Unlock Growth Opportunities with the LIFT and Catalyst Loan Programs

Are you a small business owner looking for financial support to expand your operations, launch a new product or secure working capital? We are here to help. Through our tailored funding programs—the LIFT Fund and Catalyst Fund—we empower businesses like yours with the critical resources needed to drive growth and achieve long-term success.

At HCEDA, our mission is to promote economic growth and stability in Howard County by supporting existing businesses, attracting targeted new businesses and encouraging the establishment of corporate and regional headquarters. We work closely with business owners to connect them with funding opportunities, strategic resources and expert guidance to ensure their continued success.

Catalyst Fund: Fueling Startups & Expanding Businesses

The Catalyst Fund, part of Maryland’s Video Lottery Terminal Small, Minority, and Woman-Owned Business Account initiative, provides financing to start-ups and expanding businesses across Maryland. This Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is designed to create permanent jobs and attract private sector investment. As loans are repaid, the funds are reinvested to support more businesses in the community.

What Can You Use Catalyst Funding For?

• Business expansion

• Product launches

• Commercial real estate purchases

• Equipment and inventory acquisitions

•  Working capital for growth

Learn more and apply today!

LIFT Fund: Microloans to Elevate Your Business

The Leveraging Investment for Future Transformation (LIFT) Fund provides microloans ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to small businesses for a 3–5-year term. In addition to funding, HCEDA offers business coaching and training through the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) to set your business up for long-term success.

Eligible Uses of LIFT Funds:

• Working capital

• Inventory purchases

• Equipment investments

• Expansion and improvement costs

Find out more and start your application today

Unlock new opportunities and explore the benefits of apprenticeship programs at our Apprenticeship Information Session, featuring expert insights from Dolly Bermudez, our partner at the Workforce Development Center. Whether you're looking to upskill your workforce or start an apprenticeship program, this session will provide valuable guidance and actionable resources.

Also included is information about an upcoming IT Hiring Event, a great opportunity for those in the technology sector to connect with skilled talent and grow your business.

Unlock Entrepreneurial Success with the SCES Academy:

Turn Connections into Revenue, Resources & Real Results

Unlock the #1 skill for entrepreneurial success: Social Capital Building. Join us for the Social Capital for Entrepreneurial Success (SCES) Academy, a specialized program crafted to elevate your business through the power of strategic relationships. Over three weeks, plus additional virtual coaching, you’ll learn how to leverage networks with investors, advisors, and industry leaders to propel your business forward.

Learning Objectives:

• Boost Your Social Capital: Master the art of building and maintaining valuable relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.
• Discover Business Development Opportunities: Uncover programs, services, and strategies to enhance your business growth.
• Increase Revenue and Profits: Learn how to turn connections into tangible business success, driving revenue and boosting profit margins.

Tone Butta: Creative Entrepreneur – From Sneaker Customization to Bold Contemporary Art

We're excited to showcase more creative entrepreneurs in our Accelerator space, featuring over 20 unique pieces of art available for purchase. Our featured artist this week is Tone Butta, a  self-taught creative who started his journey in 2016 by restoring and customizing sneakers. Over time, he has customized more than 150 pairs for a variety of customers, exploring different colors and themes inspired by the sneaker community.

His passion for sneakers led him to expand into contemporary art, working with different mediums and pushing creative boundaries. Tone’s recent work reflects his love of bold colors and personal expression, bringing his unique style to life.

He has showcased his art in national contemporary shows and is excited to continue sharing his work with a wider audience. 

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• The Breakfast with the Superintendent & HCPSS Showcase is on January 28, 2025. Learn More

• Project Opportunity, free entrepreneur training for Veterans, Howard County Spring 2025 Orientation Session is January 30, 2025. Learn More

• Howard County Executive Ball Seeks Two Members for Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. Learn More

•  The next Business Disaster Workshop, held virtually on January 23rd, will focus on cybersecurity threats. Learn More