Celebrating Innovation:

HoCo Higher Pitch Competition Winners Announced!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of last week’s HoCo Higher Pitch Competition!  This year’s event was a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our community. The competition showcased the remarkable talent and innovation within Howard County and we’re excited to share the achievements of our standout participants.

🎖️ 1st Place: Craig A. McKenzie of Engineered Design Services LLC 

🥈 2nd Place: Nysia Wilhite of Dance Solutions

🥉 3rd Place: Irfan Khan of CrewThrive

🏆 Crowd Favorite: Nysia Wilhite of Dance Solutions

Experience Innovation at Its Best:

Join Us for The Great Pumpkin Pitch! 🎃

Join us at the Maryland Innovation Center for an exhilarating pitch competition spotlighting the community's most promising entrepreneurs and startup companies. With $10,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, this is your chance to witness innovation at its finest and support local talent.

Immerse yourself in a spirited atmosphere with a vibrant mix of light fare and libations, all while expanding your social network. Pitch and Mingle offers the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, making it an unmissable event for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem.

How It Works:

• The Competition: Five selected startups will each have 4 minutes to present their pitch, followed by 4 minutes of Q&A from our panel of judges and the audience.
• The Prizes: The top 3 companies will be chosen by our judges, with first place taking home $3,000. Additionally, the audience will vote for a "Crowd Favorite" who will also receive a cash prize.
• Networking: Mingle with fellow attendees over drinks and hors d'oeuvres, making valuable connections in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Interested in presenting? Apply here: https://www.mdinnovationcenter.com/great-pumpkin-pitch-application/

Empower Your New Business with Laurel Thrive Grant

The City of Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development (Laurel ECD) will administer the Laurel Thrive Small Business Grant Program. The grant will provide a new business with the ability to grow, expand, hire and develop their company.

The goals of this program include: 

• To provide financial support to new businesses
• To spur Economic Development to the City of Laurel
• To create additional jobs for City of Laurel residents
• To foster entrepreneurship and expand opportunities for new businesses 

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first served basis. Submission of an incomplete or inaccurate application may result in delay or ineligibility. Please read all grant terms and application instructions before starting and submitting your application. One application per business entity is accepted.

Unlock Growth with Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grants

The Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund, managed by the Maryland Department of Commerce, supports innovation in eligible technology sectors. This program offers grants designed to finance infrastructure projects that advance technology and drive economic growth. The funding can be used to cover costs related to acquiring, constructing, rehabilitating, installing, improving or equipping eligible innovation infrastructure projects.

In fiscal year 2024, $9.0 million was allocated to transformative projects aimed at accelerating the growth of Maryland’s strategic industry sectors. For more details on these groundbreaking projects, refer to the press release here.

The application process for the Build Our Future grant is divided into two phases. Phase 1 involves submitting an initial project summary that outlines how the project will advance innovation and growth in targeted industry sectors. Following a review of these initial proposals, a select group of applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed application in Phase 2.

Applications should be submitted to buildourfuture.commerce@maryland.gov.

Celebrate the End of Summer with HCEDA

Mark your calendars for the HCEDA End of Summer Bash on September 11 at Smashing Grapes in Merriweather.

This isn’t just another networking event – it’s a celebration! We’re bringing together the Howard County business community for an evening of laughter, connections and unforgettable memories. Unwind and connect with fellow business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals in a relaxed and vibrant setting. Enjoy mouthwatering cuisine and sip on refreshing cocktails crafted by the talented team at Smashing Grapes as we say goodbye to summer in style.

Looking for a unique opportunity to showcase your business and connect with the vibrant Howard County business community? Sponsor the HCEDA End of Summer Bash 2024 and put your brand in the spotlight at one of the most anticipated events of the year! Email jtrahan@hceda.org for more information on sponsoring this or any HCEDA event.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Elevate Your Brand and Boost Your Impact:

Sponsor a HCEDA Event Today

Sponsoring an event can be a powerful way to elevate your brand, connect with your target audience, and contribute to your community. When you choose to sponsor a Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) event, you’re not just making a financial investment; you’re gaining valuable exposure and opportunities that can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and impact. Here’s a look at the many benefits of partnering with HCEDA through event sponsorship, along with some specific opportunities to consider.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Nominate your favorite small business for the Small Business Awards. Learn More

• Celebrate Business Appreciation Week with us October 7-11, 2024. Learn More

• Howard County Office of Workforce Development offers a variety of events and workshops. Learn More