About HCEDA
Committed to Excellence in Community
The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is a dynamic public-private partnership committed to fostering economic growth and innovation in Central Maryland. Through strategic partnerships, HCEDA supports existing and relocating companies with startup 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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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
Libraries That Power Our Economy
Howard County is moving forward with a bold new Central Library at the Columbia Lakefront—a transformational project that will serve as both a civic anchor and economic engine for years to come. As County Executive Calvin Ball and HCLS President & CEO Tonya Aikens announced renewed momentum for the project, we are proud to release
SphereHub to Compete at Pumpkin Pitch 2025
The Pumpkin Pitch 2025 is right around the corner and the Maryland Innovation Center will once again open its stage to five promising startups on Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM. Each company has a story, a vision and a solution to some of today’s most pressing challenges. This year, SphereHub is one of the
Appellate Takes the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch
The countdown is on for Pumpkin Pitch 2025, one of Howard County’s most exciting celebrations of entrepreneurship and innovation. On Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Among them is Appellate, a company tackling a