Message from the CEO

BGE Energizing Small Business Grants Available

BGE has opened up another round of their Energizing Small Business Grants! This program offers grants of $20,000 aiming to foster growth and stability in the local entrepreneurial community.

The BGE Energizing Small Business Grants are designed to provide financial support for various business needs, including expansion, operational improvements and maintaining business continuity during challenging times. Since 2021, 89 Howard County businesses have been awarded $1.8 million in grants under this program. Last February, BGE President and CEO Carim Khouzami, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and HCEDA CEO Jennifer Jones presented BGE grants to 30 Howard County businesses. The grants awarded serve not only as a financial boost but also as a beacon of hope and resilience for our community.

Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications through the Hello Alice website. 

Unveil Your Business Blind Spots:

Transformative Workshop for Entrepreneurs

Discover the 5 major blind spots that cause 90% of business owners to become stressed, burnt out and lose significant profits.

In this transformative workshop, business owners and entrepreneurs will discover what each of the 5 Major Blind Spots are and embark on a journey to uncover and address the underlying challenges that often go unnoticed. Learn how to significantly impact business success as we highlight the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, team dynamics and customer relations.

Spotlighting our Creative Entrepreneurs

Each week, we will feature an artist in our Accelerator space, showcasing their work available for sale. Diamond Jones embodies a unique fusion of experiences and talents that shape her captivating artistic journey. Hailing from the heartlands of the Midwest, her work is a testament to resilience, diversity, and the power of self-expression.

A veteran who served in the Army, Diamond Jones discovered her passion for the arts as a form of healing and exploration. Self-taught across various mediums, she employs a diverse skill set that encompasses oils, painting and music production. Her creations are deeply rooted in her personal narrative and cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the vibrant landscapes of the Midwest and the rich tapestry of Black experiences. Through her art, she offers a unique perspective on the intersections of identity, resilience and the human spirit.

Maryland MedTech Meetup

The quarterly Maryland MedTech Meetup was an incredible event that brought together executive-level professionals from across the industry. This roundtable meeting focused on the manufacturing, engineering, and development of medical technology, diagnostic/imaging devices, and telehealth software. The HCEDA co-sponsored the event in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce, highlighting the strong collaborative efforts in supporting Maryland's MedTech sector.

Attend Apprenticeship Hiring Event for Medical Assistants

The Howard County Office of Workforce Development is hosting an Apprenticeship Hiring Event for Medical Assistants on June 28th. This in-person event will take place at Kindred Hair & Skin Center.

The Office of Workforce Development is committed to offering apprenticeship programs as an essential resource for businesses to cultivate their talent pipeline, enhancing employee growth and retention. These programs deliver practical training, valuable real-world experience, and a structured pathway to a rewarding career in the medical field.

During the event, participants will have the opportunity to engage with potential employers, explore various apprenticeship opportunities, and take significant steps towards a career as a medical assistant. This event is ideal for individuals at the beginning of their career journey as well as those seeking a career transition.

Where's Waldo? Right Here in Columbia

Join the July Scavenger Hunt

Queen Takes Book, a newly opened indie bookstore at Snowden Center, is thrilled to host Find Waldo Local—an engaging month-long scavenger hunt across twenty-five local businesses. This campaign, supported by the American Booksellers Association, spans various locations nationwide, promoting literacy and celebrating independent bookstores. 

Join thousands of participants in the hunt for Waldo throughout July, with exciting prizes awarded weekly. Cap off the adventure with a grand Waldo party at Queen Takes Book in early August.

Interested in participating? Contact Tim at tim@queentakesbook.com to learn more. 

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Columbia Association is hosting the Lakefront Live: Juneteenth Celebration. Read more

• The 2024 MEDA Summer Conference is scheduled for July 24, 2024. Read More

• Queen Take Book is launching two book clubs in July. Read More

• The Howard County Office of Workforce Development (OWD) is hosting the SYEP program from 7/1-8/9. OWD will provide a pool of high-quality youth employees and will cover wages. Learn More

• Don't Miss These Howard County Hiring Events. Read More