October 18, 2023
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), highlighting the participation of individuals with disabilities in our workplaces and economy. This year's theme, “Advancing Access and Equity,” emphasizes the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities or challenges, can access the opportunities they need and deserve.
From employers to federal agencies, educators to youth service professionals, every organization has a role to play, and guidance can be found on the NDEAM webpage. Throughout this month, and the entire year, there are actionable steps for both employers and employees:
Review policies: Ensure they foster an inclusive culture. Inclusion@Work offers assistance, especially in its "Lead the Way: Inclusive Business Culture" section.
Promote or establish an Employee Resource Group (ERG): These groups provide support and community. Check A Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful Employee Resource Groups for insights. If your company already has a disability ERG, consider using NDEAM to remind employees about it through displays, information tables, or other communication channels.
Locally, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Commission on Disabilities recently honored individuals and businesses at the CoD’s 2023 Disability Awards for upholding the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I encourage you to learn more about these awardees below. As we observe NDEAM this month, let’s continually strive for a more inclusive environment.
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Sincerely,
Jennifer Jones
CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority
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Howard County Announces 2023 Disability Awards Winners and Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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HCEDA Open House | October 26 from 9-12 PM
At this expo-style resource fair, you can access information on HCEDA's services and programs, connect with our team and partners, and explore initiatives vital for your business to thrive. Discover opportunities with Howard County Procurement, benefit from mentoring with MIC's Entrepreneurs in Residence, and explore resources, including HCEDA's loan programs and partner offerings for accelerated business growth. Businesses will also have an opportunity to hear from NSA’s Scott Jackson, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, about securing contracts with the NSA.
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Veteran-Owned Small Biz Expo | October 28 from 10 AM - 2 PM
During Howard County's Business Appreciation Week, the Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) invites vendors and sponsors for its inaugural Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo. The event will take place on Saturday, October 28th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the MIC.
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Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of El Azteca |
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In recognition of its 30th anniversary, representatives from the HCEDA and the Department of Commerce, and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball paid a special visit to El Azteca on October 14. This establishment has been a staple in Howard County since 1993, when visionary founder, Gilberto Cortes, opened a restaurant to bring authentic flavors from across
Mexico to Howard County. The visit from county officials underscores the establishment's significance and contributions to the community over the past three decades.
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Ribbon Cuttings for Campanaro Strength and Conditioning and Herlong Sports Physical Therapy |
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On Saturday, October 14th, two businesses celebrated their grand openings in Clarksville. Campanaro Strength and Conditioning, founded by Nick Campanaro, marked the evolution of a dream that began in 2009. Nick's commitment to understanding the science of athletic training was born from his personal experiences with injuries, leading him to create a
center where individuals of all ages can realize their potential. Simultaneously, Herlong Sports Physical Therapy (HSPT) opened its latest branch. Established by Shawn Herlong in March 2021, HSPT offers athletes a unique combination of rehabilitation and strength training. With the support of his wife, Amy, the duo ensures that athletes receive a holistic healing approach, filling a niche often overlooked by traditional physical therapy. Both institutions promise to be outstanding additions to the Clarksville community.
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HoCo Higher Graduate, Tocar Spa,
Celebrates One Year Anniversary |
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HoCo Higher graduate business, Tocar Spa, recently celebrated their one year anniversary. Specializing in massage therapy, Tocar Spa values touch as a form of communication. Their therapists are trained to address muscle imbalances while promoting relaxation. With an emphasis on providing a 'customized experience,' each massage at Tocar Spa is tailored to the specific needs of the client, ensuring that individual concerns are addressed effectively in each session.
“My experience in the HoCo Higher program was nothing short of transformational. I was able to learn directly from subject matter experts who covered critical business topics ranging from financial analysis, doing business with the state, marketing and branding, and pitching your business,” said Stephen Conti, Owner of Tocar Spa and HoCo Higher Cohort #1 participant and 1st Place Pitch Winner. “I was successfully able to take the lessons learned during the program and apply them directly into a three-minute grant winning pitch. Presenting the vision I have for Tocar Spa to the judges and my fellow entrepreneurs was an amazing opportunity. Not only did it help sharpen my business focus, it afforded me the financial means to move into my new
clinic. This was the jumpstart that Tocar Spa needed to move to the next level.”
