A Bold Leap: Former Federal Employee Launches AI Startup with MIC

Just two weeks after leaving her 12-year career at the FDA, Dr. Carla Bailey launched International Institute of Technology Education and Leadership, a startup using generative AI to revolutionize education, training and operations.

Now, with the support of the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC), she’s already gaining traction—backed by expert mentorship, statewide resources and a community designed to help early-stage businesses grow.

“It’s been a short time, but we’ve already received so much support,” Dr. Bailey shared. “I really feel like this is going to happen—it’s going to be successful.”

From Maryland to the World: Howard County at SelectUSA

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest-profile event in the U.S. for promoting business investment and connecting international companies with American opportunities. As part of the Maryland delegation, Howard County joined leaders from around the world to showcase why our region is a premier destination for foreign direct investment.

Our focus was on Howard County’s unique advantages—including a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem, a strategic location between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and globally competitive industries like technology, life sciences and agritech. We also promoted the Maryland Global Gateway program, which helps international companies enter the U.S. market through a soft-landing experience.

In addition to participating at the Maryland Department of Commerce booth—alongside economic development partners from Montgomery, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Harford and Charles counties and the Greater Baltimore Committee—we hosted our own SelectUSA Spinoff event here in Howard County. The visit gave international companies an opportunity to get a firsthand look at Howard County and the region.

From Pop-Ups to a Permanent Home: AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe

What began in 2020 as a home-based bakery is now a thriving local success story. We are proud to celebrate the grand opening of AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe at its brand-new storefront at 6945 Oakland Mills Road  in Columbia.

AppleCore has grown from rented kitchen spaces and festival booths into an award-winning bakery known for its passion, creativity and unforgettable flavors. With fan favorites like lemon blueberry lavender pound cake, vegan apple brandy bread pudding and gluten-free hopscotch cookies, each item is handmade with love and premium ingredients.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Aisha and Kevin on this exciting milestone. Their story is a testament to the power of dedication, community and craft.

Smyth Jewelers Shines in Ellicott City with Grand Opening

We were pleased to join in celebrating the grand opening of Smyth Jewelers’ newest location at Turf Valley Towne Square in Ellicott City. With more than a century of excellence in fine jewelry, Smyth has built a lasting reputation as a family-owned business grounded in quality, service and community.

McCabe Insurance Associates Celebrates Four Decades of Service

We were proud to join McCabe Insurance Associates in celebrating an outstanding milestone—40 years of service to families and businesses throughout our community. Since its founding in 1985, McCabe has earned a reputation as a trusted, independent firm committed to delivering personalized insurance solutions and lasting peace of mind.

With four decades of dedication, McCabe continues to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and client-focused care. Their commitment to protecting what matters most has made a meaningful impact in Howard County and across the region.

Get a Front Row Seat to the Future of Cybersecurity

We invite you to join us for the upcoming Market Pulse Pitch on May 20, an exciting event where emerging cybersecurity and technology companies will present to a distinguished panel of expert judges. This is your opportunity to witness the next generation of innovation and connect with leaders shaping the future.

Tickets are now available and selling quickly. We encourage you to reserve your seat today

Power Down, Plan Ahead: Prepare Your Business for Utility Disruptions

Join us for a critical information session designed to help business owners prepare for unexpected utility outages that can disrupt operations. Whether it’s a prolonged power failure, water outage or HVAC system disruption, this session will provide practical strategies and expert insights to help you develop a proactive response plan.

This session is part of a business resilience workshop series in partnership with the Howard County Office of Emergency Management. Each session features subject matter experts providing guidance, resources, and action plans for various disaster preparedness topics, including cyber threats, flood risks, and emergency response.

Don’t wait for an emergency to strike—get prepared today!

Success on Your Terms—Join the Women’s Catalyst Circle

Join us for a transformative Women’s Catalyst Circle designed to foster community, connection, and personal growth. This interactive experience is all about celebrating successes, redefining what success means for us today, and committing to bold action that propels us forward.

As founders, leaders and businesswomen, we often don’t take the time to reflect on our progress or embrace new definitions of success that align with where we are now. This session will challenge us to redefine our goals, embrace our growth, and take courageous action toward our aspirations—with the support of a like-minded community.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Don't miss our newest programming: From Federal Employee to Franchise Owner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Business. Learn More

• Vote for the Best of Howard 2025 Readers’ Choice awards. Learn More

• Columbia has been named one of Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live. Learn More

• HCEDA is inviting local artists to exhibit their work in our Accelerator Space at the Kenneth S Ulman Innovation Hub. Learn More