From Public Service to New Possibilities: Career Fair Connects Hundreds

The Federal Workers Career Fair welcomed over 1,000 attendees and served as a valuable resource for former and transitioning federal employees exploring new opportunities outside the federal workforce.

Thank you to County Executive Calvin Ball, Howard Community College, and the Howard County Office of Workforce Development for their partnership and support in making the Federal Workers Career Fair a success.

Participants had the chance to connect directly with recruiters and hiring professionals, receive free resume critiques tailored for private-sector roles, take professional headshots to enhance their online presence, and access complimentary childcare while focusing on their career goals.

We’re proud to support professionals in Howard County and beyond as they navigate their next chapter—and we look forward to continuing this important work in future events.

Celebrate National Farm Animals Day by Supporting Local Farms

April 10 is National Farm Animals Day, a reminder to appreciate the animals—and farmers—that help nourish our communities. Whether you’re looking for fresh eggs, local dairy, pasture-raised meats, or a chance to meet the animals up close, Howard County farms have so much to offer.

Use our Farm Search tool to explore farms near you, discover what they offer and support local agriculture right here in Howard County.

From Government to Growth: Make the Leap to Entrepreneurship

Ready to take the leap from government service to entrepreneurship? From Fed to Founder is a virtual session created for professionals exploring a path beyond the public sector. Led by strategist and communications expert Faye McCray, this conversation will uncover the steps to building a successful business—starting with your story.

Drawing from her rich background in law, media, and entrepreneurship, Faye will share strategies to help you refine your brand narrative, build strategic partnerships and position yourself in the market. Whether you're still weighing your options or already on the journey, this session will help you identify your transferable strengths, tackle common challenges and take confident steps toward founding your own venture.

Turn Relationships into Revenue with the Social Capital Academy

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.

The SCES Academy is led by seasoned experts in marketing, sales, contract procurement, law, accounting, and business development. These "Opportunity Guides" will help you build the connections and resources you need to succeed. With a blend of in-person sessions and virtual coaching, you’ll be equipped with the tools and strategies to ensure your business's long-term success.

Build It Right: Legal Essentials Every Entrepreneur Should Know

Navigating the legal landscape is a crucial part of building and scaling a successful business. Join Mahoganey J. Hutt-Butler, an accomplished attorney and strategic business leader, for an insightful session on how to protect your business, structure it for success and position it for sustainable growth.

With extensive experience in corporate law, contract negotiation, intellectual property and business development, Mahoganey has advised entrepreneurs, startups and industry leaders on the legal strategies needed to thrive. In this session, she’ll break down key legal principles, from choosing the right business structure and protecting your intellectual property to drafting strong contracts and navigating compliance.

Whether you're launching a startup or scaling an existing business, this session will equip you with practical legal knowledge to safeguard your venture and set it up for long-term success. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and ask your most pressing legal questions!

AI Meets Marketing: Learn It, Leverage It, Lead with It

AI is changing the marketing game—are you ready to take advantage of it? Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing director, this action-packed, hands-on course will show you exactly how to leverage AI to streamline your marketing, create high-value content, and scale your business faster than ever before.

What You’ll Gain:

1. A Simple Copy & Paste Approach – Learn how anyone can use AI effectively with the right prompts and tools.
2. Speed to Market – Use AI to create marketing assets faster and drive growth.
3. Better AI Prompts = Better Results – Master the art of structuring AI prompts for maximum impact.
4. AI-Powered Campaigns – Organize and execute AI-driven marketing strategies for real-world success.
5. Essential Marketing Tools – Discover a suite of easy-to-use AI programs that simplify your workflow.

Ready to take control of AI and supercharge your marketing? Sign up today and start mastering AI for your business!

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Wine company to open tasting room in historic Howard County mill. Learn More

• This local neighborhood is one of America's 100 best-educated ZIPs. Learn More

• Cene Beauty LLC is having a Mother's Day Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, May 10th. Learn More

• Howard County launches Cyber Howard Accelerator for startup businesses. Learn More

• HCEDA recently launched the Small Business FLEX Program to give local businesses the support they need to succeed. Learn More