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Featured Business Resources: |
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Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ)
PWQ, overseen by the Maryland Department of Commerce, offers training grants to enhance the skills of Maryland's workforce, primarily in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The program reimburses up to 50% of qualified training costs, aiming to boost business efficiency. Eligible Maryland employers, with a minimum of ten employees, can apply. The
program's minimum grant award is $10,000, requiring a total project training cost of at least $20,000.
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For more information about the Maryland Department of Commerce's business programs and services, click here.
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MIC Resident Spotlight: Beyond Commissions
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Nigel Knowles knows what it means to go above and beyond. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, he started his professional journey at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he held the position of Technology Manager for the company's Cosmetics & Fragrance Distribution Center. Later, he transitioned to LCG Technologies, a Baltimore-based IT consulting service firm, taking the helm as its President and CEO.
As a MIC Empower member, Knowles also has been able to found and grow Beyond Commissions, a software company dedicated to supporting the specific accounting needs of the Life Insurance and Financial Services industries. Beyond Commissions specializes in tailoring, integrating, and aligning technology to meet their clients' unique needs. Drawing from industry expertise, Beyond Commissions simplifies accounting processes for clients, thereby enhancing profitability. They carefully reconcile payments and deposits, ensure precise producer payouts, and use intelligent technology to project bottom lines.
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about Beyond Commissions |
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Meet MIC EIR Natalie
Jobity |
Leadership Coach Natalie Jobity is here to help her clients shine. Jobity uses her personal branding strategies to help clients amplify their leadership posture and navigate challenges. As the owner of The Unveiled Way, Jobity uses her skills to help
high-achieving female executives and founders, “articulate, own, and mobilize their brilliance unapologetically,” so they can achieve their personal and professional goals. As an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at the MIC, Jobity extends her expertise to budding entrepreneurs, equipping them with branding and messaging strategies to distinguish themselves in their respective fields and resonate with their target audience. Through the MIC, Jobity also facilitates monthly Women's Catalyst Circle events.
If you want to connect with Natalie Jobity, request a mentorship session here.
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Featured Upcoming BRITE Program:
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Women's Catalyst Circle's"Spice Up Your Presence: A Visual Branding
Workshop for Women" | November 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
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Leadership presence is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your ability to inspire, influence, and make a lasting impression. This month, Jobity is partnering with Style Therapist and Wardrobe Wellness expert Sam Smith to help you “Spice Up Your Presence.” At this 2-hour workshop, you will discover ways to improve your current presence and create a personalized action plan to enhance your personal style, presence, and poise.
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To learn more about the MIC's upcoming BRITE programs and events, click here.
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Pitch and Mingle: The Great Pumpkin Pitch Winners |
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Congratulations to the finalists of the Pitch and Mingle: The Great Pumpkin Pitch! Our top three winners were:
1st Place: Kevin Cheung of OurPower — This business demonstrates a thoughtful approach to simplifying the intricate realm of utility costs, aiming for both financial and environmental improvements.
2nd Place and Crowd Favorite: Alexis Lowe of NovvaCup — A refined take on menstrual cup design, this business addresses key usability aspects.
3rd Place: Ishmael Kamara of Light Providers — A valuable solution targeting light accessibility challenges, offering a dual-light mechanism powered by a single battery.
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On Camera Public Speaking Workshop Recap
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On October 10th and 11th, the MIC presented an On-Camera Public Speaking Workshop featuring the expertise of professional guest speaker Robert Neal Marshall. This session provided entrepreneurs with guidance on enhancing
their presentation skills, mastering public speaking, and honing on-camera techniques. View the video above to gain insights from participants about their experiences. Keep an eye out for details on future workshops.
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Featured Financial Resources:
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Rt. 1 Tax Credit Revitalization Program
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This Howard County program incentivizes the upgrade of commercial and industrial properties along Route 1. To be eligible, properties must have Route 1 frontage, be under 15 acres, and have no existing code violations. Approved projects can claim a tax credit up to $100,000 per parcel, subject to an annual allocation cap of $250,000.
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| Rt. 1 Tax Credit Program |
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LIFT Fund
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HCEDA's LIFT Fund provides microloans of $10,000 to $30,000 to small businesses in Howard County, especially those owned by minorities, women, veterans, or other disadvantaged groups. Eligible expenses include working capital and equipment. Applicants must be in Howard County, operational for a year, have a credit score above 600, and no recent bankruptcy.
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| LIFT Fund Microloans |
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