From Innovation to Execution:

Strengthening Howard County’s GovCon Pipeline

Congratulations to the most recent Hutch GovCon Cohort and the two Howard County companies selected to participate, Gen Y Technologies and DataSys. Their participation reflects the strength of Howard County’s growing GovCon ecosystem and the commitment of local companies to continue building expertise, partnerships, and competitive advantage in the federal marketplace.

Thank you to Hutch for your partnership. 

From Idea to Revenue:

Building Strong Foundations for Early-Stage Founders

If you're an early-stage founder, you’ve felt the pressure: You have the idea. You have the motivation. You may even have early traction. But turning that into a structured, revenue-generating business still feels overwhelming. The HoCo Higher Accelerator was built to change that.

This 10-week cohort program supports idea-stage and early-stage founders earning $0–$150K in annual revenue. Through expert-led workshops, hands-on activities, and weekly progress-building, you'll learn how to lay the foundation for a business that can grow.

Every session features a different instructor bringing real-world expertise in marketing, sales, finance, legal, tax, funding, customer discovery, and more.

Present with Confidence: The BRITE Core Pitch & Present Series

If you’re a founder or small business owner, you already know how important it is to clearly communicate your business—whether to customers, partners, lenders, or investors. But turning your ideas into a compelling pitch deck and delivering it with confidence can feel overwhelming.

The BRITE Core: Pitch & Present Series is a practical 3-part workshop designed to help you build a strong pitch deck, articulate your story, and present it effectively. You’ll learn the essentials of pitch structure, refine your delivery skills, and get real practice presenting your deck—all with guidance that meets you where you are.

Sessions will be held on January 21, January 28, and February 4 from 5:30 PM–7:00 PM.

Elevate Your Next Event at the Maryland Innovation Center

Looking for a professional, flexible space to host your next meeting, workshop, or conference? The Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) offers modern event and meeting space in the heart of Howard County, designed to support productive collaboration, innovation, and connection.

MIC’s state-of-the-art facilities feature high-speed connectivity, cutting-edge presentation technology, and adaptable room layouts to accommodate everything from small brainstorming sessions to large corporate and community events.

Conveniently located with easy access for local and out-of-town attendees, MIC provides a central gathering place for businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community partners. 

Kick Off the New Year with Our Community

We are hosting our annual New Year celebration for HCEDA partners and friends, business owners, entrepreneurs, and those who wish to do business with them. 

Join us as we kick off the new year. 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.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Maryland Women’s Business Center Recognized as 2026 National WBC of Excellence. Learn More
  
• On Jan. 22nd the Autism Hiring Program is hosting the Different Brains Strong Teams webinar featuring Zosia Zaks, Ph.D. Learn More
• Applications are now open for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy.
• Howard County Planning Board Recommends Approval of Long Reach Village Center Preliminary Development Plan. Learn More