Strengthening Global Ties in Med Tech and Innovation

It was a pleasure to welcome a delegation of senior Japanese executives exploring U.S. expansion opportunities to Howard County.

Thank you to our host, Shimadzu, as well as the County Executive’s Office, Maryland Department of Commerce, JETRO, and the Japanese Embassy for making this visit possible.

We look forward to continuing to strengthen collaboration between Japan and Howard County’s growing med tech ecosystem and innovation infrastructure.

Connecting Businesses with the Resources That Matter

More than 25 businesses and resource partners came together at our annual Business Resource Expo, creating a dynamic space for connection, collaboration, and growth.

From funding and hiring to real estate and technical assistance, attendees explored the tools and relationships that help businesses move forward with confidence.

Thank you to our partners, sponsors, and participating organizations for showing up and delivering real value to our business community. And to the entrepreneurs in the room, thank you for continuing to build, innovate, and invest in Howard County. Your work drives everything we do.

From Idea to Execution: HoCo Higher Graduation

Over the past 10 weeks, founders in the HoCo Higher Accelerator turned ideas into real, structured businesses. Through hands-on sessions covering marketing, sales, finance, legal, and funding, participants gained the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

At graduation, founders pitched their businesses, showcasing how far they’ve come in just a few weeks. Congratulations to this cohort for putting in the work and taking the next step in their business journey.

Turn Your Business Idea Into Real Growth With HoCo Higher

Our HoCo Higher Accelerator programs are thoughtfully planned to help founders develop the foundation of their business idea and design infrastructure for it to scale.  
 
For those early in their business' journey, this program will kickstart your company's growth. Sign up for our 10 week Fast Track program beginning on April 7th.  

Stop Guessing Your Numbers. Start Running Your Business.

The BRITE Core: Finance Series is a practical 3-part workshop designed to help you manage, protect, and leverage your finances with confidence. In plain language and with real examples, you’ll learn the key metrics, systems, and decision-making tools that every founder needs to build a financially stable, scalable business.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Clarity on your financial runway, margins, and burn rate

• A simple dashboard you can use weekly to track the right numbers

• An understanding of MRR, ARR, cost per lead & cost per acquisition

• Confidence in making smarter decisions about pricing, hiring & growth
  

Where Opportunity Meets Innovation in Tech Training

A huge shoutout to Maryland Innovation Center member Consult Lemonade for expanding its tech training program beyond Maryland.

Founded by Tierra Lathan, Consult Lemonade is creating real pathways into cybersecurity, AI, and software development for people ready to change their future. What started as one pivot has grown into a movement helping hundreds gain skills, confidence, and access to high-paying tech careers.

We’re proud to support innovators like Consult Lemonade, where ideas turn into opportunity and opportunity turns into growth.

Build Stronger Financial Habits This April

In recognition of National Financial Literacy Month, the Howard County Economic Development Authority, presented in partnership with World Financial Group, invites you to join a four-part Financial Literacy Webinar Series designed to strengthen financial knowledge and build long-term stability.

This interactive virtual series will explore practical strategies to help participants establish a strong financial foundation, improve cash flow, manage debt effectively, and protect their wealth.

Session Topics:

• April 2 – Building a Strong Financial Foundation
• April 9 – Increase Cash Flow
• April 16 – Debt Management
• April 23 – Wealth Preservation

Attend one or all sessions for the same low registration fee of $5. The fee covers a printed financial literacy workbook, which must be mailed or picked up prior to the start of the series.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• The Maryland Workforce Association (MWA) is anchoring a new registered cybersecurity apprenticeship that builds on the state’s partnership with BCR Cyber. Learn More
• Why the future of cyber runs through Maryland. Learn More
• Cyber Warfare Directorate and Maryland National Guard join forces to host the second State of Maryland Energy Critical Infrastructure Cyber Resilience Workshop. Learn More
• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced that Columbia has been named Maryland’s “Happiest Cities in America” for 2026 by WalletHub. Learn More
• Howard Community College’s Horowitz Center Continues Celebration of 20th Anniversary Season. Learn More
• South Korean School District Partners with Howard County Schools. Learn More