Howard County’s FY27 Budget Fuels
Long-Term Growth for Businesses and Communities |
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Howard County Executive Calvin Ball’s unanimously approved Fiscal Year 2027 Budget continues significant investments in the infrastructure, education, transportation, public safety, and community assets that help businesses grow and thrive.
The approved $2.5 billion operating budget includes more than $1.28 billion in funding for the Howard County Public School System, supporting workforce development and long-term talent growth, while the $435.6 million capital budget invests in infrastructure, transportation improvements, flood mitigation, and public facilities that strengthen the county’s business environment and quality of life.
Approved without increasing property or income taxes, the FY27 budget reflects continued investment in the systems and resources that support economic resilience, business attraction, workforce competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Howard County. |
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Business Appreciation Week 2026:
Help Us Celebrate Howard County’s Best |
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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. |
| Nominate Today |
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Small Business Summit Helps Entrepreneurs Prepare for What’s Next |
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The 2026 Howard County Small Business Summit will bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals for a day of practical insight, strategy, and connection focused on navigating growth in an evolving business environment.
From building stronger connections to improving business resilience, the summit is designed to provide meaningful resources, fresh perspectives, and valuable networking opportunities for Howard County’s entrepreneurial community. |
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Global Innovation Starts with Strong Local Connections |
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Join us for the Cyber Howard: Global Connections Reception as we welcome a South Australian cybersecurity delegation to one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity corridors.
Connect with Cyber Howard Accelerator cohort members, industry leaders, government representatives, and international innovators to explore emerging technologies, exchange ideas, and build global partnerships.
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Prepare for Funding: Build a Stronger Loan Application |
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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. |
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Helping Businesses Prepare for the Unexpected |
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This upcoming workshop will help business owners better understand how to navigate state-supported recovery resources and the insurance claims process following a disaster.
Presented in partnership with the Howard County Office of Emergency Management, the session will provide practical guidance on working with the Maryland Insurance Administration, understanding business protections under Maryland law, documenting damages effectively, and avoiding common issues that can delay recovery efforts.
Focused on business continuity and resilience, the workshop is designed to help businesses prepare for unexpected disruptions with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of available recovery resources. |
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Gorman Farms Expands Sustainability with 2026 Enhancement Grant |
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Gorman Farms has been awarded a 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant supporting farm-wide infrastructure stabilization of its water system for agricultural production, helping strengthen long-term sustainability and operational resilience across the farm.
Located in eastern Howard County, Gorman Farms grows fresh, sustainably produced vegetables for more than 600 local families through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Since opening in 2009, the farm has focused on connecting families directly to local agriculture through weekly produce memberships, hands-on farm experiences, and a strong commitment to community giving.
Beyond food production, the farm also supports the community through regular donations of fresh produce to local schools and food pantries, helping improve access to healthy food across the region.
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Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know |
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| Howard County Economic Development Authority, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive Suite 500, Columbia, United States 21046, United States |
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