September 13, 2023
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It is with great pleasure that I take a moment to highlight some important updates within our organization.
HCEDA relies on the support of its Board of Directors for oversight and guidance on strategic priorities and initiatives. This year, I am delighted to announce the addition of three outstanding individuals to our Board of Directors: Ms. Laura Bacon, Founder of The 3rd; Dr. Sean Stewart, Regional Medical Director at the Center for Vein Restoration; and Mr. Phillip Larson, Chief Government Relations Officer at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to our Board, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives they will provide.
While we welcome new faces, we must also bid farewell to two exceptional Board members, Chuck Phillips and William Stone, whose terms have expired at the turn of the fiscal year. Their dedication and contributions to HCEDA have been invaluable, and we extend our deepest thanks for their years of service.
In addition to these changes, HCEDA continues to expand its team to support our growing initiatives. I am pleased to introduce two new members of our staff: Angella Aizire, Microloan Administrator and Laura Just, Staff Accountant. Both Angella and Laura joined our team in August 2023 and have already started making significant contributions to our
efforts, particularly in the expansion of our finance programs.
I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for HCEDA with the collective wisdom, talent, and dedication of our Board members and staff.
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Sincerely,
Jennifer Jones
CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority
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Our Mission: The mission of the Howard County Economic Development Authority is to promote economic growth and stability in Howard County by supporting existing businesses, attracting targeted new businesses, and
attracting corporate and/or regional headquarters; to serve as the liaison between public and private economic development and planning organizations; and to recommend policies to County government that support the achievement of planned economic goals.
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FY2023 Community Impact Report |
The HCEDA is excited to announce that our FY2023 Community Impact Report was released last week! This report offers an in-depth exploration of the numbers, stories, and achievements that highlight HCEDA's meaningful contributions to Howard County.
"The Howard County Office of Economic Opportunity has been a tremendous resource for Chesapeake Flower Exchange. From serving as a fiscal agent, to brainstorming marketing strategies, to making helpful introductions, [they have] contributed greatly to our successful first year.” - Lisa Derx, President, Chesapeake Flower Exchange
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Business Appreciation Week: October 23-27, 2023 |
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Limited spots remain! Join Howard County's Business Appreciation Week 2023, from October 23 to 27. Our ambassador teams, including government officials and HCEDA members, will visit local businesses to learn about your experiences. Share your insights, growth, and challenges, and help improve the business climate in Howard County. Schedule your appointment from Monday to Thursday (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) or Friday (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) before spaces run out!
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| Register for a BAW Visit |
Additionally, don't miss HCEDA's Open House on Thursday, October 26, from 9 AM to 12 PM during Business Appreciation Week. At this expo-style resource fair, you can access information on HCEDA's services and
programs, connect with our team and partners, and explore initiatives vital for your business to thrive. Discover opportunities with Howard County Procurement, benefit from mentoring with MIC's Entrepreneurs in Residence, and explore resources, including HCEDA's loan programs and partner offerings for accelerated business growth.
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| Register for HCEDA's Open House |
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Howard County Executive’s Small Business Conference |
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The 4th Annual County Executive’s Small Business Conference, hosted by Central Maryland Chamber, HCEDA, Howard County Chamber, and Office of County Executive Calvin Ball, was held on August 31, 2023. This event featured a multi-faceted, half-day program that addressed issues relevant to small businesses aiming to grow and expand their operations. Ninety small businesses attended, gaining valuable knowledge, insight, and practical tips on various topics, including the benefits and challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, sessions covered essential subjects like business growth and expansion strategies, reputation management in the age of social media, and
business succession planning.
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Business Disaster Preparedness Workshop | October 11 from 9-11 AM
Get ready for the unexpected at our Business Disaster Preparedness Workshop, hosted by Howard County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Howard County Economic Development Authority (EDA), covering resources, tips, and template-guided emergency planning for business owners.
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About the MIC
Operating under the umbrella of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) is an innovation hub offering a robust support system for both budding and established entrepreneurs. Its comprehensive blend of mentorship, partnerships, and resources acts as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity, propelling the advancement of its members.
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The Business Revitalization Initiative Through Entrepreneurship program—or BRITE Program—accelerates the journey from innovation through commercialization. From mentoring to marketing, product development to pitching, BRITE provides early stage startups and seasoned businesses in Howard County with direct pathways to entrepreneurial success.
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Meet New EIR, Abhishake Chhibber |
The MIC is pleased to welcome Abhishake Chhibber, a highly regarded biotech executive known for his strategic prowess, as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). With over a decade of experience, including roles at MedImmune/AstraZeneca and BioNTech, he excels at translating complex science into growth-focused financial plans. Abhishake is not only an angel investor but also a valued mentor and board advisor to biotech startups, embodying a commitment to shaping the industry's future. His visionary leadership and deep biotech insights make him a sought-after mentor for emerging entrepreneurs in the field.
