New Jobs Add Momentum to the Gateway Innovation District

Two major business expansions are bringing new investment, jobs, and momentum to the Gateway Innovation District.

We joined the Saval team to break ground on its new 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Columbia Gateway. The project will bring the company’s operations under one roof, retain approximately 200 full-time jobs in Howard County, and create 107 new jobs by 2030. Saval began as a small, family-owned deli in 1932. Today, it is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest foodservice distributors, employing 391 people across Maryland and continuing to grow right here in Howard County.

We also joined Frequentis USA to celebrate the expansion of its Columbia headquarters. The company is adding approximately 19,000 square feet across two additional facilities on Robert Fulton Drive, retaining approximately 100 full-time jobs, and bringing approximately 200 new jobs to Howard County by 2030. Frequentis develops critical communication systems used in aviation, space operations, public safety, and national defense. After more than 25 years in Maryland, the company is continuing to invest and expand its presence in Howard County.

As plans for the Gateway Innovation District move forward, investments like these are helping build the foundation for a more connected and innovative business ecosystem. By retaining established employers, attracting new investment, creating skilled jobs, and bringing diverse industries together, Gateway is positioned to become a hub for innovation and long-term economic growth in Howard County.

Playa Bowls Grows in Howard County with Support from Catalyst 

We recently joined the Playa Bowls team to celebrate the ribbon cutting of its newest Howard County location at Shipley's Grant. 

Franchise owners Jose and Sophia Finn continue to grow their business locally, now operating two Playa Bowls locations in Howard County. The new location adds to the county's growing mix of locally owned food and wellness businesses and represents another investment in our small business community.

We're also proud to have supported this expansion through the Catalyst Loan Program, which approved funding for the business. Programs like Catalyst help local businesses access capital to grow, expand, and invest in Howard County.

Congratulations to Jose, Sophia, and the entire Playa Bowls team on this next chapter!

Welcome, Cyber Howard Accelerator Cohort IV!  

We’re excited to welcome the newest group of cybersecurity companies to the Cyber Howard Accelerator! Cohort IV brings together innovators developing solutions across AI security and governance, continuous compliance, CMMC readiness, network validation, malware containment, cyber risk management, and critical infrastructure protection.

Over the coming weeks, these companies will connect with industry experts, mentors, and fellow founders while gaining practical guidance to strengthen their businesses and prepare for continued growth.

Please join us in welcoming AiLume, Cloudry, Cyntellia, Deception Check, Heart Security Suite, LokDon, Open C Health Systems, Packetronix, Valty, and ViKeLaAi to Cohort IV. Meet the companies and learn more about the innovative solutions they’re bringing to the cybersecurity industry.

Ready, Set, GROW! Connects Small Businesses with Government Contracting Opportunities

Small businesses looking to break into government contracting will have an opportunity to make valuable connections at the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Expo on October 21 at the Howard County Opportunity & Economic Mobility Center.

The free, in-person event is designed to help small, disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses access government contracting opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to network directly with agencies and procurement officers responsible for billions of dollars in annual contracting activity among Maryland State regulated entities.

For local businesses, the Expo is an opportunity to better understand the procurement landscape, build relationships with potential government customers, and identify new paths for growth.

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.

BannerX Brings Maryland’s Innovation Leaders to Columbia

Join The Banner on September 30 in Columbia for BannerX, a gathering of Maryland business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, technologists, and innovators exploring what’s next.

The event will feature candid conversations on AI, data centers, life sciences and biotechnology, and Maryland’s innovation economy, along with opportunities to connect with leaders shaping the state’s future. Tickets are $45 and include breakfast, networking, and access to all panel conversations.

Building a Stronger Baltimore Region Together

We’re proud to sponsor the Greater Baltimore Committee’s 2026 Annual Meeting: Bold. Regional. Connected., taking place October 8 at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The Annual Meeting will bring together more than 500 influential leaders from across the region to explore how collaboration is driving business investment, workforce development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

For Howard County, being part of a connected regional economy means building partnerships that create opportunities for businesses, strengthen our workforce, and support continued economic growth. We’re proud to support an event that brings leaders across sectors and jurisdictions together to strengthen the Baltimore Region.

Howard County Farm Feature: Aurora Glen Farms 🌿

Aurora Glen Farms is bringing a different approach to agriculture in Howard County. Located in Glenwood, this service-disabled, veteran-owned small business grows fresh herbs, leafy greens, and flowers year-round in climate-controlled hydroponic cargo containers.

Their indoor growing system uses 95% less water than traditional farming, while providing a controlled, pesticide-free environment and LED lighting optimized for year-round growing.

Founded in 2017, Aurora Glen Farms shows how innovation and agriculture can work together to produce fresh, locally grown food more efficiently.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning farmers about scammers impersonating legitimate farm equipment businesses. Learn More

• Governor Moore Announces New Saval Foods Headquarters and Distribution Center in Howard County. Learn More

• 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