Basis Investment Group and The Harbor Bank of Maryland Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Equitable Access to Capital
Basis Investment Group, LLC (Basis), a national commercial real estate debt and equity investment platform founded by CEO Tammy K. Jones, has announced an innovative partnership with The Harbor Bank of Maryland (HBM). This new collaboration is part of Basis’s ongoing commitment to advancing equitable access to capital and financial resources, particularly within underserved communities. The Harbor Bank of Maryland, a minority depository institution (MDI) based in Baltimore, MD, has long been recognized for its efforts in fostering economic growth through community-focused financial services.
This partnership represents the fifth strategic alliance under Basis’s Community Lending Partners (CLP) program, following similar successful engagements with institutions such as Genesis Bank, First Independence, Private Leverage, and Lafayette Square. The agreement aims to strengthen capital accessibility for small businesses, real estate developers, and community stakeholders in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
A Shared Vision for Economic Empowerment
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared mission to promote financial inclusivity and economic development. “We’re proud to partner with a financial institution such as The Harbor Bank of Maryland that shares our values and mission to expand access to capital for all,” said Tammy K. Jones, CEO & Founder of Basis Investment Group. “We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership to further support inclusivity in the industry.”
John Lewis, President & CEO of The Harbor Bank of Maryland, echoed this sentiment: “Our institution is excited to collaborate with Basis Investment Group to continue providing equitable access to capital. This initiative aligns with our longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and community-driven financial solutions, ensuring that businesses and communities with limited access to resources have what they need to thrive.”
The Harbor Bank of Maryland has consistently been at the forefront of supporting underbanked and underserved businesses, offering financial solutions tailored to the unique challenges they face. By joining forces with Basis, the bank will be better positioned to provide flexible lending solutions, financial literacy programs, and growth opportunities for business owners who have historically struggled to secure funding.
The Role of Basis Investment Group
Founded in 2009 during the global financial crisis, Basis Investment Group has distinguished itself as a leader in commercial real estate investment and lending. The firm specializes in alternative lending and investment solutions, with a strong emphasis on the middle market. Over the years, Basis has successfully closed over $8 billion in transactions and has built a reputation for its deep relationships within the commercial real estate sector.
Basis’s investment strategies include:
- Fixed-rate senior mortgage loans
- Bridge loans
- Mezzanine loans
- Preferred equity
- Structured equity
- Joint venture (JV) equity
- B-piece investments
As a registered investment advisor and licensed lender, Basis also holds an Optigo® lender license for Freddie Mac and a DUS® lender license for Fannie Mae. Through these avenues, Basis has provided critical financial support to real estate developers and investors across various asset classes.
By expanding its Community Lending Partners program, Basis continues to leverage its expertise and capital resources to create meaningful change in the financial sector. The collaboration with The Harbor Bank of Maryland represents another milestone in Basis’s efforts to reshape the lending landscape for historically disadvantaged businesses and real estate ventures.
The Harbor Bank of Maryland’s Impact on Local Communities
The Harbor Bank of Maryland has a rich history of supporting economic development in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Founded in 1982, the bank has remained committed to providing financial services tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Today, HBM operates seven branches in the Baltimore Metropolitan area, with an additional office in Silver Spring, MD.
As an FDIC-designated MDI, HBM has played a vital role in:
- Offering accessible financial products to individuals and businesses
- Supporting minority-owned businesses through specialized loan programs
- Investing in community-driven initiatives that foster economic resilience
- Providing financial education and literacy programs
Through this partnership with Basis Investment Group, HBM aims to enhance its lending capabilities, expand its reach, and provide more robust support to entrepreneurs and real estate developers facing systemic financial barriers.
Community Lending Partners Program: Driving Systemic Change
Basis Investment Group launched the Community Lending Partners (CLP) program in 2022 as part of its mission to drive systemic change in financial services. The program was designed to forge partnerships with minority-owned banks, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and other mission-driven financial institutions that serve underrepresented communities.
Through the CLP program, Basis collaborates with its partners to:
- Facilitate loan origination and underwriting support
- Provide structured capital solutions tailored to community needs
- Enhance the financial stability of small businesses and real estate developers
- Increase economic mobility for historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs
By adding The Harbor Bank of Maryland to its network of Community Lending Partners, Basis continues to scale its impact and address the ongoing disparities in access to financial resources.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Inclusive Lending
The partnership between Basis Investment Group and The Harbor Bank of Maryland is a significant step toward closing the racial wealth gap and promoting inclusive economic growth. As financial institutions continue to seek innovative solutions to improve capital accessibility, collaborations like this serve as powerful models for fostering meaningful change.
With the combined expertise of Basis and HBM, the initiative is poised to:
- Empower more minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs
- Drive investments in community development projects
- Strengthen the economic fabric of underserved neighborhoods
- Create new opportunities for wealth creation and financial stability
Through their joint efforts, Basis and HBM are paving the way for a more equitable financial landscape, ensuring that economic opportunity is within reach for all communities.
About Basis Investment Group
Basis Investment Group is a full-service commercial real estate investment platform that has been a leader in the industry since 2009. Under the leadership of CEO Tammy K. Jones, Basis specializes in debt and equity strategies, offering diverse financial solutions for real estate investors and developers. To learn more, visit BasisInvGroup.com.
About The Harbor Bank of Maryland
The Harbor Bank of Maryland (HBM) is a minority-owned community bank headquartered in Baltimore, MD. With a strong commitment to economic empowerment, HBM provides financial services and resources to businesses and individuals in underserved communities. For more information, visit HarborBankMD.com.
