From Farm to Experience:

New Zoning Rules Expand Agritourism in Howard County

Howard County has approved new zoning regulations that open the door for expanded agritourism and agribusiness activity across the county, giving farmers more flexibility to grow their operations while preserving rural character.

Signed into law by County Executive Calvin Ball, CB74-2025 (ZRA-217) modernizes outdated land-use rules and creates clearer pathways for farm-based experiences. The updates allow for expanded agritourism events, small-scale agritourism, additional uses for farm alcohol producers, rural event spaces, incidental outdoor stays, and farm-based bed-and-breakfasts tied directly to agricultural activity.

These changes strengthen Howard County’s agritourism economy by helping farms diversify income, attract visitors, and remain financially sustainable. At the same time, they create new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience local farms, products, and rural destinations firsthand.

With more than 300 farms countywide and a growing focus on preserving farmland, the legislation aligns economic development with agricultural preservation. By reducing barriers and clarifying regulations, Howard County is supporting innovation on farms while reinforcing agriculture as a vital part of the local economy.

The updated zoning framework reflects years of collaboration between farmers, county leadership, and economic development partners and positions Howard County as a leader in supporting agritourism as a long-term economic driver.

Cyber Howard Accelerator Dives into What Investors Want to See

The Cyber Howard Accelerator cohort recently gathered for a hands-on session focused on The Five-Slide Pitch Deck, led by Ron Gula, co-founder of Tenable and managing director of Gula Tech Adventures.

Drawing from his experience building Tenable and investing in cybersecurity and national security startups, Ron shared what investors actually look for in early-stage pitches. The discussion emphasized clarity, strong storytelling, and keeping presentations concise while clearly communicating the problem, solution, market opportunity, and traction.

Founders left with practical guidance to sharpen their messaging and approach investor conversations with greater confidence.

Applications for the next Cyber Howard Accelerator cohort will be reviewed beginning January 15, and early submissions are encouraged.

Maryland MedTech Leaders Connect at the Maryland Innovation Center

Maryland’s medtech community gathered at the Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia for a Maryland MedTech Meetup, hosted by our team and the Maryland Department of Commerce.

This invite-only session brought together medical device and digital health leaders for meaningful conversation, peer connection, and a shared look at the issues shaping Maryland’s life sciences ecosystem. Over coffee and a light breakfast, founders and executives exchanged insights, compared notes, and strengthened the relationships that keep this sector moving forward.

Thank you to Brad Gillenwater and the Maryland Department of Commerce for continuing to convene these valuable meetups and to everyone who joined us to help build a more connected, innovative medtech community here in Howard County and across the state.

Bringing Howard County Together for a New Year Celebration

We are hosting the annual New Year celebration for HCEDA partners and friends, business owners, entrepreneurs, and those who wish to do business with them. This event will be at The Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Columbia and feature a gourmet menu and open bar.

Join us for an evening of networking, fine food, full bar, and jazz. The menu includes lobster tails, crab cakes, beef short ribs and pork osso bucco. The band is none other than Unified Jazz Ensemble, innovative performers of jazz standards and original compositions.

Interested in sponsoring this extraordinary event? Reach out to us at mhaltmeyer@hceda.org to learn more and take advantage of this opportunity.

Strengthen Your Financial Foundation with the BRITE Core: Finance Series

Financial uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges early-stage founders face. The BRITE Core: Finance Series was built to change that. This three-part workshop gives entrepreneurs the clarity and tools they need to understand their numbers, strengthen their financial foundation, and make confident decisions about growth.

Through plain-language instruction and real-world examples, participants learn the essential metrics behind a healthy business, including runway, margins, burn rate, MRR, ARR, cost per lead, and cost per acquisition. The series also provides a simple weekly dashboard and guidance that supports smarter choices around pricing, hiring, and long-term strategy.

The BRITE Core: Finance Series helps founders take control of their finances and build a business that’s ready to scale.

HoCo Higher Accelerator Helps Early-Stage Founders Build Momentum

Early-stage entrepreneurship comes with no shortage of pressure. The HoCo Higher Accelerator is designed to remove uncertainty from the process and give founders a clear, practical path forward.

This 10-week accelerator supports entrepreneurs earning $0–$150K in annual revenue who are ready to move beyond ideas and into execution. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, and weekly milestones, participants focus on validating their business models, strengthening strategy, and building toward sustainable growth.

Each cohort features refreshed content and a new lineup of instructors with real-world experience across marketing, sales, finance, legal, tax, funding, and customer discovery. Sessions are intentionally practical, giving founders tools they can apply immediately to their businesses.

Hosted in a collaborative environment, the HoCo Higher Accelerator also provides founders with peer connections and consistent accountability throughout the program. Meals are provided at each session, creating space for informal conversation and relationship-building alongside structured learning.

Celebrate the Season with Local Flavor at Mary’s Land Farm

This holiday season, Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City offers a meaningful way to shop local while supporting sustainable agriculture.

Located on 160 acres, Mary’s Land Farm is a regenerative, certified organic farm producing fresh fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, eggs, dairy, and value-added products. Their mission centers on healing the land, nourishing the community, and connecting people to where their food comes from.

A seasonal highlight is the farm’s indoor Winter Farmers Market, held every Saturday in the tropical greenhouse through early spring. The family-friendly market features local vendors, specialty foods, and handmade goods, making it a great stop for last-minute holiday gifts. The on-farm store is also stocked with farm-fresh eggs, grass-fed A2A2 milk, organic raw milk cheeses, and locally made fermented foods.

HCEDA is proud to support farms like Mary’s Land that combine sustainable farming, education, and agritourism to strengthen Howard County’s local food economy—especially during the holiday season.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Launches 5th Annual 2025 Holiday Lights Map. Learn More

• SBA Relief Still Available to Maryland Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Drought. Learn More
  

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Unveils the County has Achieved Platinum Status for its Transformational Solar Leadership from SolSmart. Learn More
• “Merry Mulch” Your Holiday Trees from December 26th Through January 17th. Learn More