How Edge Golf Teed Up Success with HCEDA’s Catalyst Loan

When Paul Maurer founded Edge Golf, he set out to do more than sell golf gear — he wanted to change how people play, learn and enjoy the game year-round. Turning that vision into a thriving local business took passion, planning and the right support at the right time.

Through our Catalyst VLT Loan, Edge Golf secured flexible funding to invest in top-tier simulators and create a high-quality indoor training space for golfers of all levels. This early financial boost helped Edge Golf expand operations, hire staff and build a community around the sport — proving the power of trusted local partnerships.

Edge Golf is just one example of how HCEDA’s financing programs, including the Catalyst VLT Loan, LIFT Microloan and FLEX Line of Credit, help businesses grow with confidence.

Where Enchantment Meets Agriculture: Discover Clark’s Elioak Farm

Located in the heart of Howard County, Clark’s Elioak Farm is a magical destination that brings history, agriculture and family fun together. Home to the enchanting remnants of the original Enchanted Forest theme park, the farm offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane — along with gem mining, a petting farm, pony rides, fresh produce and seasonal events like pumpkin picking.

Clark’s Elioak Farm exemplifies how Howard County farms can grow by diversifying their offerings and creating unforgettable experiences for the community.

Thanks to the guidance and resources provided by our team, farms like Clark’s can continue to innovate, attract new visitors and preserve the rural charm that makes our county so special. From land use support and marketing initiatives to connections with local food networks, the HCEDA is proud to support agribusinesses across the region.

Connect and Learn: Fundraising Strategies for MedTech Innovators

In partnership with Amplify MedTech and the Fischell Institute, we are pleased to invite innovators, investors and industry leaders to the upcoming MedTech Mixer: A Candid Talk on MedTech Fundraising at the Maryland Innovation Center.

This special networking event will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from experienced investors and successful founders about the realities of fundraising in the MedTech sector. The evening will feature a fireside chat offering practical guidance on securing investment, overcoming common challenges and positioning companies for sustainable growth.

This event is free to attend and is designed to spark ideas, foster new collaborations and support growth across the region’s health technology ecosystem.

Grow Boldly: Join Us for a Hands-On Business Growth Event

Join us for a special event designed for government contracting startups and small business leaders developing tech-enabled products and solutions.

Spend a half day gaining valuable insights, practical guidance and new connections to help your business grow. Features Panels include:

• Own your Hours: Prioritizing time investments that fuel growth and balance

• Build your Dream Team: Choosing the right collaborators to amplify your mission

• Partner with Purpose: Navigating strategic relationships that accelerate results

• Mentor & be Mentored: Cultivating high-impact, two-way relationships

• Lead the Climb: Smart strategies to scale your business

Get Recommended by AI: How to Make ChatGPT Work for You

ChatGPT has quickly become a go-to resource for consumers looking for information. But how can you make sure your product or service gets recommended by AI?

Join us for this virtual evening session at 5:30 PM, where we’ll explore how ChatGPT and other AI tools are changing the way people search for and discover products and services. We’ll break down the impact of AI on search behavior and share practical, easy-to-apply strategies to optimize your content and improve your chances of being suggested.

If you're eager to increase the likelihood of your product or service appearing when people ask AI for recommendations, this session is for you!

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• New to the HoCo Chamber or thinking about joining? The new member orientation on July 31st is the perfect place to start. Learn More

• Howard County and Baltimore Woo International Delegates, Showcase Economic Growth and Infrastructure Advancements. Learn More

• Howard County Issues a Heat Alert in Response to High Temperatures. Learn More

• Howard County Department of Planning & Zoning Releases Gateway Master Plan Public Draft for Review. Learn More

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Maryland’s First Green Zone Certified Park at Savage Park. Learn More

• Spotlight On Maryland-Howard County Library System. Learn More