January 03, 2024

As the new year commences, our HCEDA team looks forward to providing opportunity for enterprises across Howard County. Through business development initiatives and outreach, we will empower diverse business sectors in 2024.

We look forward to collaborating with partners like Howard Community College to reinforce workforce resilience, ensuring employers access skilled talent. Our Maryland Innovation Center serves as an engine behind pioneering ventures countywide by delivering programming tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs.

Additionally, we provide critical funding resources closing capital access gaps, like the Catalyst Fund and the new LIFT Microloan Fund. We are also enthusiastic about partnering with county government on the General Plan process.

HCEDA remains devoted to growth and opportunity. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and new beginnings!

Step into the rhythm of the New Year with the swankiest event in town, our Jazzy New Year at The Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Columbia!

📅 Save the date: Thursday, January 18th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

📍 Location: 6000 Merriweather Dr Suite B140, Columbia, MD 21044

Join us for a rollicking evening of networking, fine food, full bar and fantastic jazz. The menu includes lobster tails, crab cakes, beef short ribs and pork osso bucco. The band is none other than Unified Jazz Ensemble, innovative performers of of jazz standards and original compositions.

Get your tickets today and share with your network so we can make this year our best yet. For information about sponsorships reach out to Jesse Trahan.

Department of Agriculture Unveiled in Howard County

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Councilmember Yungmann unveiled the new Office of Agriculture (OoA) at West Friendship Park, marking a significant milestone for our community. As part of Howard County's commitment to supporting our farming families and fostering agriculture, the OoA will become only the third in Maryland.

This groundbreaking initiative, consistent with the County’s recently adopted General Plan, HoCo By Design, consolidates various agriculture-facing functions in a single location to enhance coordination and impact, bringing agricultural resources closer to Howard County’s farming community.

Key Highlights:

• A physical space for collaboration, co-working, and coordination of agricultural programs and staff from various agencies.

• Partnership with the Department of Recreation & Parks to offer agriculturally-focused recreational programming and learning opportunities.

• Alignment with Howard County's vision to celebrate the County’s agricultural heritage, provide unique amenities, and promote agricultural learning.

The OoA is set to become a hub for innovation, collaboration, and support for our vital agricultural sector emphasizing the importance of agriculture in our history and economy. For questions, please contact James Zoller.

Together, let's look ahead to all we can accomplish in 2024 and beyond!

Exciting News from MIC Resident Forte!

We're thrilled to announce a groundbreaking achievement as Forte, a MIC Resident, successfully secured an impressive $3.3 million in a recent seed funding round. This milestone marks a significant stride in Forte's unwavering mission to revolutionize mental health solutions for employees.

Building on the momentum of their remarkable journey, Forte had previously secured $1.5 million in a 2022 pre-seed round. This substantial financial backing underscores the growing recognition and support for Forte's dedication to transforming mental health support in the workplace.

Congratulations to Forte for this well-deserved accomplishment! To delve deeper into their innovative approach and the impact of their mission, explore more today. 

To learn more about membership at the Maryland Innovation Center, click below. 

Upcoming MIC BRITE Events

Unlock Funding for Your Business

Are you struggling to secure funding for your small business? You're not alone. Finding the right financial support is crucial, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. We recognize the challenges, and that's why we're here to help.

Our loans are customized to each recipient and offered at or below market rates. Our Catalyst fund provides access to capital for businesses in the pre-banking stage, helping them bridge gaps in existing available funding options. Our LIFT fund provides microloans ranging from $10,000–$30,000 to small businesses for a three- to five-year term.