Last Chance 🎃 Apply for the Pumpkin Pitch by August 21 

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.

AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe Takes Home Two Baltimore Sun Honors

Congratulations to AppleCore's Bake Shoppe on being recognized as the Best Vegan Bakery in the Greater Baltimore area and Best Minority-Owned Restaurant 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 desserts.

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. Congratulations to the entire AppleCore team on these well-deserved honors!

National Black Business Month Spotlight: Led Life Psychiatry

This National Black Business Month, we're celebrating the businesses and entrepreneurs strengthening Howard County's economy. Located in Ellicott City, Led Life Psychiatry provides compassionate mental health services, including psychiatric care, TMS therapy and Spravato treatment, helping patients improve their well-being and quality of life.

We're proud to recognize businesses like Led Life Psychiatry that expand access to quality mental healthcare across Howard County. 

From Idea to Investment: TEDCO Helps Maryland Startups Grow

TEDCO recently joined Good Morning Washington to highlight the funding, mentorship and resources available to Maryland entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.

Programs like the Bridge Program and Venture Development Team connect founders with mentorship and investment support, while Concept Capital offers qualifying technology startups $25,000 to $50,000 in funding.

The TEDCO Entrepreneur Expo will also return October 27 in Baltimore, bringing together founders, investors and Maryland’s innovation community.

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.

Celebrate the End of Summer with Howard County's Business Community

Mark your calendars for the End of Summer Bash on Tuesday, September 8, at The Collective Encore!

This isn't just another networking event. It's a celebration of Howard County's vibrant business community. Join us for an evening of laughter, meaningful connections, and unforgettable memories as we bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy delicious cuisine and refreshing cocktails crafted by the talented team at The Collective Encore while you reconnect with familiar faces, make new business connections, and celebrate the close of another incredible summer.

TEDCO Unlocked: Funding, Programs, & Connections for Maryland Founders

Maryland founders have access to far more TEDCO resources than many realize. TEDCO Unlocked is designed to make those opportunities easier to navigate by bringing funding, investment-readiness programs and startup support together in one place.

Attendees will hear directly from TEDCO stakeholders and founders who have participated in its programs, build connections across Maryland’s startup ecosystem and identify resources that align with their stage of growth.

The event features three breakout tracks:

• Getting Started: Idea to First Dollars – Non-dilutive funding opportunities for pre-seed founders.
• Raising Capital: Seed & Venture – Equity funding options for startups with early traction.
• Growth Support & Getting Investment Ready – Resources to help founders prepare for investment and scale.

Whether you’re looking for your first funding opportunity or preparing for your next raise, TEDCO Unlocked can help you better understand what’s available and where your company fits.

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: 🍂 Fall Fun at Gaver Farm

Located in Mount Airy, Gaver Farm has grown from a family farming operation established in 1978 into a popular destination for agriculture and seasonal family fun.

Fall is one of the biggest seasons at the farm, with the Fall Fun Fest returning September 4 through November 1. The festival features more than 65 attractions, including a seven-acre corn maze, barnyard animals, giant slides, jumping pillows, pedal karts, playgrounds and games. Visitors can also take hayrides to the farm’s pick-your-own fields for seasonal apples, pumpkins and sunflowers.

Beyond its seasonal attractions, Gaver Farm grows crops, raises livestock and continues the agricultural traditions that have shaped the family farm for decades.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• On Wednesday, September 30 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm the Cybersecurity Association is hosting the 10th Anniversary Cybersecurity Awards. Learn More

• Start Your Business: Hollins Market Stall. Learn More
  

• 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