Newsletter Award HCEDA’s Economic Edge Wins Silver at IEDC Awards

We have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council for our e-newsletter, Economic Edge. Recognized in the Magazine & Newsletter category for regions with populations between 200,000–500,000, this award highlights our commitment to communicating resources to local businesses and strengthening the economic landscape of Howard County.

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/

Ignite Howard County #9 – Tickets Now Available & Call for Speakers

Ignite Howard County is returning for its 9th edition on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Jailbreak Brewing Company. This event, organized by Conscious Capitalism Central Maryland (C3MD) and supported by Leadership Howard County, will feature 10-12 dynamic speakers delivering five-minute presentations with 20 auto-advancing slides. It promises to be a high-energy evening of diverse ideas and community connection.

Tickets are now available for this exciting event, and seating is limited. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

Additionally, there is a call for speakers, with applications open until September 11, 2024. Individuals interested in sharing their insights or experiences can find the speaker guidelines and proposal submission information on the Ignite Howard County website.

Be a Part of Shaping Gateway's Future!

Join us on Wednesday, September 18 at the Gateway Master Plan Options Public Meeting to hear a presentation about the master plan and share your input. The meeting takes place at the East Columbia 50+ Center at 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, Maryland 21045.

Attend one of two identical sessions: Register here for the first session from 2:30-4:30 pm (doors open at 2:15 pm with a presentation at 2:30 pm). Register here for the second session from 5:30-7:30 pm (doors open at 5:15 pm, presentation at 5:30 pm).

Registration is preferred but not required; feel free to drop in at any time! For more information about the Gateway Master Plan, visit the Gateway web page.

Gateway Innovation Spotlight

IntelliGenesis Teams Up with DISA 

IntelliGenesis LLC®, a proud partner of the Maryland Innovation Center, has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the Defense Information Systems Agency. This collaboration aims to develop an advanced Generative AI cybersecurity platform, powered by cutting-edge Large Language Models. The platform will enhance the analytical capabilities of DISA’s Security Operations Center by providing more efficient, conversational AI tools for cybersecurity analysis.

This marks a significant step forward in leveraging AI to safeguard critical defense information systems, further solidifying IntelliGenesis LLC® as a leader in innovative cybersecurity solutions. Read the press release here. 

Be a Part of Shaping Gateway's Future!

The Lunch and Learn with MIC Finance Coach Mr. Billy Rovito is scheduled for September 19th at Noon at the Accelerator. The session will provide information on how to get prepared to submit loan applications for HCEDA’s business finance programs. The programs provide access to capital for small, minority, woman, veteran and disabled owned businesses. The session will cover the required financials to submit with the application package and tips to ensure a smooth approval process. Light Lunch will be provided.

To learn more about HCEDA’s business finance programs please visit: https://www.hceda.org/business-support/financing/

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center will host Pink Pathways: Your Passport to Women’s Health in Howard County on Saturday, October 26. Learn More

• Join the HCPSS 2024-2025 Parent Academy Kick-Off on September 25th. Learn More

• The Assn of Community Services celebrates its 61^st anniversary and the County’s nonprofit community on Sept 19^th. Learn more

• The Restaurant Association of Maryland is accepting nominations for the 69th Annual Awards Gala, recognize outstanding industry professionals. Learn More

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

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