Howard County Economic Development Authority

This past year, we didn’t just meet goals—we built momentum. From supporting 57 business attraction, retention, and expansion projects to securing $118.9 million in new investment and creating 961 new jobs, we’ve worked side-by-side with entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders to strengthen Howard County’s economy. We expanded our industry focus to better serve key sectors—cybersecurity, life sciences, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail—while launching innovative programs like the FLEX Line of Credit and the Cyber Howard Accelerator to give businesses the resources they need to thrive. At the Maryland Innovation Center, membership grew by 45% to more than 660 entrepreneurs, generating over $34 million in revenue and $24.7 million in payroll—with the majority of those wages staying right here in Howard County. The FY25 Stakeholder Report reflects how we’re translating strategy into measurable results and shared prosperity. 📈 Read the full report: https://bit.ly/49AxMqf #EconomicDevelopment #InnovationLivesHere #CommunityGrowth #HowardCounty #Entrepreneurship

Fed to Founder shows what happens when federal experience meets the right launchpad. After 11 years in the U.S. Marines, Vineet Rajan knew he wanted to start Forte but wasn’t sure where to begin. A fellow CEO pointed him to the Maryland Innovation Center, and what he found there changed everything: real community, expert advisors, and the support to build something from nothing. This is what the Fed to Founder initiative is built for. HCEDA and the MIC help former federal employees and contractors turn public-sector experience into private-sector innovation through mentorship, training and an ecosystem designed for momentum. More than a dozen MIC members have already made the leap from clearance to CEO, strengthening Howard County’s economy and shaping Maryland’s future. Vineet’s advice: if you’re a veteran or federal professional ready for your next chapter, this is where you start. https://bit.ly/484mp8E #FedToFounder #HowardCounty #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MarylandInnovationCenter #EntrepreneurshipJourney

Most businesses plateau not because of lack of effort, but because of lack of planning, process, and systems. Learn alongside other growth-stage CEOs to learn how to shift from operator to strategic leader: 📅 November 13-14, 2025 📍 Maryland Innovation Center 💼 For businesses generating $150K+ annually What's covered in this 2-day intensive program: - ‎Financial systems that give you control over your capital - Operational processes that work without you micromanaging - A strategic growth plan designed for practical execution If your business is ready to grow beyond you, it’s time to accelerate. Register now: https://bit.ly/47w12eW #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessGrowth #ScaleYourBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSystems

You know your product inside and out. But selling it? Not as straight-forward. Join the upcoming Sales 101 Series: a 3-part workshop for founders who need to learn how to sell efficiently and effectively with modern approaches. 💡 Led by Emmy Johnson, with 20+ years of building high-performing SaaS sales teams, these 3 sessions will cover: - A working pipeline with real prospects - A discovery script that positions your value - A closing process and key metrics to track Whether you're transitioning from federal work into the private sector or you're a startup founder with an idea but uncertain how to build a pipeline gain practical tools you can use immediately. Register Now: https://bit.ly/4qCFupI #SalesTraining #FounderSales #SmallBusiness #MarylandBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ScaleYourBusiness

Unleashing Progress: Building Stronger Businesses Starts with Stronger Financials At the Business Resource Expo on October 23 at the Maryland Innovation Center, discover how preparation leads to progress at our Perfect Your Lending Docs breakout session (9:30 a.m.). Learn how to make your financial documents work for you with real-world advice from funding experts at M&T Bank, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and our Finance Entrepreneur in Residence — all focused on helping you secure the capital your business needs to grow. Whether you’re a small-business owner or a federal worker exploring your next chapter, this session equips you with the knowledge and confidence to turn your business idea into reality. 🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/47gYSzw #HoCoBusiness #IgnitingInnovation #BusinessResourceExpo #AccessToCapital #HowardCounty #HCEDA #SmallBusinessGrowth

The BRITE: Marketing 101 Series starts October 15 at the Maryland Innovation Center, led by Moni Oloyede, a marketing leader with experience in both small businesses and large tech organizations. This three-week series will walk you through: 🎯 Building a full marketing funnel 📣 Discovering which channels work best for your audience 💼 Turning leads into paying customers Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur or federal worker exploring new opportunities or ready to grow your side business, this series will help you market with confidence and clarity. General Admission: $50 through October 12 Late Admission: $75 after October 12 Seats are filling fast — don’t miss this chance to learn from marketing expert Moni Oloyede and take the next step toward your business goals. 🔗 https://bit.ly/48ACMKE #HoCoBusiness #BRITESeries #Marketing101 #Entrepreneurship #HowardCounty #MICWorkshops #SmallBusinessGrowth #FederalWorkers #CareerTransition