March 1 Deadline: Grow Your Cyber Startup Inside a Real Ecosystem.

Cybersecurity is not just an industry in Howard County. It is part of who we are.

Our region sits alongside major federal cyber agencies, defense contractors, and some of the strongest technical talent in the country. Companies here build solutions that protect businesses, infrastructure, and national security.

That is why we launched the Cyber Howard Accelerator. This 12-week program helps early-stage cybersecurity startups strengthen their products, refine their strategy, and connect directly with customers, partners, and investors in our cyber ecosystem.

If you are building in AI security, defense tech, critical infrastructure protection, or IT/OT security, Howard County is where you grow. Applications close March 1. 

From Vision to Opening: How Catalyst VLT Helped Launch Rising Tide

Rising Tide High Tech had a clear vision: build a safe, high-quality martial arts academy in Hanover offering jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and self-defense training for all ages. What stood between the idea and opening day was capital, structure, and a clear path forward.

We partnered with them early and provided financing through our Catalyst VLT program to help bring that vision to life. Before funding was approved, we worked alongside their team to refine the business plan, pressure-test financial projections, and strengthen the loan application so it was positioned for success. We walked through the numbers, challenged assumptions, and ensured the proposal was realistic and sustainable. We also supported coordination through the permitting process so they could open as close to their projected timeline as possible.

The Catalyst VLT loan allowed them to secure their location, complete their build-out, and launch with confidence. Beyond financing, they continue to benefit from our business network and events, connecting with other entrepreneurs and gaining insights that support ongoing growth.

If you are planning to launch, expand, or invest in your next phase, explore all of our financing options and find the right fit for your business.

The Clock Is Ticking: Sales Summit Doors Close in 24 Hours

The 24-hour countdown clock has begun for Sales Summit tickets. Hear from top producing sales leaders who have manage hundreds of sales representatives, and from the top business broker in the DMV. Learn their strategies to build a qualified pipeline for your business and how they managed to overcome those inevitable dry patches.

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 8:30 AM 

Elevate Ideas. Expand Impact. Experience Innovation in 2026.

The Howard County Innovation Summit returns in 2026, bringing together the leaders and ideas shaping our region’s future.

Hosted by County Executive Calvin Ball, this signature event convenes voices from technology, government, business, and education to explore bold solutions in Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, and Government Technology.

Attendees will experience dynamic panels, interactive breakout sessions, a vibrant vendor showcase, and a live pitch contest celebrating emerging innovators.

Where Maryland’s Fastest-Growing Startups Take the Spotlight

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.

More Than a Meeting Space. A Stage for Serious Impact.

The Platinum Room at the Maryland Innovation Center is built for professional gatherings that need space, technology, and polish.

With 2,763 square feet, the room comfortably hosts up to 130 guests in theater style or 84 in classroom configuration with 42 tables. The layout gives planners flexibility for panels, trainings, investor presentations, and large networking events without sacrificing comfort or visibility.

Triple ceiling-mounted projectors create a seamless three-screen presentation experience, ensuring slides, data, and visuals are clear from every seat. Two large wall-mounted flat screens provide additional display options for sponsor recognition, branding, livestream feeds, or hybrid participation. The scale of the room allows for clean sightlines, organized check-in flow, and space for staging or vendor tables.

This is a smart choice for investor showcases, executive trainings, company town halls, and industry events where professionalism and functionality matter.

If you are planning a meeting, workshop, or signature event and need a venue that delivers clarity, comfort, and credibility, the Platinum Room is ready.

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
• The HCEDA stands at the intersection of business, government, and innovation. Through strategic investment, personalized business support, and long-term planning, HCEDA advances a resilient and competitive economy. Learn More
• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Launches Impactful BikeHoward Update. Learn More