Closing Out Summer, Building Connections for What’s Next

We closed out the summer with a great evening of connections, conversation and community at the End of Summer Bash.

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs and community partners came together to reconnect, make new connections and celebrate another busy summer in Howard County. Events like this create space to strengthen relationships and build the connections that help our local business community grow.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening a success. We’re looking forward to carrying that energy into the fall.

Connecting Maryland Founders with Funding and Resources

We hosted TEDCO Unlocked, bringing Maryland founders together to explore the funding, programs, and connections available through TEDCO.

The event broke TEDCO’s resources into three stages of the startup journey: early non-dilutive funding, seed and venture capital, and growth and investment-readiness support. Founders explored opportunities that matched their needs while connecting directly with TEDCO stakeholders, collaborators, and entrepreneurs with experience navigating its programs.

By bringing these resources and relationships together at the MIC, TEDCO Unlocked gave founders a clearer path to support and stronger connections across Maryland’s startup ecosystem.

The State of Howard County: Reflecting on Eight Years of Progress  

Howard County remains one of the best places to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all, which is a result of our relentless efforts to enhance our quality of life. On September 30th, County Executive Ball will deliver his final State of the County address at Howard Community College’s Smith Theatre. During the last eight years, we have led with vision, through uncertainty, and with boldness, conviction, and love. Join us to hear the current volume in the story of Howard County.

MIC Marketing Lab: Build an Offer That Sells and a Revenue Model That Lasts

Most founders build a great service and then bury it under vague pricing, unclear packaging, and a model that doesn't match how their customers actually buy. The result is a business that has to re-sell itself every single month. In this session, MIC Managing Director Pauline Shiu breaks down pricing strategy, offer design, and consumer buying behavior — so you can build an offer people say yes to and a revenue model that doesn't reset to zero every 30 days.

This is the next session of the MIC Marketing Lab, a monthly hands-on series pairing a core concept with real, applied work.

Rooted in Resilience: Balancing Farm, Family & Business

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

The program will include a discussion on balancing family life, farm responsibilities, and running a business or managing an off-farm career. Hear practical strategies, exchange experiences with fellow women in agriculture, and build connections with others who understand the unique rewards and challenges of life on and beyond the farm.

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.

Behind the Batch: Connecting 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:

Fresh Finds & Flowers at Morningside Farm 🌻

This week’s Farm Feature takes us to Morningside Farm, where the farmstand connects the community with fresh, locally grown products throughout the season.

The farmstand is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, making it easy to shop local and support Howard County agriculture directly from the source.

There’s more happening at the farm this September. On Saturday, September 19, from 2:30–4:30 p.m., Morningside Farm will host a Floral Arranging Class with Sofi of Rosavieve Flower Farm, offering a hands-on opportunity to learn the art of creating seasonal floral arrangements.

From shopping the farmstand to experiencing agriculture firsthand, Morningside Farm offers another way to connect with Howard County’s farming community.

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

• TEDCO’s BRIDGE Program Open Forum is September 17th at 10 a.m. Learn More
  

• Maryland Opens $4.9M Cybersecurity Grant Program for Local Governments. Learn More
  

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Celebrates Grand Opening of Howard County Public School System’s Career & Technical Education Center. Learn More

• Summer may be ending, but fall in Howard County, Maryland is filled with autumn activities and festivals. Learn More