Brewing Success: ROCO Kitchen & Coffee Celebrates Grand Opening in Columbia

We joined the team at ROCO Kitchen & Coffee for their official ribbon cutting celebration in Columbia. We’re excited to celebrate another growing local business choosing to invest in Howard County and contribute to the vibrancy of our local small business community.

Congratulations to the entire ROCO team on this exciting milestone, and we look forward to seeing what’s ahead.

For the Founders and Executives Ready to Claim Their Space.

Power Moves is a half-day experience built for the leaders in tech who are done waiting for a seat at the table — and ready to build their own.

This event brings together founders, executives, and rising leaders for a morning of honest conversation, practical strategy, and the kind of connections that actually move the needle. Expect a room full of people who get it — because they've lived it.

Business Leaders Build Momentum Through Mastermind Series

Over the past six weeks, business owners came together at the Maryland Innovation Center for the Business Mastermind Series with Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Participants connected with fellow business owners, explored new approaches to scaling their companies, and strengthened their business strategies throughout the program.

The series concluded with a graduation reception celebrating the participants and the momentum built over the past six weeks.

Thank you to Pinnacle Financial Partners, the instructors, and all attendees who made the series a success.

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.

Helping Businesses Prepare for the Unexpected

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.

2026 Agricultural Grant Recipient Spotlight: Plot Twist Horse Farm

This week’s farm feature highlights Plot Twist Horse Farm, recipient of a 2026 Howard County Agricultural Grant.Founded in 2018 by Jennifer Sulin-Stair, Plot Twist Horse Farm provides riding lessons, agricultural education, and hands-on learning experiences for the community.

Grant funding will support infrastructure and safety improvements that help strengthen daily operations and support the farm’s continued growth and community impact. Howard County’s Agricultural Grant Program continues investing in farms and agricultural businesses that expand opportunities, strengthen local agriculture, and create lasting community connections.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• The Merriweather Arts & Culture Center (MACC) is proud to present the Columbia Festival of the Arts a LakeFest FREE Weekend June 12-14, 2026. Learn More
• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Establishes Eastern Howard County Agricultural Task Force. Learn More
• Join business and community leaders for an inspirational evening to support education in Howard County.  Learn More