Business Accelerator Partnerships—BWI Thurgood Marshall/Fraport Launchpad and Baltimore Main Streets—empowering entrepreneurs to scale their ventures.
The Launch Pad program at BWI Marshall is the gateway to success for local, minority, and micro businesses– dedicated to onboard, train, educate, and mentor businesses into the airport environment. This episode features five BWI Fraport Launchpad small businesses: ABRIN Fashion, Different Regard, Drama MaMa Book Shop, Pamper Me Please, and Zaaf Collection.
The Baltimore Main Streets Program uplifts local businesses, provides them with developmental resources, and spotlights neighborhoods throughout the City. The Baltimore Main Street program follows the Main Street America approach centered around transformation strategies organized as four points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. There are nine Baltimore Main Streets and this episode features Director of Baltimore Main Streets Charlyn Nater and two Main Street businesses: HopScotch Bottle Shop and Tye and Co Hair Loss Studio.
- Five media influencers like food blogger Simone Phillips of Charm City Table, and comedian Larry Lancaster showcasing the power of digital marketing and community storytelling.
- Three city government agencies: Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Development, Baltimore Main Streets, and the Office of the Comptroller driving resources for economic development.
- Two Chambers of Commerce: Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, fostering business advocacy and networking opportunities.
- And a special guest appearance and Message from Baltimore City Comptroller Bill Henry.
An All-Star Lineup of Hosts
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, the visionary behind Root Branch Media, brings her industry expertise to the forefront alongside co-host Kenzie Burn. Joining them are the legendary Marc Clarke and radio personality April Watts, whose combined charisma promises to deliver an engaging and uplifting experience for viewers.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Us
“Root Branch Marketplace is more than a show—it’s a celebration of the innovators and visionaries shaping our communities,” said Dr. Pettigrew. “Small Business Saturday is the perfect moment to highlight these stories and inspire audiences to support local businesses.”
Tune in to Root Branch Marketplace on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11 am EST, on Root Branch Media’s YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/RootBranchMediaGroup, with an encore presentation airing on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at 3 pm EST on WMAR-2, and join us in honoring the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our communities.The perfect way to wrap up the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend and head into the holiday gift giving season.
ABOUT DR. VONNYA PETTIGREW
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew is a trailblazing media mogul, entrepreneur, and community advocate who has broken barriers as the first African American woman to “buy the block” in a town she reveres as home. With a visionary approach to economic empowerment, Dr. Pettigrew has redefined the intersection of media, community development, and entrepreneurship.
ABOUT ROOT BRANCH MEDIA
Founded by Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, Root Branch Media is a full-service media and production company headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. With a focus on storytelling that uplifts, educates, and inspires, Root Branch Media partners with businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to create impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences.
The company’s projects span film, television, digital media, and community engagement initiatives, earning accolades for its innovative approach and commitment to social responsibility. Root Branch Media’s portfolio includes transformative campaigns, thought-provoking documentaries, and creative content that highlights critical social issues and celebrates cultural diversity.
Through initiatives like Root Branch Marketplace and youth media training programs, Root Branch Media continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering communities, fostering economic growth, and leaving a legacy of positive impact.
For more information about Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew or Root Branch Media, visit https://rootbranchmediagroup.com/home or follow on social media @RootBranchMG and @VonnyaRooted.
The post Root Branch Media presents “Root Branch Marketplace” in celebration of Small Business Saturday appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
