The Market at Caplan’s Brings New Life to Historic Ellicott City

Howard County celebrated another milestone in the revitalization of Historic Ellicott City with the grand opening of The Market at Caplan’s on Main Street.

Located inside one of Ellicott City’s most beloved landmarks, The Market at Caplan’s has been restored and reimagined as a local goods incubator and marketplace supporting artisans, small businesses, and makers from across Howard County. The market will be overseen by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), ensuring that it continues to serve as a launchpad for local entrepreneurship and creative enterprise.

The project is part of the County’s Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan, an ongoing initiative to preserve the town’s historic character while creating new opportunities for economic growth and community engagement. The Market will operate Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a curated mix of locally crafted products and seasonal specialties.

Learn more about the revitalization of Historic Ellicott City and the Safe and Sound Plan here.

For business inquiries or to learn more about vendor opportunities, please contact economicedge@hceda.org. 

Maryland’s Strength Takes the Stage in Houston

The Maryland Collective showed up in full force in Houston, joining thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to spotlight why Maryland stands out as one of the most equitable, robust, and competitive economies in the nation. It was great to participate alongside the Howard County Executive’s Office, representing our region’s leadership and innovation on a national stage.

As part of the event, our CEO Jennifer Jones joined the panel discussion “The Power of Place: Why Maryland,” alongside Mark Lawrence, Managing Partner of Inncuvate; Dr. Tammira Lucas, Founder of The Cube; Shelonda Stokes, President of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore; and Gueter Aurelien, Partner at Venable LLP. The discussion explored how strategic funding, strong resource networks, and cross-sector collaboration are helping founders thrive within Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.

The Maryland Collective’s presence underscored the state’s unified commitment to advancing technology, supporting entrepreneurship, and building partnerships that fuel growth on a global scale.

CEO Accelerator: Turn Planning into Progress and Vision into Growth

Most businesses plateau not because of lack of effort, but because of lack of planning, process, and systems. Learn alongside other growth-stage CEOs to learn how to shift from operator to strategic leader:

What's covered in this 2-day intensive program:

• Financial systems that give you control over your capital

• Operational processes that work without you micromanaging

• A strategic growth plan designed for practical execution

If your business is ready to grow beyond you, it’s time to accelerate.

Smashing Success: Capital Badminton Academy Opens in Columbia

We were proud to celebrate the grand opening of Capital Badminton Academy in Columbia, coinciding with the start of the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Team Badminton Championships.

The event brought together more than 300 collegiate athletes from across the region, showcasing Howard County’s continued mission to ignite innovation, unleash progress, and build a community where people can live, work, and play.

Capital Badminton’s investment in Howard County demonstrates the strength of our local economy and the growing importance of businesses that foster wellness, connection, and opportunity. More than a new sports facility, it represents a space where health, community, and entrepreneurship intersect — strengthening the fabric of our region.

Global Gateway Welcomes Coodsynergyn

to the Maryland Innovation Center

Through our Global Gateway program, at the Maryland Innovation Center, Howard County continues to strengthen international ties and open new pathways for innovation, investment, and growth.

We’re proud to welcome Coodsynergyn Oil West Africa Ltd (Nigeria) to our growing global business community. Coodsynergyn is a leading energy solutions provider specializing in premium lubricants and oil products for industrial and automotive applications. With a strong foundation in West Africa’s energy sector, the company is now expanding into North America to enhance its distribution network and build partnerships in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and green energy transitions.

By establishing its U.S. presence through Howard County, Coodsynergyn gains access to a thriving ecosystem of innovators, manufacturers, and sustainability-focused organizations — all supported by HCEDA’s mission to foster global collaboration and economic growth.

New Mentors Strengthen Innovation at the Maryland Innovation Center

Big things are happening at the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) as mentorship takes on a new meaning. This fall, the MIC welcomed a dynamic group of Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) and Advisors who bring decades of leadership experience across technology, finance, law, marketing, and business strategy. Their collective mission is simple; to help founders transform ideas into scalable companies that strengthen Howard County’s innovation ecosystem.

Through one-on-one coaching, strategic guidance, and community connections, these mentors play a vital role in helping entrepreneurs navigate complex business challenges. They ask tough questions, open doors, and empower leaders to make confident, informed decisions that drive sustainable growth.

This next chapter of mentorship at the MIC reflects our broader mission at HCEDA — to build an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration flourishes, and every entrepreneur has the tools to succeed.

Wheeler Farm’s Winter CSA Connects Residents with Local Food

As Howard County looks ahead to the new year, the Wheeler Farm in Dayton is preparing for its Winter CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, running January 14 through March 6.

A CSA is a mutual partnership between farmers and community members. Consumers purchase seasonal “shares” of farm products — essentially a subscription for fresh, local food — while supporting the farmer with predictable income during the growing season.

At Wheeler Farm, those shares include eggs, meats, and honey produced through regenerative and holistic land management. As a multigenerational family farm, Wheeler combines agricultural heritage with sustainable practices that nurture the land, strengthen local food systems, and promote community wellness.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Releases Statement on Prolonged Federal Government Shutdown. Learn More
• Voices for Manufacturing Community Conversations Between Manufacturers and State Legislators in Howard County is November 17th. Learn More
• 20-year-old franchisee to open pizza chain's first Howard County spot. Learn More
• Howard County hosting countywide food collection drive in response to disruption of SNAP benefits. Learn More
• Howard County announces new veterans initiatives beyond traditional recognition. Learn More
• The Comptroller of Maryland published the State of the Economy Series: Housing & the Economy. providing a full analysis of factors influencing Maryland's economy. Learn More
• Business leaders are invited to provide input, network, and learn about sustainability projects and opportunities at the Maryland Climate Forward Forum on November 12.  Learn More