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

Cheers and Tacos: Local Favorites Celebrate Grand Openings

HCEDA was proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Albura Taqueria, the exciting new kitchen and dining expansion at Sapwood Cellars Brewery in Columbia.

After two years of planning, Sapwood has added kitchen space and expanded its taproom to offer a full food menu designed to pair perfectly with its creative beers. The expansion also allows for new food-focused events, including beer dinners and ingredient-sharing between the kitchen and brewery.

This project was supported through HCEDA’s Catalyst VLT Loan, helping bring the team’s vision to life and create new local jobs. Special thanks to County Executive Calvin Ball for supporting this local business—and congratulations to the Sapwood team on this exciting next chapter!

History Restored: Welcome Center Reopens in the Heart of Ellicott City

We are proud to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Welcome Center in Historic Ellicott City.

Unveiled last week during an official ribbon cutting ceremony, the restored space honors the architectural character and historical significance of the building while offering expanded visitor amenities and updated exhibit panels that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

This restoration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Howard County Government, State and Federal Officials, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), the Maryland Historical Trust, and the dedicated leadership of the Howard County Tourism Council, Inc., including its staff and board of directors.

We invite residents and visitors alike to experience the Welcome Center’s thoughtful transformation and explore the history, culture and community that make Historic Ellicott City so unique. The Welcome Center not only enhances the visitor experience—it also supports Main Street businesses by serving as a gateway to local shops, restaurants and attractions. While you're here, we encourage you to explore and support the small businesses that bring this town to life.

Bloom Around at Gill Hill Flower Farm

After more than a decade living in other places, Kristi Gill returned to her native Howard County in 2020, establishing Gill Hill Flower Farm and offering specially cut flowers for wholesale and retail by the stem, bunch or bucket. 

Gill believes in an eco-friendly approach. "I grow everything sustainably and without any chemical intervention whatsoever," she says. "The no-till and no pesticide methods used here are more environmentally friendly and beneficially for the soil, as well as the bees occupying our 40-plus hives."

Gill believes that the local movement is going to continue to grow, especially with costs of imported goods rising. Jessica Ayers, a flower subscription customer loves the farmland of Western Howard County. "Making a short trip to Gill Hill Flower Farm is a nice break from my workday once a week and I get to return home with a fresh bouquet to brighten my kitchen."

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

• The Lady E Foundation is Uplifting Communities with Purpose and Compassion. Learn More
  

• Howard County Department of Public Works to Host Community Outreach Meeting on Hanover Road Improvements Project. Learn More

• Family Fun and Excitement at the Howard County Fair! Learn More

• 3 people honored in Howard County after heroic rescue at Centennial Lake. Learn More

• 50 Places to take your kids this summer in Howard County! Learn More