Business Resources
Better Together
Local business owners love being a part of Howard County because of the supportive communities and diverse tools to secure funding, recruit talent and maintain growth. Whether you’re an international firm, a small or minority business or a decades-standing neighborhood staple, the HCEDA is here to champion your business. See how HoCo’s key partners, innovation centers and enhanced access to procurement dollars make central Maryland an ideal place to achieve commercial success.
Business Financing Options
Regardless of business type or stage, the HCEDA and the Maryland Department of Commerce offer equitable funding for your enterprise, whether you’re a growth-oriented small businesses looking for low interest loans or a startup seeking capital to commercialize new technological advancements.
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Enterprise Zone
Enterprise Zone is a geographically designated area wherein investments in commercial development and redevelopment and job creation are eligible to receive tax credits.
Learn MoreGetting Started
With nurturing communities and a variety of resources for entrepreneurs, startups and growing enterprises, the HCEDA helps you get from business plan to business expansion.
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Information Center
Whether you’re looking for detailed insights into Howard County’s infrastructure, updates on the regional economy, interactive maps of new county developments or information on the region’s cyber assets, the following resources will give you an elevated and comprehensive understanding of central Maryland’s business ecosystem.
Learn MoreInternational Business
Touchdown in the No. 4 largest consolidated market in the U.S. located between London and Los Angeles. Supportive business communities like the Maryland Innovation Center provide low-risk opportunities for networking, business counseling and relationship building with investors and potential research partners.
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North Laurel/Savage Façade Improvement Grant
Regardless of business type or stage, the HCEDA and the Maryland Department of Commerce offer equitable funding for your enterprise, whether you’re a growth-oriented small businesses looking for low interest loans or a startup seeking capital to commercialize new technological advancements.
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Small & Minority Business
Small businesses in Maryland and Howard County thrive thanks to prioritized assistance obtaining loans, facilitated access to procurement dollars and supportive affinity groups at our Maryland Innovation Center.
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