Two University of Baltimore entrepreneurs recently proved the power of ambition and innovation when they were honored with the SPARK Baltimore Impact Award at the Maryland Student Venture Showcase 2026. MBA candidates Sheik Akij, founder of Potomac24, and Joyson Balisamore, founder of Jay's Watermelonade, represented UBalt's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem at a statewide event hosted by UpSurge Baltimore, a program of the Greater Baltimore Committee.
Akij's venture, Potomac24—a Baltimore-based digital media platform—exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking that defines University of Baltimore students.
Reflecting on his Spark Award recognition, he shared, "Winning the SPARK Baltimore Impact Award validates our mission to create meaningful change in our community. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the support and resources available at UBalt's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation."
Akij also noted that earlier this year, Potomac24 was named a semi-finalist for the Pava LaPere $50,000 Innovation Award, making this Spark Impact Award recognition on the same stage especially meaningful.
Balisamore's company focuses on creating healthy hydration and promoting heart health in a refreshing way. The alumnus of the UBalt B.S. in Business Administration progam and winner of several business pitch competitions emphasized the importance of perseverance and community support in building successful ventures.
"This award represents more than just recognition—it's proof that with the right guidance and determination, student entrepreneurs can make a real difference," Joyson noted.
The Spark Impact Award, presented by Spark Coworking at the Maryland Student Venture Showcase, provides dedicated office space from March through May 2026, plus access to founder networks, meeting facilities and ecosystem visibility.
These ventures showcase how UBalt's commitment to access and transformation creates opportunities for students to turn ambitious ideas into reality. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides students with mentorship, resources, and competitive opportunities that prepare them for success in Baltimore's dynamic business landscape.
The SPARK Baltimore Impact Award, presented at the Maryland Student Venture Showcase, recognizes student ventures that demonstrate exceptional potential for community impact—a mission that aligns perfectly with UBalt's urban-focused, non-traditional approach to education.
Inspired by Sheik and Joyson's success?
The University of Baltimore's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers numerous
opportunities for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Whether you're a current student or alumni, UBalt provides the support and resources
to transform your ideas into impactful ventures.
Mark your calendar for the Annual Rise to the Challenge Pitch Competition on May 6, 2026, where students can compete for up to $30,000 in funding. Registration
to attend this exciting showcase of innovation is now open.
The Maryland Student Venture Showcase 2026, hosted by UpSurge Baltimore, a program of the Greater Baltimore Committee, was supported by event partners and sponsors including Wexford Science & Technology, Spark Coworking – Baltimore, TEDCO, 4MLK, and the University of Maryland BioPark.
The award funding was establish by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore through the Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act of 2024. The Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) to provide grants to technology-based businesses. Showcvase supports outstanding student entrepreneurs from colleges and universities in the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia metropolitan statistical area.