February 21, 2024

Leading Through Collaboration and Mentorship

Central to our mission is mentorship, a cornerstone guiding entrepreneurs towards success. Our Maryland Innovation Center offers a distinguished team of seasoned professionals who serve as advisors. These entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and strategists provide invaluable guidance, demonstrating leadership through their expertise and experience. 

We're proud to collaborate with Maryland Women’s Business Center and The 3rd, to cultivate the entrepreneurship pipeline. This new Shop Local initiative spotlights several women minority-owned shops. By providing resources to entrepreneurs through programs like this, we empower more residents to create businesses that strengthen our community fabric. 

Celebrating Black History Month with MWBC - Shop Local in Downtown Columbia!

Howard County’s inaugural cohort located at The 3rd features five black women entrepreneurs, listed below.

Learn more and follow @mwbcshoplocal on Instagram. Let's empower entrepreneurs and build a vibrant community together!

Shop the Current Vendors

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship 

Meet the Mentors

Howard County business owners gain privileged access ofup to six hours of complimentary mentoring from the MIC's esteemed professionals through the BRITE program. BRITE equips entrepreneurs with the tools and insights necessary to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, further solidifying the MIC's leadership role in fostering entrepreneurial growth. 

2024 Howard County Business Outlook Lunch

The annual Business Outlook Lunch hosted by the Howard County Chamber in collaboration with County Executive Calvin Ball, convened leaders across industries to discuss upcoming trends for Howard County. The event provided insights into Howard County’s business landscape and enabled us to network with industry leaders and engage in strategic discussions. 

These Howard County businesses are doing great things and were featured: Advantage Awards and Engraving, LLC, GameOn bar+arcade Columbia, Sweet Cascades Chocolatier, One Rock Farm & Farmacy, Saval Foodservice, Skin-Tonic, Taqueria La Patrona, K-9 & Coffee and Passion For Ezra. 

Join us at the HCEDA Business Resource Expo!

Howard County business owners, this is your opportunity to gain resources and meet with community partners including Office of Procurement, TEDCO, M&T, Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Workforce Development and more!

Don't miss the dedicated information session on our LIFT Fund, a fantastic opportunity for small business owners, including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and socially disadvantaged groups. Learn about microloans ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 tailored to your success with terms of three to five years. From networking opportunities with industry professionals to informative workshops and presentations, our Business Resource Expo has something for everyone. 

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable resources for your business. Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 7th, 2024, and join us for the HCEDA Business Resource Expo! 

Thank you to our sponsor, HCC Training & Development Solutions!