National Small Business Week: Where Big Impact Starts Small

Small businesses are critical to Howard County’s economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our community every day.

For more than 60 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the impact, resilience, and ingenuity of entrepreneurs across the country. This year, it takes place May 3–9, 2026.

We see that impact firsthand. From early-stage startups to established local businesses, our small business community continues to grow, adapt, and lead across industries.

We’re proud to support the entrepreneurs and business owners who are building what’s next in Howard County.

Business Appreciation Week 2026:

Help Us Celebrate Howard County’s Best

In partnership with County Executive Calvin Ball, each year, Howard County Economic Development Authority celebrates local businesses during Business Appreciation Week by sending ambassadors visit businesses across the county—spotlighting success, assessing needs, and connecting directly with the businesses that power our local economy.

We invite you to nominate a Howard County business you believe deserves recognition during Business Appreciation Week 2026—your input helps us recognize and support a broader, more diverse range of local businesses.

Northrop Grumman Expands in Howard County with 200 Jobs

We’re excited to welcome Northrop Grumman to Howard County. With a significant presence in Hanover, their Space Sector will focus on advanced manufacturing engineering and spacecraft components, bringing 200 high-quality jobs and activating 230,000 square feet of space in our region.

Thank you to the Howard County Executive and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce for your partnership.We look forward to supporting continued growth and innovation.

Howard County Showcases Global Business Opportunities 

As part of the SelectUSA Investment Summit, in partnership with Anne Arundel County, we hosted a SelectUSA Spinoff tour highlighting the region’s innovation ecosystem and global business advantages.

The tour brought international companies directly into Howard County, starting with visits to Howard Community College and the Technology Advancement Center, followed by the Maryland Innovation Center. There, participants connected with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and Global Gateway companies, gaining insight into how businesses launch and scale in the region.

The group also explored the cybersecurity corridor surrounding Fort Meade and engaged with partners like the Fort Meade Alliance, reinforcing the area’s strength in cybersecurity, technology, and innovation.

Located between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Howard County continues to position itself as a strategic entry point for international companies entering the U.S. market.

250 Years of Progress, Innovation, and Community in Motion

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, HoCo250 is activating events, programs, and experiences across the county that highlight our history, people, and progress.

From early industry and agriculture to a modern hub for innovation and growth, Howard County continues to evolve. Today’s businesses, communities, and leaders are part of that ongoing story.
HoCo250 connects it all through community events, local experiences, and opportunities to engage with the places and people shaping Howard County.

Explore the 2026 Howard County Farmers Market Season

There’s something about farmers market season that just feels different. Maybe it’s the first strawberries of the year, the smell of fresh bread, or the simple fact that you’re buying food directly from the people who grew it.

In Howard County, that experience isn’t limited to one location or one day a week. The 2026 farmers market season brings a full lineup of markets across the county, making it easier than ever to shop local, eat fresh, and stay connected to the community.

From May through November, residents can visit markets nearly every day of the week, each offering a mix of locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, and specialty products.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate at Wine in the Woods

We proudly sponsor Wine in the Woods, one of Howard County’s most anticipated annual events.

Hosted at Merriweather Post Pavilion, this three-day festival brings together Maryland wineries, live music, local artisans, and thousands of attendees for a high-energy celebration of community and culture.

Wine in the Woods highlights the strength of Maryland’s agricultural and small business sectors while driving tourism, local spending, and regional visibility. Attendees discover local products, support small businesses, and connect with the people behind them.

Final Countdown: MedTech Pitch Competition Next Week

Join us at the Maryland Innovation Center for an exciting MedTech Pitch Competition featuring innovative healthcare companies competing for $15,000 in cash prizes.

We’re proud to welcome an outstanding group of finalists:

• Aidar Health: Aidar Health's predictive platform combines MouthLab, an FDA-cleared, CE-marked, ISO 13485 handheld device capturing 10+ vitals in 60 seconds and our proprietary AI engine to predict clinical deterioration 24–48 hours before traditional methods.
• Aingens: Aingens develops evidence-first, end-to-end, AI-powered platforms that support workflows across biotech, pharma, and healthcare organizations. Their flagship product, MACg, is an Evidence-First, integrated writing and research workspace that streamlines the creation of medical affairs content.
• Dasion : Dasion is an AI healthcare company developing VoiceSense, an AI platform that detects 10+ physical and mental health conditions by analyzing voice patterns in real time — no invasive diagnostics needed. VoiceSense is explainable, continuously learning, and integrates with clinical workflows and EMRs to provide actionable insights for caregivers and physicians.
• Integra LifeSciences: Integra LifeSciences is a global medical technology company specializing in neurosurgery, reconstructive surgery, and advanced wound care. Its Acell division, acquired in 2021, develops extracellular matrix tech to support complex wound healing and regeneration of functional tissue.
• Segami Corporation: Segami Corporation develops advanced software solutions for the nuclear medicine field. Founded in 1995, they specialize in vendor-neutral imaging software that helps clinicians process, analyze, and interpret diagnostic images across multiple modalities such as PET, General Nuclear Medicine, and Theranostics.

Watch founders pitch the future of healthcare through devices, diagnostics, and digital health, then connect with attendees during networking.

Prepare for Funding: Build a Stronger Loan Application

Learn how to build a strong small business loan application and better position your company for funding. This session covers SBA requirements, what lenders look for, and how separating personal and business finances can strengthen your request.

We’ll also walk through the documentation to prepare, how to present financials clearly, and best practices for protecting personal credit while positioning your business for growth.

Led by Rosa Scharf of Fulton Bank, this program delivers practical guidance to help you submit a complete, well-structured funding application.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• RealLIST Connectors 2026: The people turning Maryland tech introductions into momentum. Learn More
  

• TEDCO’s Maryland Innovation Initiative Announces More Than $2.1M to Latest Awardees. Learn More
  

• Explore Google AI tools and special offers for National Small Business Week designed to help you scale your impact and turn your biggest ambitions into reality. Learn More
  

• Reddit published a new guide for small businesses that are looking to make use of the platform’s evolving ad tools and tap into the value of subreddit communities Learn More

• Howard County kicks off Ellicott City flood tunnel construction this summer. Learn More

• Make this Mother’s Day weekend one to remember with unforgettable experiences in Howard County. Learn More