About HCEDA
Committed to Excellence in Community
The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is a public-private partnership committed to fostering economic growth and innovation. HCEDA supports existing and relocating companies with resources, market insights and growth opportunities. The HCEDA also works as a liaison, connecting businesses to the public and private economic development and planning organizations and serving as a business advocate for policies that continue to strengthen Howard County’s economy and quality of life.
Mission
The mission of the Howard County Economic Development Authority is to promote economic growth and stability in Howard County by supporting existing businesses, attracting targeted new businesses and attracting corporate and/or regional headquarters; to serve as the liaison between public and private economic development and planning organizations; and to recommend policies to County government that support the achievement of planned economic goals.
Vision
Howard County, Maryland, will be widely recognized as the best place in the United States to live, work and operate a business.
Strategic Plan
Please click on the links below to view our current strategic plan. Plans are updated once every 5 years:
2024-2026 Strategic Plan
2017-2022 Strategic Plan
Annual Reports
Please click on the links below to view any of our past annual reports:
FY2025 Stakeholder Annual Report
FY2024 Stakeholder Annual Report
FY2023 Community Impact Report
2018 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
2016 Annual Report
2015 Annual Report
2014 Annual Report
2013 Annual Report
2012 Annual Report
2011 Annual Report
Contact HCEDA
We’re ready to partner with your business – learn about all the immense opportunities that await companies in Howard County.
News & Events
If you’re looking for Howard County, MD news, HCEDA’s newsroom is a hub for market insights, networking opportunities, business events and more.
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Our Team
Comprised of business development strategists, labor market researchers, seasoned entrepreneurs and minority business advocates, HCEDA is staffed by a team of disruptive thinkers ready to grow Howard County’s companies and communities.
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Board of Directors
HCEDA reports to a board of directors consisting of leaders in the county’s private-sector business community. Not only does the Board assist HCEDA in executing on organizational strategy, it also serves on several committees dedicated to growing Howard County in key areas of interest.
Learn MoreNewsletter
HCEDA reports to a board of directors consisting of leaders in the county’s private-sector business community. Not only does the Board assist HCEDA in executing on organizational strategy, it also serves on several committees dedicated to growing Howard County in key areas of interest.
Learn MoreUpcoming Events
HCEDA reports to a board of directors consisting of leaders in the county’s private-sector business community. Not only does the Board assist HCEDA in executing on organizational strategy, it also serves on several committees dedicated to growing Howard County in key areas of interest.
Learn MoreFeatured News + Events
NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also
LIFT Fund Helps Candles by Candy Turn Funding Into Business Growth
Access to capital can help a small business move forward. Pairing that capital with the right guidance can help an entrepreneur decide where to go next. For Candles by Candy, support through our LIFT Microloan Fund provided both. Founder Candace Bell has grown Candles by Candy from a passion for candle making into a Howard
What Howard County Businesses Gain from Business Appreciation Week
Running a business comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges. Business Appreciation Week gives Howard County businesses a direct way to share both with the people working to support the local business community. From September 28 through October 2, 2026, Ambassador teams will visit businesses across Howard County during Business Appreciation Week. The goal is simple: