IronCircle Chooses Howard County for New AI Cybersecurity Headquarters

We are excited to welcome IronCircle to Howard County. IronCircle just established their new headquarters in the Merriweather District. IronCircle is a leading AI-powered cybersecurity training platform for individuals, universities, and enterprises. The 12,000-square-foot facility represents a major investment in Maryland’s cybersecurity industry and is expected to bring more than 200 jobs to the county as IronCircle relocates its AI cybersecurity workforce platform from Florida to Maryland. 

Step Into the Spotlight at The Pumpkin Pitch

The Maryland Innovation Center is calling on entrepreneurs and early-stage companies to apply for The Pumpkin Pitch, a high-energy competition showcasing the region’s most promising startups. This is your opportunity to gain exposure, connect with investors and community leaders and compete for up to $5,000 in cash prizes.

Finalists will deliver a five-minute pitch followed by a three-minute Q&A before a panel of judges and a live audience. You’ll gain valuable feedback, forge new connections and hone your pitch in a supportive, high-impact environment.

The application deadline has been extended to August 22, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to take the stage, tell your story and compete for funding that can help propel your business forward.

HCEDA and MIC Interns Shine in Youth Biz Series Pitch Contest

We wrapped up the inaugural Youth Biz Series with an inspiring pitch contest that put young talent front and center. The event featured our Howard County Economic Development Authority and Maryland Innovation Center interns, ages 16–24, who spent five weeks exploring the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through workshops, expert panels, and real-world business challenges. The program culminated in interns presenting their own business concepts to a panel of judges—showcasing creativity, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The top three winners were recognized for their innovative ideas:

• 1st Place – Group 4: Access to Skilled Trades
  Members: Aanya Contractor, Gabrielle Chevalier, Maaz Riaz, Ryan Garrus

• 2nd Place – Group 2: Revitalizing Historic Districts
  Members: Brian Hammond, Carmen Hollywood, Madihu Yarmah, Mahira Rahman, Mercy Bowen

• 3rd Place – Group 1: Youth in Cyber Workforce
  Members: Ari Bryant, Ian Drummond, Mahathi Kuppireddy, Rohan Warrier

With the passion and ideas shared in last week’s pitch, the future of entrepreneurship in Howard County is bright.

Shop Local. Earn Rewards. Strengthen Our Community.

Howard County is proud to announce the official launch of the Open Rewards app—a new, innovative program that rewards you for supporting local businesses. Shoppers will now earn 5% cash back every time they make a purchase at participating small businesses in the county. From family-run shops and local restaurants to specialty retailers and service providers, your everyday purchases can now earn you rewards that can be redeemed at other local favorites.

The Open Rewards program is a key part of our Local HoCo campaign, an initiative focused on elevating the small businesses that make our community vibrant, diverse and resilient. With a $200,000 investment from our FY25 budget, we're working to drive foot traffic, boost visibility and strengthen the economic foundation of our local economy.

The launch of Open Rewards coincides with Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks, taking place August 11–24. It’s a perfect pairing—dine at participating restaurants, enjoy limited-time menus and seasonal specials and earn rewards while you do it. Whether you’re exploring new spots or revisiting familiar favorites, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of Howard County while directly supporting its local business community.

Download the Open Rewards app today and start earning: https://www.bludot.io/rewards 

Celebrate the End of Summer in Style— Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon!

Summer’s almost officially over, but the fun is just beginning! Mark your calendars for the HCEDA End of Summer Bash on September 09 at Merriweather Lakehouse hotel.

This isn’t just another networking event – it’s a celebration! We’re bringing together the Howard County business community for an evening of laughter, connections and unforgettable memories. Unwind and connect with fellow business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals in a relaxed and vibrant setting. Enjoy mouthwatering cuisine and sip on refreshing cocktails crafted by the talented team at Merriweather Lakehouse as we say goodbye to summer in style.

Whether you’re looking to make new business connections or simply want to enjoy a fun evening out, the HCEDA End of Summer Bash is the place to be. If you attended our Jazzy New Year event, you know we go all out. This time, we're taking it up a notch. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable celebration as we bid farewell to summer in style!

Let Us Come to You: October BAW Business Visits Now Open

Each fall, in partnership with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, we lead a countywide initiative to visit local businesses and hear directly from the people powering our economy. Joined by elected officials and community partners, we conduct one-hour visits to your business location to learn about your successes, challenges and what you need to thrive. We also offer alternative meeting locations for home-based businesses.

Why Sign Up?

• Showcase your business to county and community leaders and stakeholders

• Share feedback that helps shape future support and services

• Build relationships with economic development professionals

All Howard County businesses – large, small, new and established – are encouraged to participate

Space is limited, so register today! Registration will close on Friday, September 12,2025.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Maryland Global Consulting Program is relaunching this fall, beginning the week of September 22. Learn More
  

• Three Howard County schools have made The Top 25 High Schools in Maryland for 2025-26: U.S. News & World Report. Learn More

• The Fall 2025 Hiring Event on October 23 invites employers to connect with talented job seekers from the Autism Hiring Program. Learn More

• App offers cash back to Howard County diners during restaurant weeks. Learn More

• Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Howard County! Learn More