Howard County Welcomes Canadian Cybersecurity Delegation

We were proud to host the Canadian Mini Expo Day at the Technology Advancement Center, bringing together local cyber firms, U.S. officials and 13 innovative Canadian companies led by the Embassy of Canada.

From Feroot GRC to Lastwall Networks and F8th Inc., the event spotlighted cutting-edge solutions and cross-border collaboration.

This builds on our trade mission to Canada and partnership with the Niagara Innovation Hub—where TechRyde is now joining our Global Gateway program at the Maryland Innovation Center.

Howard County continues to grow as a hub for cybersecurity innovation, international partnerships and economic opportunity. 

New Flavors, New Opportunities: Elliott’s Craft Kitchen Opens Its Doors

We were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Elliott’s Craft Kitchen in Columbia! The event brought together community members, local leaders and partners to welcome this exciting new addition to Restaurant Park, part of the area’s ongoing redevelopment.

Elliott’s Craft Kitchen also joins our newly designated Enterprise Zone, helping drive local investment, job creation and community growth. Owner Ryan Fichter, a Columbia native and Wilde Lake High School graduate, leads the team in bringing this exciting new concept to the community. Congratulations to the Elliott’s team on this exciting new chapter!

Launch Your Cybersecurity Startup in the Nation’s Innovation Hotspot

Are you ready to take your cybersecurity startup from concept to commercialization? The Cyber Howard Accelerator is now accepting applications for its next cohort.

This 12-week program provides everything early-stage cybersecurity companies need to build a strong foundation for growth — from expert mentorship and product development support to direct connections with investors, government agencies and defense industry leaders.

Why Apply?

• Learn from top cybersecurity, business and investment professionals

• Gain hands-on guidance in scaling operations and refining market strategy

• Access testing environments, compliance expertise and strategic coaching

• Prepare for investor engagement, contract procurement and market expansion

The next cohort begins October 15, 2025. Applications close October 08, 2025.

Showcase Your Business at Howard County’s Premier Resource Expo

We’re looking for industrial firms and professional service providers to showcase their businesses at the semi-annual Howard County Business Resource Expo on October 23, 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Maryland Innovation Center (6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046). 

Complete with food trucks, door prizes and breakout sessions on relevant business subjects, this event is a prime opportunity to: 

• Connect with 200+ local business leaders and decision-makers

• Highlight your company alongside 30+ exhibiting resource partners

• Position your business as a go-to service provider in the community

Acceptable industries include: manufacturing, industrial, engineering, IT/cybersecurity, logistics/supply chain, commercial construction/trades, agriculture, professional services (legal, accounting, consulting), government contracting, technology/innovation and business-focused nonprofits.

PLEASE NOTE: Retail, service merchants, beauty and wellness industries are not eligible.

Showcase Fee:
$75 – Businesses
$50 – Nonprofits

Space is limited so reserve your spot today and put your company in front of the right audience! Deadline to apply is Friday, September 12, 2025.  

Pumpkins, Pups and Fall Fun at Sharp’s Farm

Located in Brookeville, Sharp’s at Waterford Farm is a family-owned agritourism destination celebrating the fall season with pumpkin patches, pick-your-own experiences, a charming country store and weekend events. Each year, families and school groups visit to enjoy the vibrant autumn atmosphere and hands-on agricultural experiences.

We celebrate farms like Sharp’s for bringing the community together through seasonal fun, agricultural education and memorable fall festivities, helping preserve Howard County’s rich farming heritage while creating lasting family memories.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• The Columbia Maryland Film Festival 2025 is officially underway, with screenings taking place at the Maryland Innovation Center. Learn More

• The Cyber Howard Accelerator is now accepting applications for its next cohort through October 8th. Learn More

• Leadership Howard County named three new board members: Michael Ingram, Dara Knobel Lutz and Sherri Collins-Witzke. Learn More

• Maryland SBDC Statewide has published Septembers Training Events, open to everyone interested in learning about entrepreneurship. Learn More