On Tuesday, April 29th, Iron Rose Fencing was one of twenty local small businesses awarded the early-stage small business investment grant from Fulton Bank and Baltimore Community Lending, funded by the Fulton Forward Foundation. 

This grant, awarded to 20 local businesses that have been in business for less than two years, provides not only one-time financial assistance, but business advisory services provided by Baltimore Community Lending and a Diverse Business Banking Advocate from Fulton Bank, who will monitor progress and provide tailored assistance. These resources will help ensure the long-term growth and success of the recipients. 

Iron Rose Fencing was honored to receive this grant and meet the other recipients and business representatives at the awardee reception. Iron Rose Fencing plans to utilize this funding to support the purchase of a cargo van to be renovated into a mobile armory to bring fencing classes and equipment to Harford, Baltimore, and York counties and beyond. The mobile armory will not only allow for an increased presence in the community but will serve as a pop-up station to bring historical fencing to more people through community events and local partnerships. 

“This funding will enable us to bring our passion to others and help students learn about a historical martial art that has shaped our culture in many unseen ways. I am excited for the opportunities and avenues this will shape for us, as well as the future connections and relationships that will be seeded between people who connect with our programs.” - Owner and instructor, Isaac Pixley.