Fresh Finds Await: Celebrate National Farmers Market Week!

National Farmers Market Week is August 2-8, and there's no better time to explore the fresh flavors, local products and vibrant community that make Howard County's farmers markets so special.

From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade baked goods, flowers, local honey and handcrafted products, our farmers markets offer something for everyone. Every purchase supports local farmers, small businesses and the agricultural community that helps keep Howard County thriving.

Whether you're visiting your favorite market or discovering a new one, celebrate National Farmers Market Week by shopping local and enjoying the best of the season.

Find a farmers market near you and view the full 2026 schedule:

Celebrate 80 Years of Tradition at the Howard County Fair

For 80 years, the Howard County Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local traditions and family fun. From August 8–15, the fairgrounds in West Friendship will once again come alive with eight days of livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, competitions, live entertainment, carnival rides and some of the region's favorite fair food.

Visitors can enjoy crowd favorites like the Kids & Critters Barn, Little Farmers Building, agricultural demonstrations, horse pulls, music, contests and exhibits that showcase the talent and dedication of Howard County's farming community. Whether you're cheering on 4-H and FFA participants, exploring local exhibits or making memories on the midway, there's something for every age to enjoy. The 2026 fair will also include special celebrations recognizing America's 250th birthday, adding even more excitement to this milestone year.

The 80th Howard County Fair is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with rides operating until 11 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for seniors (62+), and free for children 12 and under, with season passes also available. Come celebrate one of Howard County's longest-running traditions and experience the people, agriculture and community that make our county unique.

National Black Business Month Spotlight: Anthony Management Group

This National Black Business Month, we're celebrating the businesses and entrepreneurs strengthening Howard County's economy.

Based in Columbia, Anthony Management Group delivers professional property management services that help communities operate efficiently while supporting residents, property owners and community associations. We're proud to recognize businesses like Anthony Management Group that provide trusted expertise, create local jobs and help Howard County thrive.

Launch Your Cybersecurity Startup with

Cyber Howard Accelerator Cohort IV

Have an innovative cybersecurity solution ready to grow? Applications are now open for Cyber Howard Accelerator Cohort IV.

This 12-week accelerator is designed for early-stage, product-focused cybersecurity companies ready to move from concept to commercialization. Participants receive expert mentorship, hands-on support in product development and go-to-market strategy, compliance guidance, access to testing environments, and connections to industry leaders, government partners and potential investors.

Applications are open through September 1, 2026, with cohort activities beginning September 15, 2026.

If your company is building the next generation of cybersecurity solutions, now is the time to apply.

Celebrate Business Appreciation Week 2026:
Schedule Your Ambassador Visit

Howard County businesses are invited to participate in Business Appreciation Week 2026, an annual initiative celebrating the companies that drive our local economy and make Howard County a great place to do business.

Throughout the week, Ambassador teams made up of Howard County department heads, elected officials, community partners, and Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) staff will visit local businesses to learn more about their successes, opportunities, and the challenges they face.

Each participating business will receive:

• A personal visit from a Howard County Ambassador team
• A Certificate of Appreciation
• Photos featured on the HCEDA Flickr account and/or social media

These conversations help us better understand the needs of our business community while identifying ways to strengthen Howard County's business climate. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping future programs, resources, and initiatives that support local businesses.

Space is limited and registration closes Monday, August 31. Reserve your visit today and help us celebrate the businesses that make Howard County thrive.

Launch Smarter with HoCo Higher Fast Track

Every successful business starts with an idea, but turning that idea into a sustainable, revenue-generating company takes more than ambition. HoCo Higher Fast Track is a 10-week program designed to help early-stage founders build the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to grow.

Created for entrepreneurs earning $0 to $150,000 in annual revenue, the program combines expert-led instruction with hands-on learning in marketing, sales, finance, legal, tax, funding, customer discovery, and more. Each week, participants will gain practical tools and frameworks they can immediately apply to their business while connecting with a community of fellow founders.

By the end of the program, participants will have a stronger business foundation, actionable growth strategies, access to local business resources, and the opportunity to pitch their business during the graduation showcase.

Register early and save! Very Early Bird registration is $35 through August 1, offering a $30 savings off the regular admission price.

Pitch Your Startup. Win Funding. Grow Your Business.

Do you have an early-stage business with momentum? The Maryland Innovation Center's Pumpkin Pitch is your opportunity to showcase your company, gain valuable exposure, and compete for more than $11,000 in prize funding.

Five finalists will take the stage to pitch their businesses before a live audience of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and expert judges. Along the way, participants will receive pitch coaching, strengthen their presentation skills, and build meaningful connections within Howard County's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The competition will award $5,000 for First Place, $3,000 for Second Place, $2,000 for Third Place, and a $1,000 Crowd Favorite Award, voted on by event attendees.

Applications close Friday, August 21, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Don't miss your chance to pitch your business, connect with the startup community, and compete for funding to fuel your next stage of growth.

Women Growing the Future of Agriculture

Join us for an inspiring Women in Agriculture event featuring Roxanna Segovia-Beltran, owner of Gandyn Doulah Permaculture Garden Design & Consulting.

Whether you're a farmer, grower, agricultural entrepreneur, educator, or simply passionate about sustainable agriculture, this event offers an opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by women making a difference in agriculture and their communities.

Step Inside Howard County's Food Processing Industry

Food Processor Connect is an opportunity for food processing professionals to tour Pastry Star's new facility while connecting with fellow industry leaders. Enjoy an afternoon of networking, sharing ideas, and learning from peers as you explore the facility and discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the food processing industry.

Howard County Farm Feature:

Chesapeake Flower Exchange Connects Local Flower Farms

Beautiful bouquets start close to home. Chesapeake Flower Exchange is a unique collective that brings together 13 local flower farms, including five in Howard County, making it easier than ever for florists and floral designers to source fresh, sustainably grown blooms from our region.

This August, one of the season's highlights is Shimmer Celosia, named the 2026 Cut Flower of the Year by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. True to its name, Shimmer catches the sunlight with vibrant, iridescent blooms that add exceptional color and texture to late-summer arrangements.

The Exchange's current selection features an abundance of seasonal flowers and foliage, including dahlias, zinnias, hydrangeas, lisianthus, rudbeckia, echinacea, celosia and more. Because they're grown locally and harvested at peak freshness, these flowers offer outstanding quality while supporting sustainable agriculture and small farms throughout Central Maryland.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• AWS Federal AI Symposium 2026 registration is now open. Learn More

• Join Spark Coworking for their signature International Coworking Day celebration. Learn More

• Howard County Government Seeks Applicants for Newly Formed Data Center Task Force. Learn More