From Orientation to Action: Welcoming Our Summer Interns

We are pleased to welcome our summer interns! After a successful orientation, these bright students will spend the coming weeks working at HCEDA and our MIC companies gaining practical experience and contributing valuable ideas. 

This program reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. By supporting youth today, we strengthen Howard County’s workforce and business community for the future. 

The internship will conclude with a group pitch competition on August 7, where interns will present what they’ve learned and accomplished this summer. 

SBA Loans Made Simple: Your First Step Toward Smart Business Financing

An SBA loan is a small business loan that can help cover startup costs, working capital needs, expansions, real estate purchases and so much more. This type of financing is provided by participating lenders, typically banks, and backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This guarantee reduces the risk for lenders, making it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need.

SBA loans are a great option for small business owners like you who are seeking affordable financing with favorable terms. Here’s why these loans provide a solid foundation for growth and stability:

• Lower Interest Rates: Because the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, lenders can offer lower interest rates than conventional loans, reducing the cost of borrowing for business owners.

• Longer Repayment Terms: SBA loans often come with longer repayment terms, which can help businesses manage their cash flow more effectively. 

• Lower Down Payments: SBA loans typically require lower down payments compared to conventional loans, making them more accessible to businesses with limited upfront capital.

• Support for Businesses with Limited Credit History: Startups or businesses with limited credit history may find it easier to qualify for an SBA loan due to the government guarantee.

• Guidance and Resources: The SBA doesn’t just provide loans; it also offers valuable resources and support, including mentoring andtraining programs to help businesses succeed.

Ready to see what your loan options are? Complete this quick and easy application to get started.

Celebrate July 4th with Fireworks, Food and Fun at Lakefront

Howard County Recreation & Parks, in partnership with the Columbia Association and the Merriweather Arts & Culture Center, invites the community to enjoy an evening of free entertainment, food, and fireworks at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront on Thursday, July 4.

"As we celebrate our nation and the opportunities we have, we are reminded of the importance of spending time with family and friends. Howard County’s time-honored tradition of spectacular fireworks in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia creates the perfect backdrop for gathering together in a beautiful and safe area. This year, as tens of thousands of residents and visitors make their way to the Columbia Lakefront, they can look forward to a bigger and better fireworks display, great musical entertainment, and plenty of food to keep you energized throughout the evening." — Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive

Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with live performances from The Sidleys and Dustbowl Revival. Bring a picnic or grab something from the on-site food trucks, then settle in for a spectacular fireworks display beginning at dusk (around 9:10–9:20 p.m.).

Is Your Website Pulling Its Weight? Boost Performance and Drive Real Results

Is your website working as hard as your sales team? Attend the virtual session and find out how to transform your website into a powerful lead-generating tool.

Discover actionable insights to attract more visitors, convert them into leads and drive revenue. Join Julie Davis, Hatrick Fractional CMO, as she shares practical strategies to improve user experience, SEO and lead capture mechanisms. As a bonus, learn how tools like the LeadGen Impact Score (LGI) can help pinpoint and address critical lead generation gaps in your website's performance.

What you’ll gain:

• Actionable Strategies: Practical strategies to optimize your website for immediate lead generation.

• Revenue Impact: A clear understanding of how improving UX, SEO and lead capture mechanisms directly impacts revenue.

• Growth Tools: Insights into how tools like the LGI Score can help your business identify opportunities for growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your website—and your business—to the next level!

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

• Howard County Executive Ball Seeks Community Advocates to Serve on Advisory Board on Consumer Protection. Learn More