Howard County’s Economy is Thriving with Growth, Innovation and Opportunity Ahead

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball delivered an uplifting State of Business Address at the Business Outlook Luncheon hosted by the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. 

Ball highlighted the recent European Trade Mission, lead by our team, which helped strengthen international partnerships in cybersecurity and IT. He also introduced the Cyber Howard Accelerator to support early-stage cybersecurity companies and a new Vulnerability Disclosure Program to improve the county’s cybersecurity efforts.

Growth at Columbia Gateway is moving forward, with a focus on attracting more technology, cyber and biotech companies. 

To support small businesses, we launched the Small Business FLEX program, giving businesses access to flexible credit lines and resources to help them manage short-term financial needs and grow.

Tourism is making a strong comeback, with visitor spending reaching nearly $800 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Programs like Summer Bucks encouraged more people to shop and dine in Old Ellicott City, which continues to thrive with low commercial vacancy rates.

Howard County Career Fair Connects Federal Workers with New Opportunities

In response to recent federal layoffs, Howard County Government hosted a career fair at Howard Community College, drawing numerous displaced workers seeking new employment opportunities. The event featured over 50 businesses, along with services like resume reviews and professional headshots. County Executive Calvin Ball emphasized the community's commitment to supporting affected individuals, stating, "We wanted to have this career fair to give them hope for tomorrow." For those unable to attend, resources remain accessible via hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov. 

For those seeking career opportunities, explore upcoming local job fairs in Maryland by visiting Maryland Department of Labor’s job fair listings.

Plexul UK Delegation

We recently hosted a UK cyber delegation as part of a trade mission led by Plexal, a Global Gateway Partner of the Maryland Department of Commerce. The visit brought five UK cybersecurity companies to Maryland to explore opportunities for expanding their presence in the U.S.

The delegation toured the Technology Advancement Center and IntelliGenesis, gaining insights into Howard County’s cybersecurity ecosystem and connecting with local industry leaders. At the Maryland Innovation Center, we hosted a luncheon and roundtable discussion with County Executive Ball, representatives from the Maryland Department of Commerce, IntelliGenesis, Hopr, TAC and NIST, with about 20 participants engaging in discussions on market opportunities and collaboration.

The day concluded with a Commerce welcome dinner, reinforcing Maryland’s commitment to supporting international business expansion. We look forward to strengthening ties with UK cyber companies and helping them establish a foothold in the U.S. market.

Black History Month Spotlight: Total Home Physical Therapy in a Bag, LLC.   

As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the contributions, resilience and innovation of Black entrepreneurs who are making a lasting impact in our community. This month, we are proud to highlight Total Home Physical Therapy in a Bag., LLC., a Maryland Innovation Center Resident dedicated to improving mobility and rehabilitation for seniors and individuals with limited mobility.

Founded by Hilda Emeruwa, Total Home Physical Therapy in a Bag., LLC. was born from a personal journey of caregiving and a commitment to making physical therapy more accessible and effective. The company’s VersaBall is a lightweight, easy-to-use fitness tool designed to help individuals regain strength, dexterity and independence. By offering innovative solutions tailored to real user needs, they’re helping people stay active and improve their quality of life. 

Black entrepreneurs like Hilda are driving change in healthcare, technology and business, yet Black-owned businesses still face challenges in accessing funding and resources. Black History Month is a time to celebrate these achievements while reinforcing the need for continued investment, support and equity in business. Through organizations like the Maryland Innovation Center, Black-owned businesses gain access to mentorship, networking and funding opportunities that help them grow and scale. 

Throughout February, we are recognizing Black-owned businesses that are shaping the future and strengthening our local economy. Our commitment extends beyond Black History Month as we continue to support and uplift Black entrepreneurs year-round. 

Big Ideas, Big Prizes – Who Will Make the Lucky Pitch?

Get ready for an evening of innovation, networking, and entrepreneurial energy at Pitch and Mingle: The Lucky Pitch on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Maryland Innovation Center! Watch as five early-stage startups take the stage to pitch their groundbreaking ideas—competing for their share of $11,000 in prizes.

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Time: 5:30- 8:30 p.m.

Location: Maryland Innovation Center

Tickets: Registration required—reserve your spot before sales close on March 18!

Perks: Enjoy complimentary food and drinks throughout the evening, including specialty themed cocktails from Cured.

Support local entrepreneurs, cast your vote for the Crowd Favorite and expand your network. We can’t wait to see you there!

Introducing Flexible Funding for Howard County Businesses

If you have a cash flow shortfall and are looking for short-term capital to bridge the gap, the FLEX Line of Credit may be able to help! The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is excited to announce the launch of the Small Business FLEX Program to give local businesses the support they need to succeed.

Businesses in Howard County can now apply for lines of credit between $30,000 and $100,000. This program is perfect for businesses that might not qualify for regular bank loans but still have great potential.

How Olympic Indoor Sports is Elevating Athlete Training with the Catalyst Fund

When Chandra set out to create Olympic Indoor Sports, he had a clear goal—build a state-of-the-art facility where athletes could train at the highest level. But securing funding as a new business wasn’t easy. Traditional lenders weren’t willing to take the risk, leaving him searching for another way to bring his vision to life.

That’s where the HCEDA Catalyst Fund stepped in. Unlike traditional banks, HCEDA believed in his vision and provided the funding needed to purchase high-quality equipment, upgrade infrastructure, and create an elite-level training environment. Today, Olympic Indoor Sports offers professional coaching, strength and conditioning, and advanced cricket training in a 20,000-square-foot facility in Columbia, Maryland.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center is offering Living Well classes for people living with diabetes and chronic conditions. Learn More

• Mastercard Strive and Hello Alice are presenting the webinar - Blueprint for Legacy: How Today's Innovation Builds Tomorrow's Wealth on February 26th. Learn More

• Howard County is providing grants to Howard County Farmers in response to the recent heat and drought conditions in 2024. Learn More

• The next HoCo Higher: FastTrac Accelerator starts March 6th and runs through May 8th. Learn More

• Women's Catalyst Circle- Embrace Your Creative Reset is on March 11, 2025. Learn More