A Year of Growth and Community Impact in Howard County

This past year, we strengthened Howard County’s economy through collaboration, innovation, and action. Together with our partners, we delivered 57 attraction, retention, and expansion wins, securing more than $118 million in capital investment and creating nearly 1,000 new jobs. 

We expanded our business development verticals to better serve every sector—cybersecurity, life sciences, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality—and launched new initiatives like the FLEX Line of Credit and the Cyber Howard Accelerator to help small and emerging businesses grow. 

At the Maryland Innovation Center, membership grew by 45%, with 660 entrepreneurs now part of a thriving ecosystem generating $34 million in revenue and $24.7 million in payroll, more than half of which goes to Howard County residents. 

From agriculture innovation grants to global trade missions, from Route 1 revitalization to data-driven insights, we continue to move forward—driven by purpose, guided by collaboration, and focused on results. 

From Federal Service to Founder: Make Your Next Mission Your Own

Transitioning from federal service to entrepreneurship takes courage, clarity, and the right support. Our upcoming session, From Fed to Founder: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Leap on November 20, is designed to help current and former federal employees turn their experience into business success.

Discover how to translate your federal skills into marketable strengths, test business ideas with confidence, and access funding and resources to launch or grow your venture.

And on December 10, don’t miss The Future of GovCon: Navigating Change and Seizing Opportunity, exploring how federal contractors can adapt and thrive in a changing landscape.

Global Gateway: RealWeb Expands from Ireland to Howard County

The Maryland Innovation Center’s Global Gateway program continues to attract international innovators ready to grow in the U.S. market—and Ireland-based RealWeb is the latest to join that momentum.

Founded on a mission to help businesses thrive online, RealWeb delivers data-driven digital marketing and web development solutions that strengthen visibility, performance, and growth. From strategic branding and website design to advanced analytics and e-commerce enablement, RealWeb helps clients transform their digital presence into measurable success.

Through its participation in the Global Gateway program, RealWeb is establishing its U.S. footprint right here in Howard County. The team is exploring new partnerships in digital innovation, software development, and e-commerce, connecting with Maryland’s robust network of entrepreneurs and tech leaders.

Oversea Distillery Expands Spirit Offerings with Catalyst Loan

Wang Dong, founder of Oversea Distillery, is bringing the flavors of China to Howard County through his innovative distilling operation. With support from a $500,000 Catalyst Loan from the Howard County Economic Development Authority, his team has rapidly scaled operations to produce an impressive portfolio of beverages, including bourbon, vodka, sake, and ready-to-drink cocktails. 

Oversea Distillery ranks second in Maryland for production capacity and product variety—and it's still growing. Wang Dong shares his experience navigating permits and startup costs, with a special thanks to HCEDA for helping make the process efficient and effective. With the Catalyst Loan, he was able to fund packaging operations, increase output, and begin expanding his reach to local vending and future international exports. 

Oversea isn’t just producing beverages—it’s bridging cultures, supporting local economic development, and putting Howard County on the global map. From local shelves to future exports across Europe and Asia, the journey is just beginning. 

Building Teams That Last: Meet Carrie Roder

Carrie is a Human Resources executive with 25+ years of experience helping startups and growth-stage companies build scalable HR operations. She has successfully navigated organizations through rapid growth, mergers, acquisitions, and workforce transitions, all while building systems that keep people at the center.

What Carrie can do for you: If you’re building a team, Carrie can guide you in creating HR infrastructure, benefits strategies, and compliance systems that not only protect your business but also attract and retain talent.

Purpose at MIC: To help founders create resilient, people-focused companies with the culture and structure to thrive.

TLV Tree Farm: Howard County Tradition Rooted in Family and Community

Nestled in Glenelg, TLV Tree Farm is a family farm that has become a holiday favorite for generations of Howard County families. Known for its warm hospitality and commitment to quality, TLV offers fresh-cut Christmas trees and turkeys starting November 22, along with grass-fed beef, pork, and a year-round farm market stocked with local goods.

From festive holiday visits and photo-worthy tree hunts to CSA pickups and community events, TLV Tree Farm blends heritage, sustainability, and innovation—keeping local agriculture thriving while creating lasting memories for families.

The Howard County Economic Development Authority is proud to support farms like TLV that honor tradition while embracing modern, community-driven farming.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• The Maryland Women’s Business Center is excited to announce that MWBC Shop Local is seeking new vendors to join our retail incubators! Learn More

• 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
• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Launches Impactful ‘Pocket Pantry’ Partnership. Learn More
• Community fridges have arrived in Howard County. Here’s where to find them. Learn More