Black History Month: 100 Years of Recognizing Innovation and Impact 

As we begin Black History Month in 2026, marking 100 years of honoring Black history in the United States, we celebrate the innovation, leadership, and economic impact of Black-owned businesses shaping Howard County’s future.

That impact is real and growing. At the Maryland Innovation Center, 33% of founders identify as Black, reflecting the talent, creativity, and leadership driving our local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Throughout February, we’ll highlight Black excellence, share resources, and invest in opportunities that help businesses grow and thrive. We’re also bringing the community together to connect, support, and spotlight Black entrepreneurs through two signature events:

Black Business Connect | February 26: networking, resources, and meaningful connections

Black Business Bazaar | February 28: shop, support, and celebrate Black-owned businesses

From Homebrewing to Community Hub:

How Sapwood Cellars Grew with Local Support

About seven years ago, the founders of Sapwood Cellars left their corporate careers to turn a passion for homebrewing into a business. Like many entrepreneurs, they started by self-funding, taking calculated risks, and learning as they went.

When it came time to expand and add a kitchen, the costs added up quickly and traditional financing options made growth harder to manage. That’s when we were able to step in. Through the Catalyst loan, we helped provide flexible financing and practical support so the business could move forward with confidence.

Along the way, we also supported early visibility and community connection as the business opened and grew. Adding the kitchen changed everything. It created a more welcoming, family-friendly space and helped keep local spending right here in Howard County. 

BRITE Programming: Build a Sales and Marketing Pipeline That Works

Doing “more” isn’t the answer. Doing the right things, in the right order, is. That’s why we are bringing together two BRITE opportunities designed to help your build a sales and marketing pipeline.

BRITE: Marketing 101 Series | February 12

This three-part series will teach you how to define your ideal customer, create content and lead magnets that bring in the right leads, and build a simple nurture system that converts into sales.

Sales Summit 2026: Driving Revenue in a New Economy | February 19

The Sales Summit brings together real-world insights from CEOs, practical strategies for today’s sales environment, and connections to referral partners.

Where Maryland’s Fastest-Growing Startups Take the Spotlight

If you care about where innovation is heading in Maryland, this is the room to be in. Lock in early pricing of just $25 before it ends tomorrow.

The Pitch and Mingle Series: Investor Showcase brings founders to the stage to showcase their startups and connect directly with angel investors and ecosystem leaders. The evening blends high-energy product demos with authentic networking and peer learning.

This event also marks the first incubator collaboration between the Maryland Innovation Center, BWTech, and FITCI, bringing three leading innovation communities together to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem and expand access to capital, mentorship, and opportunity.

For founders, this is an opportunity to learn what investors value, strengthen your pitch, and expand your investor network. For investors, it’s a chance to discover emerging startups, exchange insights with fellow investors, and build a strong deal pipeline.

Hire Differently and Build Stronger Teams:

Meet Talent Through the Autism Hiring Program

Creating a resilient economy means recognizing talent in all its forms. This spring, employers across the region are invited to connect with skilled, motivated job seekers through the Autism Hiring Program Spring 2026 Hiring Event, a collaborative initiative designed to expand workforce inclusion while meeting real business needs.

Hosted by the Autism Society of Maryland and regional workforce partners, this hiring event brings together employers and job seekers participating in the Autism Hiring Program, a nationally supported model that helps businesses successfully recruit, hire, and retain neurodiverse talent.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• In the Midst of Partial Government Shutdown Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Release of Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity Now Task Force Report. Learn More
• Black History Month: Reflect, Discover, and Explore in Howard County. Learn More
• Raise a glass to FeBREWary, Maryland’s official month-long celebration of craft beer, and discover why Howard County is a must-visit destination for beer lovers. Learn More
• Data centers store and process the vast amounts of data America depends on, from cutting-edge scientific discovery to electronic health records. Learn More
  
• Maryland leaders unveil nearly $70.8 billion 2027 budget proposal. Learn More