Message from the CEO

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. Come support the community's entrepreneurs, participate in the selection process and make connections.

So how does it work? Five startups are selected to present a four-minute pitch. This is followed by four minutes of Q&A from the panel of judges and audience. At the end, our judges select the top three 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.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Shining a Light: Women's History Month Spotlight

Business Resource Expo Recap

Thank you to our partners for providing resources for our Business Resource Expo. With partners such as Truist, TEDCO, M&T, the Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits, the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs and the Office of Workforce Development, attendees were able to talk with a wide range of support service providers.

The event featured a dedicated information session on our LIFT Fund loan, providing small business owners with insights into microloans tailored for success. From networking opportunities with industry professionals to informative workshops and presentations, attendees gained valuable knowledge and connections to support their business growth.

The expo provided a platform for collaboration and learning made possible by the support of sponsor HCC Training & Development Solutions. 

Get Ready to Grow Your Business

Join us for the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop Series on March 20, 2024. This live event in Downtown Columbia offers a unique opportunity to connect with buyers from more than 20 different state and local agencies, departments and universities. Gain insights into the common products and services each unit purchases, discover their current procurement needs and get a sneak peek into upcoming opportunities in the pipeline.

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this workshop series provides essential information to help you navigate the procurement process effectively. Mark your calendar and get ready to grow your business!

Route 1 Tax Credit Program

If you own commercial or industrial property along Route 1, here’s an incredible opportunity offered by Howard County to revitalize it. The County has established a tax credit program to encourage property owners to invest in renovations and improvements.

Through this program, you can receive reimbursement for up to $100,000 of the eligible costs associated with renovating the exterior of your building and enhancing the surrounding landscape. By taking advantage of this tax credit, you not only enhance the curb appeal and value of your property but also contribute to the overall revitalization of Route 1.

Don't miss this opportunity to breathe new life into your property while receiving substantial financial support from Howard County. Visit the Route 1 Tax Credit Program, email a representative or call 410-313-4381 to learn more and get help navigating the program requirements and maximizing the benefits available to you.