Message from the CEO

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. 

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!

PITCH & MINGLE: THE LUCKY PITCH

Join the Maryland Innovation Center for our pitch competition featuring entrepreneurs and startup companies in the community. $7,000 in prizes will be awarded!

Spirited in atmosphere and in food and drink offerings, Pitch and Mingle is the perfect opportunity to stir up your social network, mingling with fellow attendees over light fare and libations. Come support the community's entrepreneurs, participate in the selection process and make connections.

So how does it work? 5 startups are selected to present a 4-minute pitch. This is followed by 4 minutes of Q&A from the panel of judges and audience. At the end, our judges will come together and select the top 3 companies! These winners will receive cash prizes with first place receiving $3,000! In addition, there will be a "Crowd Favorite" award which is selected by the audience.

Ready, Set, GROW!

The Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop on March 20, 2024 is designed for individuals and businesses interested in exploring contracting opportunities within state and local government agencies. It is hosted by the Maryland Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, Howard County Executive’s Office, Howard Hughes and HCEDA.

The workshop will feature sessions focused on small, minority, women, and veteran procurement programs and offer strategic approaches to navigate government procurement processes effectively.

Participants can network with procurement officers and decision-makers from state and local agencies, departments, and universities. Representatives from entities such as Howard County Procurement, Comptroller of Maryland – Procurement, Howard Hughes Procurement, Maryland Department of Labor, and University of Maryland - College Park will be in attendance.

This workshop promises invaluable insights and networking opportunities essential for businesses seeking to thrive in government contracting.