Beyond Royalty Beauty Bar Expands, Creating New Jobs in Howard County

Congratulations to Beyond Royalty Beauty Bar on its continued growth and success in Howard County!

During National Black Business Month, we're proud to celebrate businesses like Beyond Royalty that are creating jobs, investing in our community, and helping strengthen Howard County's diverse small business ecosystem.

Founded in 2018 by Brittney Middleton, Beyond Royalty has grown into a luxury beauty destination offering hair, nails, lashes, waxing, massage, and boutique retail, creating a one-stop experience for clients. The salon's recent expansion reflects both its continued success and its commitment to growing in Howard County.Beyond Royalty's expansion will retain existing jobs while creating 10 new positions, supporting career opportunities and continued investment in our local economy.

AppleCore's Bake Shoppe Earns Two Baltimore Sun Honors

Congratulations to AppleCore's Bake Shoppe on being recognized as the Best Vegan Bakery and Best Minority-Owned Restaurant in the Best of Howard County 2026, by the Baltimore Sun! 

During National Black Business Month and Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week, we're proud to celebrate a Howard County business that's making an impact through creativity, entrepreneurship, and award-winning food.

Based in Columbia, AppleCore's Bake Shoppe is a Black-, woman-, and family-owned bakery known for handcrafted desserts, including vegan and gluten-free options that have earned loyal customers and regional recognition.

Howard County State of the Market Returns Aug. 20

Get an inside look at the trends shaping one of Maryland's most dynamic commercial real estate markets at Bisnow's Howard County State of the Market on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Hear from public and private sector leaders as they discuss the economic, demographic, and development trends driving growth across Howard County, from mixed-use and multifamily development to life sciences, logistics, and technology. The program will also explore the continued evolution of Downtown Columbia, emerging investment opportunities, and the market forces influencing future development.

Whether you're a developer, investor, business leader, or site selector, this event offers valuable insights into Howard County's commercial real estate landscape and what's ahead.

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.

Howard County Farm Feature: 🦙 Breezy Hill Alpaca Farm 

Located in Woodbine, Breezy Hill Alpaca Farm brings together agriculture, education and plenty of alpacas.

The family-run farm raises alpacas and transforms their fleece into yarns and handmade products. Visitors can also experience the farm through tours and hands-on fiber arts classes, including spinning, dyeing and felting.

Breezy Hill is another great example of the diverse farms and agricultural businesses that call Howard County home.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Learn How to Avoid and Protect Your Business from Scams. Learn More

• 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