November 8, 2023
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We hosted the inaugural Veteran and Military Spouse-Owned Small Biz Expo in Howard County on October 28, a truly special occasion to honor and empower our dedicated service members, veterans, and inspiring military spouse entrepreneurs.
This event was made possible through our valued partnership with the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' Office of Veterans and Military Families. It took place during our Business Appreciation Week and National Veteran’s Small Business Appreciation Week, making it an even more momentous occasion.
Approximately 50 remarkable businesses registered as vendors, and we were delighted to welcome 200+ attendees. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to support these businesses and their invaluable contributions.
At HCEDA, we foster a culture that not only values but actively supports veteran entrepreneurship. We understand the vital role veterans play in strengthening our local economy and enriching and sustaining our community. By supporting these veteran and military spouse-owned businesses, we are not only investing in our future but also demonstrating our appreciation for the brave individuals who have selflessly served our nation.
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Sincerely,
Jennifer Jones
CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority
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Saluting Service and Entrepreneurship: Howard County's Veteran-Owned Small Business Expo
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Musicians featured at the Veteran-owned Small Business Expo pictured with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball (left), HCEDA CEO Jennifer Jones (center), and Administrator for the Howard County Office of
Veterans & Military Families Lisa B. Terry (right).
On October 28, the HCEDA, in collaboration with the Howard County Office of Veterans & Military Families (OVMF), hosted a successful Veteran-owned Small Business Expo. This event, marking both Howard County Business Appreciation Week and National Veteran’s Small Business Appreciation Week, provided a platform for veteran and
military spouse-owned businesses to present their offerings. This inaugural annual Expo was a significant event for the community, celebrating the entrepreneurship of veterans and military families. Click below to see more images of the event.
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Featured Business Resources: |
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The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is dedicated to supporting veterans, catering to the broad spectrum of needs presented by the county's substantial veteran and active duty community. Its "No Wrong Door" policy facilitates a smooth pathway for veterans seeking essential support, from securing housing to accessing childcare solutions. In addition, the office has compiled a Veteran Resource Directory, which serves as a vital tool, directing veterans to a variety of local programs and assistance options for both professional and personal development. The Commission for Veterans and Military
Families, established in 2011, further supports this effort by linking veterans with vital connections, enhancing their career and educational pursuits, and encouraging active participation within the community.
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HCEDA CEO Jennifer Jones Visits IntelliGenesis to Discuss New KrakenAI™ Generative AI Tool |
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Pictured (left photo, from left to right): Jennifer Jones, CEO of HCEDA; Angie Lienert, President & CEO of IntelliGenesis; Steve “Scribbs” Scarbrough, Chief Technologist of IntelliGenesis. Pictured (right photo, from left to right): Angie Lienert, President & CEO of IntelliGenesis and Jennifer Jones, CEO of HCEDA
Recently HCEDA visited Veteran-owned Howard County business, IntelliGenesis, a company known for its innovative contributions to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the intelligence community. Since its inception in 2007, IntelliGenesis has been at the forefront of providing artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning, advanced cyber services,
analytics, and a suite of other critical technology services across its four robust divisions: labs, cyber, training, and engineering. HCEDA initially assisted in the establishment of the organization's offices, and later their relocation efforts. Now employing over 130, Intelligenesis is an active member of the Howard County community, supporting local STEM programs and sponsoring local initiatives.
IntelliGenesis's latest capability, KrakenAI™, a new generative AI tool crafted to enhance cyber operations, is a large language model tailored for both defensive and offensive operations in cyberspace. HCEDA remains committed to supporting local innovators like IntelliGenesis who are pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity and intelligence with their cutting-edge technologies. Read more about IntelliGenesis and KrakenAI™ below.
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Catalyst Fund Success Story: Veteran-owned Reyes Jewelry Exchange
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Veteran David Reyes has owned and operated Reyes Jewelry Exchange in Ellicott City for nearly 20 years. Reyes Jewelry Exchange is a full-service precious metals dealer with extensive refining experience and exhaustive investor demand that provides straightforward, transparent transactions to its clients.
The past few years have been “challenging in many ways” for Reyes’ family-owned business. However, with the help of The Catalyst Fund, powered by the HCEDA, Reyes has overcome his business challenges to develop and grow his business.
When asked how the funds have benefitted his business, Reyes stated, “Howard County and all its resources have always been there for us. We’re fortunate here to have neighbors and a community that always points each other in the right direction. Recently, Darshni and the HCEDA were here for me and my business when I asked for help. Darshni and the Catalyst Fund were very helpful in my growth. She made the long process of obtaining financing to grow Reyes Jewelry Exchange very easy.”
Darshni Patel, Director of Business Finance at HCEDA, manages HCEDA’s loan programs and provides finance guidance. For those considering business expansion, we invite you to contact us for information on how we can assist in your growth and help you meet your business objectives.
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about the Catalyst Fund |
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