Howard County businesses are eligible for up to 6 hours of free mentorship at the MIC! If you want to connect with Abhishake, request a mentorship session here.
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September 21, 2023 | 5-8 PM
You loved them last year, and they’re coming back for the 2023 End of Summer Bash! The band AirLands will take the stage once again to perform an acoustic set at this MIC event on September 21st at Merriweather Lakehouse. Celebrate the season's end with fellow Howard County entrepreneurs in a relaxed setting.
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| Register |
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October 17, 2023 | 5-7:30 PM
Join the MIC for a pitch competition featuring local entrepreneurs and startups, with cash prizes up for grabs! Network over food and drinks at Manor Hill Brewing, watch startups pitch in 4-minute presentations followed by Q&A, and support your favorites as judges award prizes. Register now; ticket sales end on October 16.
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| Register |
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Bridging the Gap: How One Conversation Created Change through MIC Resident, Consult Lemonade
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Tierra Lathan is on a mission to make the technology industry more inclusive, diverse, and equitable.
Her journey began in 2015 when she volunteered at a Baltimore high school and encountered a disengaged student who only came to school to eat. Shocked by this, Lathan used her 20 years of business technology experience and founded Consult Lemonade, a firm specializing in underrepresented talent development. Consult Lemonade empowers those often
overlooked and aims to “take something bitter and make it sweet” by offering opportunities through tech education regardless of race, sex, or age.
Building a business is a challenge, but with the right motivation, anything is possible. Lathan shares that anyone wanting to start a business must “know who you are to start your brand, be authentically you to build your brand, but accept who you are to scale your brand. Scaling involves collaborating and empowering the strengths of others, which includes people, processes, and tools.”
With support from the MIC through her affiliate membership, Consult Lemonade has made significant progress, engaging over 800 individuals through virtual and in-person events, with a goal of reaching 1,000 by year-end.
To learn more about Consult Lemonade and Lathan’s work, check out this recent feature from the State of Maryland highlighting how they are bridging the diversity gap in technology.
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| Read More About Consult Lemonade |
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Business loans are essential tools that empower small businesses, fostering growth, creditworthiness, and positive lender relationships. Unlike limited grants, loans offer versatility and long-term benefits. They drive business expansion with flexible funds, making them strategic assets for enduring success. HCEDA supports Howard County businesses by offering vital financial resources and flexible capital access through our business finance programs. Discover more about our loan programs below!
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HCEDA's LIFT Fund provides 3-5 year microloans ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to empower small businesses, including minority, women, and veteran-owned enterprises in Howard County. The MIC supplements these loans with resources, like business coaching, to
ensure success. Funds can be used for working capital, equipment, and expansion.
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| Learn More About the LIFT Fund |
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The Catalyst Fund, managed by HCEDA, supports Maryland startups and growing businesses that generate permanent jobs and attract private sector investments. As a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), repayments are reinvested to finance more job-creating projects. Loan
funds can be used for normal business uses such as working capital, equipment, real estate, franchise fees and inventory purchases.
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| Learn More About the Catalyst Fund |
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The Howard County Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion (AGIE) supports local agricultural producers looking to expand or diversify. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000 and can be used can be utilized for various purposes such as research and
development, constructing production buildings, acquiring major fixtures, or enhancing processing facilities.
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| Learn More About AGIE |
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Celebrating Nourishing Journey's Success with HCEDA
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Pictured above from left to right: Darshni Patel, HCEDA; Jennifer Palmer, Nourishing Journey; Elexis Lawson, Howard County Office of Workforce Development; Andrea LeWinter, HCEDA Board of Directors.
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Nourishing Journey LLC, a wellness center and organic café in Columbia, is a recent recipient of HCEDA's Catalyst Fund. With a mission to nurture their customers' well-being through food, spa services, and mindfulness, Nourishing Journey used the funds to secure additional working capital. Owner Jennifer Palmer expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating,
"We are thrilled to have worked with the HCEDA! They really helped our business pivot and move forward in a positive direction during a time of uncertainty. They were wonderful to work with from start to finish.”
Nourishing Journey's exceptional commitment to the Howard County community has also been recognized in the public eye. In 2022, they received an honorable mention in Howard Magazine's Best of Howard awards, a testament to their dedication to providing top-notch wellness services. Additionally, they have been celebrated as a "Neighborhood Faves" winner in 2023 by Nextdoor, further highlighting their positive impact. Read more about Nourishing Journey below.
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| Learn about Nourishing Journey |
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